Movement and dancing can help babies develop muscle definition, increase their awareness of space and body, and stimulate their senses of vision and hearing. Not to mention, dancing is a natural 'feel good' activity that will allow your baby to release endorphins, feel more connected to you, and have fun.
A Sensory Stimulating Activity
One of the biggest perks of dancing with a baby is that is provides a complete sensory workout. Not only are they getting a physical activity, they are also being exposed to several different auditory and visual components all at once.
According to Parenting Firstcry, focusing on a parent's happy face while dancing will promote their visual senses. Seeing and hearing a parent sing while dancing will also encourage development. Music will provide an auditory stimulus, and moving along to the music with mom or dad will allow baby to develop muscular tone and strengthen their physical body.
Music can stimulate so many different emotions, so you can experiment with different musical styles to see what your baby enjoys the best. Dancing to some fun pop hits is a good way to boost energy in the midmorning, but your baby might also appreciate a slow dance to quieter music before naptime.
Encourages Social Skills & Bonding
Dancing is a very intimate and social activity, that can help your baby develop interpersonal skills. Being held close to a parent while dancing will naturally give baby a sense of security and calm, and this goes a long way in their early development phases.
Learning how to socialize and bond with others is a super valuable skill that will give them a great introduction to future social interactions. Babies who are accustomed to touch, sound, and movement from an early age are far more likely to be able to engage in these activities as they grow up.
Many children are shy or reserved when it comes to dancing or 'performing' in a group, and this early start might help them to feel more relaxed and comfortable when various movement exercises are introduced later in life.
Promotes Movement Control
Starting to dance with your baby from a young age will give them a great introduction to movement and coordination. According to The YMCA, young children who are given a platform to dance freely tend to develop a much stronger sense of their own bodies.
Unstructured and free dancing allows young children to experiment with various different movements that the body can make, such as jumping, hopping, bending, and stretching.
All of these movements will not only strengthen the body, but also encourage the ability to control the body and it's various positions. While babies don't have the physical strength and dexterity to hold their bodies up and dance, they might start to move their hands, or clap while you dance.
Encourage your baby to get involved with their own version of movement, no matter how small! Laughing, smiling, and cooing are all good signs that baby is enjoying the activity!
An Early Introduction To Confidence & Self-Esteem
Moving our bodies allows us to develop our confidence, self-esteem, and self-awareness. For children and babies, having early exposure to movement can stimulate a sense of autonomy, body confidence, and self-esteem.
According to Stagecoach, the benefits of dancing with a baby or child should not be underestimated. A child who dances regularly will develop a strengthened sense of confidence, motivation, and will also stimulate social skills. Dance gives a child the ability to express their creativity and personality, and when shared, these experiences can foster a really good ability to bond and socialize with others.
In 2013, Stagecoach conducted a survey amongst parents of children aged 5-7 years old, who were attending regular dance classes. An overwhelming 82% of parents reported that they noticed increased confidence in their children.
Knowing the amazing benefits that dance can provide for a child's overall wellbeing, it's a great activity to initiate early in life.
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