Music and sensory - from the very earliest stages of life, movement shapes who we become. In the womb, the first spontaneous movements emerge, initiating not only physical development but also the earliest form of communication, a way of outwardly expressing internal experience (Battelley, 2019). These early movements play a critical role in brain formation. Each repeated movement strengthens neural pathways, reinforcing communication between the body and the brain and laying the foundations for learning, regulation, and connection.
Foot play
One area often overlooked in early development is the infant’s feet. Yet babies’ feet play a crucial role in overall physical development, acting as the foundation for balance, coordination, and mobility. At birth, a baby’s feet are soft, pliable, and rich in nerve endings, making them highly sensitive to touch and movement. Unlike adult feet, they do not yet have fully formed arches; instead, they rely on fat pads for support. Through movement and tactile experiences, the muscles, bones, and sensory receptors in the feet gradually develop, supporting postural control and whole-body awareness.
Early Movement
Early movement matters. Research shows that children who moved more throughout very early childhood demonstrated higher neurodevelopmental scores at four years of age (Leão et al., 2022). These findings reinforce what many early years practitioners observe daily: movement is not simply physical activity, it is neurological nourishment.
Babies experience the world through their senses long before they understand words or intentions. When we spend time with infants, we can observe from the earliest days how sound, movement, touch, and rhythm help them feel safe, curious, and connected to their caregivers. Music and sensory play are not “extras” in early development; they form the bedrock upon which communication, emotional security, and learning are built.
Music Matters
Music offers babies a rich sensory landscape. The pitch of a familiar voice, the rhythm of a gentle bounce, or the repetition of a simple song all help babies organise their experiences. Even in the first year of life, babies show remarkable musical sensitivity. Scientists have observed that infants as young as two months can discriminate rhythm, by seven-months they can infer an underlying beat, and by nine-months they can detect timing discrepancies. These early musical abilities suggest that rhythm and timing are deeply embedded in human development.
When babies engage with music, their bodies respond instinctively. Rhythmic entrainment occurs when internal body rhythms such as breathing, movement, and heart rate adapt to the external rhythm of music. This process elicits emotional responses, activates the brain’s reward system, and plays a role in memory formation and brain plasticity (Miendlarzewska & Trost, 2014). In other words, music quite literally helps shape the developing brain.
Daily Practice for music and sensory needs
In practice, music for babies does not need to be complicated or performative. It begins with shared moments: singing during nappy changes, rocking together to a steady beat, or pausing to listen to the sounds of nature. These small, everyday musical interactions offer powerful opportunities for connection and regulation.
Sensory play works in much the same way. Babies learn by feeling, seeing, hearing, and moving. When sensory experiences are paired with music or melody, the impact is amplified. We often see this during baby massage or bath time: a baby feeling warm water or a textured cloth while listening to a slow, flowing song is integrating touch, sound, and movement simultaneously. These multisensory experiences strengthen neural connections and support the development of attention, memory, and emotional security.
It is important to remember that effective sensory play is responsive rather than overstimulating. There is a growing tendency to associate sensory experiences with bright lights, loud sounds, and constant novelty equipment. In reality, babies benefit most from calm, predictable sensory input that allows time for exploration. Music, repeated songs, baby massage, and simple sensory materials create a sense of safety that supports learning and well-being.
Movement remains central throughout all of this. Babies experience music with their whole bodies. Even before they can sit or crawl, they respond to rhythm through changes in muscle tone, breathing patterns, and eye movements. When adults gently rock, sway, or bounce babies in time with music, they are supporting the development of the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. These sensory systems underpin balance, coordination, and body awareness.
For parents and educators, the role is not to “teach” music, but to create musical environments where babies feel seen, heard, and emotionally connected. Babies are not harsh critics; they delight in familiar voices, regardless of pitch or perfection. Singing does not need to be in tune, and instruments do not need to be expensive, only safe. What matters most is shared attention, repetition, and emotional connection.
In early years settings, music and sensory play are most effective when woven throughout the day rather than confined to short, adult-led sessions. A familiar song during nappy changes, a rhythmic chant while settling to sleep, or a soft instrumental track during floor play can all support regulation and engagement.
For parents, music can be a powerful tool during transitions, helping babies wake gently, calm after excitement, or feel reassured in unfamiliar situations. Familiarity and a similar structure to the day can benefit babies’ routines. These everyday musical interactions build strong foundations for communication, movement, and emotional well-being.
Ultimately, baby music and sensory play are about connection and lay the foundation for future development. Through shared rhythms, sounds, and movements, babies begin to understand themselves in relation to others, laying the groundwork for learning, language, and lifelong confidence.
Top tips - music and sensory:
- Sing more
- Introduce gentle massage with music
- Use sensory stimuli, scarves, feathers, heuristic play
- Reduce time in restricted devices
- Allow babies more time on the floor on backs and tummies
- Clap and make music together
- Introduce baby to different textures on their feet, e.g. sand, mud, water, feathers
Discover more: About the Author
Other Articles:
Supporting Sensory Needs Through Sound
Multi-Sensory Adventures Fuel Early Years Development
Benefits of Music Play for Babies and Toddlers
