Is there a type of music that's best for a child?
Let your personal preferences be your guide. If you like classical music and your baby appears to enjoy it too, go with that. Play your favorite songs (schmaltzy or not), or spice things up with Brazilian or African tunes. Anything with a good melody will do, although slow songs may work best for bedtime and fast ones for playtime.
You may want to stay away from head-banging rock, grunge music, or rap. Animal studies show that constant exposure to chaotic, discordant music alters the brain's structure, says Dr. Pratt. Even plants seem to abhor this type of music. Pratt says ivy growing on a home where classical music was played all day long flourished better than that on houses where occupants blasted hard rock. When it comes to playing tunes for your kids, think cheerful and simple. (babycenter.com)
