Music Therapy For NICU Babies

Research is showing that Music therapy may be another way for caregivers to positively alter the environment of NICU premature babies and sick newborns.

• Desirable Impact of Music on NICU Babies
• Aids in brain and language development
• Conveys security to babies.
• Improves Oxygen saturation levels.
• Helps babies to sleep.
• Decreases pain.
• Increases weight gain.
• Shortens duration of hospital stay.

According to an article published in JAMA in 2000, playing music in the neonatal intensive care units can also play a role in holding down the noise level in the NICU's.
Guidelines for Using NICU Music
These guidelines come from Dr. Fred J. Schwartz, anesthesiologist and one of the leading authorities on using music with newborns:

• Try not to disrupt the baby’s normal sleep state.
• Consider the baby’s mood or behavioral state when music is played.
• Use music to help change or transition the baby’s behavioral state e.g. an agitated or fussy baby can go to sleep or become more quietly alert.
• Adjust volume and amount of time music is played if needed.

Here is another great article on music therapy:
Preemies and Music Therapy



Article Credit: http://nicuparentsupport.blogspot.com/2007/06/musics-ability-to-soothe-and-nurture.html