Music is truly a universal language. Babies drift into slumber as they listen to the softly hummed melodies of an adoring mother. Laughter and joy echo through a schoolyard as children play "Ring around the Rosies." We reverently bury our dead to the quiet harmonies of a hymn. No matter what language is spoken, music has the potential to penetrate through all barriers -- regardless of gender, race, religion, financial or social status.

So why is music important for your baby? "We know babies need a nurturing, stimulating and consistent environment," says Dr. George Askew, a developmental pediatrician at Zero to Three, a non-profit organization and one of the nation's leading resources on the first three years of life (www.zerotothree.org). "Music is a wonderful tool that helps to promote time shared together with a parent."

Conflicting research disputes the validity of the highly popularized Mozart Effect®, in which music is believed to have transformational powers in health, intelligence and well-being. "You can't use music to make your baby smarter," admits Dr. Askew. "However, music is one of many tools that can be used as a bridge to building a solid relationship with your child in the early years. Reading a book, bathing, playing, singing and the everyday magical moments in life are all important facets of a nurturing relationship."

Lisa Clayton of Salt Lake City, Utah, mother to 3-year-old Anna and 1-month-old Kate, says music has had a profound effect on both of her children from the first days of life. Clayton began attending a local Kindermusik® class for parents and babies when her oldest daughter, Anna, was just 3 months old. Clayton immediately noticed that music provided her with new tools to develop her relationship with her daughter. "It was nurturing, stimulating, and bonding for us," she says.

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