Have you ever played your favorite song then you notice your baby waving or even kicking his legs following the tune you have played? Could this be a communication to you that your baby is dancing? When do babies start dancing? All you need to know is here.
First, you need to know that babies will start waving and kicking to the sound of music from the age of 0-6 months. Young ones find the speech interactive as they respond to the tempo and rhythm of the music. You must have asked yourself why it is that when you pick up a crying baby and sing to them, they will stop crying and listen to you.
Babies have the inner spirit that makes them move rhythmically in response to music. The baby will feel good if they can synchronize their movements well. You will see the baby smile or have the feeling of anxiety, and thus, once your little one can walk, they will be able to control their bodies and do more dancing which now starts being real.
When do babies start dancing on their own?
Moving synchrony with the beats is one curious effect that music compels us all the time. Babies will end up tapping their fingers, node their heads, or even sway their bodies. This same case happens with adults, and you must be seeing the practical part of it now.
Nonetheless, for your baby to control their bodies by swaying their waist and tapping their feet, they have to have stability first, which typically occurs between the ages of 14 months. However, this might happen earlier or later, depending on your little one’s growth milestones.
From the age of 17 to 18 months, your little one will start trying other complicated dance moves that will show that they are growing well. The little one will end up bending down, shaking the waist, and turning in circles. Actions will keep on improving as they grow.
From that age, you are now motivated to train your baby to try other music genres, and you can repeat for them the ones they love the most. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring musical instruments like a tambourine, maraca, or an egg shaker, which will eventually let him dance to the beat.
Most caregivers shy off from joining them in the dance, and that is a mistake. Remember, the first role model a kid gets is the parent. Therefore you are advised to join them whenever they are dancing, and they will feel motivated. At the end of all this, you will all have fun and end up being of inspiration to the little one.
What kind of music should your kids listen to and dance
There are multiple music CDs and DVDs your kid can listen to and dance to in shops and various sites. You can get silly children’s songs, and your child will enjoy and dance thoroughly. I am sure there is music you used to love when you were young. Now you can expose your child to those types of songs and see if they will love it too. You should know that it is not wrong for your young one to listen to rap, metal, pop, or rock music.
Nevertheless, you ought to be careful about the particular songs you expose them to. Vulgar words in specific songs should not lay the foundation of your child’s growth, and hence you should immediately change. You will not be happy hearing your child singing obscene words as it will make the kid immoral in days to come. Whatever type of song you will be playing, your child will let you know if they are enjoying it or not. And if they find pleasure in vulgar songs, you better be careful.
How a parent can explore dance with their baby
If you are a parent that loves dancing, then you will find more pleasure dancing with your little one. Sometimes when you are pregnant, you might feel the kicks from the baby inside the womb. It is because you love dancing too, and the baby enjoys it and gives you a signal that yes! That is wonderful.
Doesn’t dancing as a family sound good? You will find that music is played, and the whole family and little one are up to their feet and down to business. A family with all dancers is a fantastic family, and everyone would love that. However, some parents won’t prefer this.
Parents who don’t know how to dance this might be cumbersome, and they will not find pleasure doing it since they lack the basic skills the young one will emulate.
Do not focus on perfection. Make those silly dance moves with your little one. They will eventually be in love with it. Enjoy those silly nursery rhymes and accompany them with ridiculous moves. The advantage is that even if you dance with your baby totally out of rhythm, they will not realize it. They are young for a while so enjoy it as it lasts.
Dancing benefits for babies
There is always a great reason to encourage your baby to dance. Here are a few advantages your little one will find pleasure.
Improves their coordination
Music does not only revolve around the beats. Memory development is evident in that it engages the brain. Dance movements that accompany the moments will eventually improve a child’s coordination. A child tapping his feet is a simple way of showing their coordinating skills. Any other movement that accompanies the baby’s body will act as an improvement of coordination.
Creativity and self-expression
Babies will express themselves more creatively when they dance. It is an essential skill that will be helpful to your little one throughout life. Dance lessons tend to bring exposure to your little one’s imagination. Children are usually asked to picture themselves in strange planets, jungles and make moves as if they are there in the spaces.
Development and physical fitness
Active childhood is a desire for all, and dancing now acts as an aid for this desired childhood. Physical activities are essential for your young one, and it is never too early to expose them. When your children learn how to make some movements with fun, they end up being physically fit, healthy and feeling proud of themselves. By training them to dance, they will appreciate themselves and end up having high self-esteem about themselves.
Socialization and appreciating others
Music is a social activity. Have you ever noticed that dancing as a group is more fun than dancing alone? The same case applies to little ones. They would love to dance with their peers, and this will significantly impact their social awareness. Their ability will grow as they practice dancing with others. Their ability to make friends will improve as they dance with others.
Should you enroll your little one in dancing lessons?
If your child loves dancing, taking them to a dance lesson is something that will boost their exercise. Dance academies, in most cases, take kids from 2-3 years old.
The positive thing is that dance lessons are classified into toddler’s ages, and these groups are not that strict as it is meant for fun, not perfection. Exposure to different styles will come as your child grows. It is good to interrogate your child and ask them the techniques they love most.
You can go on and show them videos of different dancing styles and see which one they love most. If they are not confident on particular moves, talk to their dance instructor for guidance.
How to motivate your baby to become a great dancer
Always be their cheerleader
Babies love to get confidence from their parents. Compliment them for whichever improvement they make. They will perform better next time.
Create a dance space at home
Let there be a space in your home where your child can dance moves well. It does not necessarily mean that you should allocate an entire room for dancing. It means that there should be no chance to get hurt as they practice.
Listen and empathize with their situation.
Dancing can be tiresome and exhausting, more so if you have not enrolled them in dancing lessons. Sometimes that would be the opportunity they likely choose to air out their problems. Listen to your child, and when they need a piece of advice, be always ready to offer it.
Let the little one choose the music.
Give your child an opportunity to choose what they want. Remember it’s not you dancing, and so your child’s interest comes first. But if they are young, you can pick songs that are fun and cheerful.
Conclusion
Are you wondering when babies start dancing? Try to play some music when your baby is still in the sleeping berth and look at how they will wiggle their tiny hands and feet as they smile. When a baby experiences music, they will respond positively. The good thing about dancing is that you can quickly notice when your child is enjoying it or not. You don’t have to purchase an expensive sound system to make your music, and your child will dance happily.
