ABSTRACT
Vanessa Young, music specialist at Canterbury Christchurch University, discusses a research project that worked with baby room practitioners to explore ways in which singing and song can influence the development of more intimate interactions between practitioners and the babies in their care. The borders between singing and speech are often blurred, particularly for the young child. 'Motherese' – the simplified and repetitive type of speech, with exaggerated intonation and rhythm, often used by adults when speaking to babies – has an essentially musical character. Singing or exchanging vocalisations one to one can be an intimate experience which enabled the mothers to feel closer to their babies. The Babysong Project aimed to develop a closer, more intimate approach to interactions between practitioners and the babies in their care. Different kinds of 'songs' produce different behavioural responses. For ease of distinction, repertoire is referred as 'play songs' and 'lullabies'.
