We all have seen the babies who dance to the beats well. How do they dance so beautifully with the rhythm? Usually, toddlers begin to dance when they are months old. Rhythms and dance are key to a baby’s development. As well as many studies have shown that babies respond more positively to music than to speech.
When do babies develop a sense of rhythm?
Babies show signs of dancing when they are 6 to 8 months old. Here, they respond to the music by jumping up and down, swinging, or moving their arms. However, as they grow older and their motor skills develop, they begin to imitate simple dancing movements. Also between 12 and 24 months of age, babies love to dance and can intentionally blend in with music. Now let’s see more.
In womb
The fetus can hear and recognize voices while in the womb. Likewise, they can hear and experience music. From the second trimester onward, babies usually develop hearing. Studies have found that babies who listen to music before birth respond more quickly to music after birth. This shows that newborns benefit from listening to music before and after birth.
Premature babies
Listening to music has been found to cause growth in premature babies. As well as babies born before 32 weeks, when exposed to music, their vital signs, feeding, and sleeping improve.
5-24 months olds
Toddlers respond more positively to music than to speech. Babies between 5 and 24 months have been shown to have innate skills in responding to rhythms. However, some babies can be seen responding to the rhythm by 5 months. Likewise, by 8 months, babies can change dance movements fast and slow to the tempo of the song. Also, you can see toddlers walking to the beat.
When do babies start dancing?
0 to 12 months
The child begins to bop along to the music when they start to stand. It happens around 12 months of age. However, some babies start to show signs of dancing early 5 months. However, as young as 8 months, there is no certainty that babies will be able to dance to the rhythm. It usually doesn’t happen until the children are in preschool.
12 to 24 months
Studies have revealed that only 90% of babies show movements identified as dance by 12 months of age. Likewise, they imitate the dance movements by 18 months of age. Also, when babies reach the age of two years, they start to jump on two feet and balance on one leg.
3 years and up
Children begin to play, demonstrate movements, and learn social cues at age 3 years. At this point, you will see the students begin to develop their dance style. This is the best time to show them how to perform dance moves.
Why is dancing important?
Dancing offers numerous benefits to babies. Here are some key reasons why dancing is important.
Brain Development
Did you know that music and dance help a baby’s brain growth? Studies have proven this to be so. One study showed that babies as young as 9 months showed musical and verbal abilities. Besides, studies have shown that the brain growth of babies who are exposed to music shows more progress than babies not exposed to music.
Dance also stimulates brain development in many ways. Observing and imitating the movements of others improves memory. Besides, the vestibular receptors and system of the inner ear can be stimulated by physical movements of the dance.
Bonding
Dancing is a great way to make a strong bond between parents and babies. The activities involving music and dance, create a stronger bond between infants and caregivers. Especially, when new mothers engage in activities related to music and dance with their newborns, the interaction between the two increases.
Happiness
Dance makes people happy. It activates our endorphins and gets our blood pumping. As well, dance brings a smile to our faces. Therefore, dance works equally well for babies and keeps them happy. Performing movements to the beat has been shown to make babies happier and more smiling.
Socialization
Dancing is a great social activity that is to be shared with others. Dance has a great impact on the social development of toddlers. When parents dance with others, toddlers who see it also connect with them and enjoy dancing. Likewise, a study has shown that babies involved in musical activities help each other and work cooperatively without prompting.
Other benefits of dancing are,
- Hand-eye coordination
- Balance
- Special awareness
- Audio and visual stimulation
- Creativity and self-expression
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Mental and physical health
How to stimulate a baby’s dancing?
Here we provide more details to stimulate the baby’s dancing. They are,
In womb
The baby in the womb hears your heartbeats. Therefore, the babies respond to the beat and rhythm of the music. You can play songs regularly before your baby is born. Hence, they can identify it after birth.
Dancing with the babies
Always dance with your toddlers. Move your hands and feet in rhythm with them. Be sure to support 4 months old babies when dancing. Likewise, you can dance with them slowly without any quick movements.
Model the dance moves
Your child will always live with you. They are looking right at you. Therefore, you can develop your baby’s dance. Hence, show your children how to enjoy music and move to the beat. It is the best way to encourage your toddler to dance.
Dance and music classes
Normally, dancing classes are conducted for the ages 2-3 years. This promotes balance, coordination, flexibility, and social skills in babies. Besides, it is important for preschool readiness.
Dance vs talk
You know that babies respond more positively to music than speech. Thus, you can incorporate music and talk to connect with your babies.
Conclusion
Dance always develops your baby’s coordination, coordination, flexibility, and social skills. Likewise, dance makes babies happier. Hence, you can expose them to music, rhythm, and dancing as soon as possible.
