Shared Dancing has Benefits for Babies and New Moms Alike

Every parent knows the calming effects on their baby of rocking and gentle motion. After all, who among us has not paced the floor at 2 am trying to entice a little one back to sleep by rocking, bouncing or swaying?

While you may not be able to do much about those late night pacing sessions, you can capitalise on your baby's love of rhythmical movement to benefit both of you in many other ways as well. Instead of saving your dance sessions for the wee hours, why not make music and dancing a regular part of your routine with your baby?

Babies begin to develop rhythm skills very early on when they are consistently exposed to music and movement. In fact, it's probably more accurate to say that babies are born with natural rhythm and all we need to do is nurture it. If you exposure your baby to the joys of dance throughout his childhood, just think how much more confident he'll feel as a teenager at his high school prom! In cultures where music and dance are a part of everyday life, no one grows up to be "rhythmically challenged!"

If rhythm and movement are a consistent part of your child's life from an early age, the ability to express herself through creative movement will stay with her throughout her life. Many parents are concerned about the effects of inactivity on their children in this age of easy access to computers and video games. Cultivating a love of music and dance early in life provides an excellent introduction to other healthy physical activities.

Even when your baby is very young, dancing in your arms can be an exciting play and social time that he will look forward to. You will probably find that as your baby grows he will soon begin to eagerly anticipate his favourite dance moves like dips and spins. He'll also tell you by his reactions what type of music and dancing he likes best.

For parents, sharing movement and music with your baby helps in creating a stronger parent child bond. Many parents find that the more time they spend in close contact with their baby, the more sensitive they become to their baby's needs and signals, and the more easily they are able to decipher what their baby is telling them. Done regularly, shared dancing can become a wonderful way to communicate with your baby.

For new moms especially, moving to music with baby is a delightful way to get some gentle exercise and helps with getting back in shape after childbirth. Most new mothers are eager to lose those extra pregnancy pounds, yet it's also important to eat well and not exert yourself too strenuously, especially in the early postpartum weeks when you may not be getting much sleep. Holding your baby in your arms while you both enjoy a waltz, a 2-step or even some good old fashioned rock 'n' roll, is a wonderful way to get some gentle exercise, and it's fun too!

And finally, we all know that a stressed out mom equals a stressed out baby. But because dancing is such good exercise, it tends to produce endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" chemicals. These are the same ones responsible for "runner's high." So next time you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, try picking up baby and taking him for a spin around the living room to your favourite music. You might just find that you both become calmer as a result.

So why not make good use of your natural instincts to cuddle and rock your baby? Put on your favourite music and enjoy a few dances with your baby on a regular basis. You'll get a much needed break and some fun exercise. And whether your baby falls asleep or dances right along with you, she'll be enjoying this special bonding and playtime with you while developing an appreciation for music and movement that has the potential to stay with her throughout her life.

Susan Peach has over 20 years experience as a Latin dance and fitness instructor. She is also the creator of Mambo Moms, a fun and gentle Latin dance based fitness program that helps new moms get back in shape while spending quality play time with their babies. Find out more at http://www.mambomoms.com

---

Baby Development - But What Role do Parents Play?

It is truly amazing the development that a baby experiences... Read More

Baby Shower Party Game Ideas to Keep Your Guests Entertained

Baby shower party game ideas?? This is the question which... Read More

Long Distance Baby Shower

A long distance baby shower is for when mothers won't... Read More

Family Baby Showers

The addition of baby number 2, 3, or 10 is... Read More

Infant Circumcision

If circumcision were a choice I had to have made,... Read More

How Can I Teach My Toddler to Share?

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More

Information on Purchasing Babys Dresser

Babys dresser or baby chest of drawers make up the... Read More

My RAD Child

When I say RAD you may think of a child... Read More

When To Move From Carseat To Booster

Under three, use a car seat. The guidelines for transporting... Read More

Choose Baby Bedding Wisely

Every adorable baby deserves equally adorable baby bedding to complete... Read More

Baby Girl Shower Invitations

Baby girl shower invitations basic theme is the welcoming of... Read More

Fun Nursery Themes That Will Even Have Your Baby Talking!

There are many whimsical, fun baby room themes if you... Read More

Baby Bedding

When you choose a baby bedding, choose the one which... Read More

Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words

As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are... Read More

Its Not Too Late to Vaccinate Against the Fear of Failure Flu

There's an epidemic in our culture. Have you heard of... Read More

Coping With Colic

A new baby with colic is one of the most... Read More

Shared Dancing has Benefits for Babies and New Moms Alike

Every parent knows the calming effects on their baby of... Read More

Dozens of Baby Shower Themes

Choosing baby shower themes is the first step in planning... Read More

Quick Tips for a Successful Baby Shower

Here are guidelines or quick baby shower tips for hosting... Read More

Stroller Facts And Tips

Did you know the first strollers appeared during the early... Read More

Selecting The Right Type of Stroller For Your Lifestyle

Having a baby is exciting, but also very tough! There... Read More

Are You Spending Too Much Money on Baby Gear?

Did you waste $57 today? I hope not. Unfortunately, so... Read More

The Mystery Around Colic

You are a proud parent of a happy and healthy... Read More

20 Popular Quotations About Babies

1. "A baby is God's way of saying the world... Read More

Teach Your Baby To Read English

If your child's first language is not English, he or... Read More

On the Road Again

Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get... Read More

Baby Shower Hosting 101

Are you ready to host the best baby shower ever... Read More

Baby Acne

One of the most common conditions a new mother may... Read More

How to Buy Infants? Best Educational Toys?

Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants... Read More

How Often Should A One-Month Baby Go for Check Up?

What happen during the first month of your newborn, does... Read More

The Top Diaper Bags for Stylish and Savvy Moms

Forget bears and bunnies. Today's diaper bags are all about... Read More

Guide to Choosing Toddler Toys

The play has many more functions for toddlers than for... Read More

Showered with Mom-to-Be Merriment

Your friend's having a baby. What an exciting time for... Read More