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In the sleep training world, sleep associations are often seen as a “bad habit” that needs to be broken. If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ve probably heard me say more than once that I don’t believe in bad habits or negative associations when it comes to sleep. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In fact, researchers have found that babies who are sung to every day (think: lullabies before bed) are more advanced in their language and early communication skills. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Interestingly, there is also a benefit to caregivers too! A recent study by Dr Ruth Hewston from the University of Warwick in the UK found that “there was a number of parents who said when they’d had post-natal depression, or feelings like that after the birth of their child, it [singing] not only relaxed the child but relaxed them as well.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Rocking a baby to sleep has benefits as well – the rocking motion is important for the development of a baby’s vestibular system in the brain, which is responsible for balance, spatial perception, movement and motor coordination. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
