Playing music to babies helps them sleep

The sound of an instrument or parent singing can make a newborn sleep better and puts them in a quietly attentive state.In some cases it also improves sucking behaviours which are important to help them feed.Researchers found the effect was true regardless of which song was played, although the tracks had to be slowed down so that they sounded like a lullaby.

The study adds to the growing body of evidence that music can benefit newborn children.Doctors in the US have reported that it is as effective - not to mention safer - than using sedatives before giving them heart or brain scan.