Should music be played while feeding a newborn?
Jun 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
In general, it is not recommended to play music while newborns are feeding. Here’s why: Playing music during feeding may distract the newborn, drawing their attention away from feeding and toward the music instead. Additionally, maintaining proper feeding posture is essential during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to prevent the newborn from swallowing air.
Generally, it is not recommended to play music while a newborn is feeding. The rationale is as follows:
Newborns need to concentrate fully during feeding. If their attention is diverted, they may experience adverse symptoms such as spitting up, delayed or ineffective swallowing, and choking—compromising adequate milk intake and potentially affecting their health. Playing music during feeding may distract the newborn, drawing their attention away from feeding itself. Moreover, not only should music be avoided during feeding, but playful interaction with the newborn should also be avoided at this time, as it may likewise cause physical discomfort.
That said, playing music for newborns during daily activities is beneficial: it can promote brain development and support auditory maturation. However, overly loud or stimulating music should be avoided; instead, gentle, soothing music is preferred.
It is also essential to maintain proper feeding posture during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to prevent the newborn from swallowing excess air, which may lead to spitting up. Since newborns’ gastrointestinal motility and digestive function are still immature, caregivers should gently massage the infant’s abdomen in a clockwise direction after feeding to stimulate intestinal peristalsis and facilitate digestion and absorption of milk.
