There’s good reason why moms in every culture have been sweetly singing to their babies since, well, forever. Music is a universal means of communication that may be biological. Two new studies from Duke University neuroscientists suggest that the tones of music mimic the tones of speech, and they go hand in hand as deep-rooted tools of expressing emotion. This explains why music helps a mom and her new baby bond even before the child develops speech recognition. Plus, music has extra benefits for babies: A neonatal study shows that premature babies have better heart rates and blood pressure and increased growth when they listen to music, says clinical psychologist Sharon Fried Buchalter, PhD, author of Children Are People, Too. Even in the womb babies can hear sounds and connect to music, according to a UK study. “Once born, they show preference for the music they’ve already heard,” adds Dr. Buchalter. This means your music preferences can become your baby’s. Even so, it’s pretty clear that soft sounds and gentle rhythms are the ones that help soothe and relax babies. “Since little ones are highly susceptible to overstimulation, you might want to avoid loud heavy-metal choices,” Dr. Buchalter notes. Don’t forget that you can sing to your baby, too. He loves the musical tones and the sound of your voice—whether or not you think you can carry a tune.

Top Tunes

Babies can learn to love music of most any genre, from rock to reggae. So let your preferences guide you, but opt for moderate tempos and volume to keep him calm and happy. Here are good picks for his iPod, from Dr. Sharon Fried Buchalter.

• Classical -The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky
• Jazz -“Somewhere over the Rainbow,” Ella Fitzgerald
• Acoustic- “Better Together,” Jack Johnson
• Soft Rock- “Because You Loved Me,” Celine Dion
• Pop- “Bubbly,” Colbie Caillat
• Country- “Butterfly Kisses,” Bob Carlisle
• R&B- “Dance with My Father,” Luther Vandross