The Soundtrack to Your Baby’s First Days: How One Song Can Become Their Safe Space
Let’s talk about something a bit magical — and surprisingly simple — when it comes to bonding with your baby before they’re even born.
You know how a certain song can instantly take you back? One minute you’re doing the washing up, and the next you’re sobbing over your teen heartbreak anthem or grinning at that one tune you played on repeat the week you fell in love. Music is like a time machine in disguise — and it turns out, babies feel that too. Even before they arrive.
I recently came across a beautiful post from a mum who played the same gentle song every night during her third trimester. Now, whenever her baby hears that song, they calm instantly. Like a familiar hug in audio form.
Honestly? I love everything about this idea — and it’s not even new, it reminded me of my first pregnancy.
Third Trimester Bonding… via Neighbours?!
Back when I was pregnant with my first (we’re talking late ‘80s here, bring on Kylie & Jason), this very thing made the news. Believe it or not, mums all over the UK were noticing something odd — their babies would suddenly stop crying when the Neighbours theme tune came on.
No joke. The first few bars — “Neighbours… everybody needs good neighbours…” — and newborns across the country were silenced like magic. Turns out, lots of us were tuning in religiously during pregnancy (twice a day). The babies had been hearing it daily in the womb and after birth, it became their go-to calming track.
It might sound daft, but it stuck with me. Music really can be part of your baby’s world before they’re even here — and it can continue to soothe them long after they’ve arrived.
Why One Song Can Calm Your Baby: A Simple Newborn Soothing Tip
From around 25 weeks into pregnancy, your baby can hear what’s going on around them — your voice, your partner chatting, the clink of your mug, and yes, your favourite playlist or TV theme tune.
By repeating one particular song during your third trimester wind-down routine, you’re creating something familiar for them. A comforting sound they’ll associate with warmth, closeness, and calm.
After birth, when the world is big and bright and sometimes a bit overwhelming, that same song can act like a reset button — something safe and known in the chaos of newborn life.
How to Create a Calm Song Ritual in Pregnancy
This doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a full birth soundtrack or curated playlist of womb-friendly sonatas (unless you’re into that, in which case — go wild).
Just choose one song that makes you feel peaceful. Maybe it’s a lullaby, a soulful acoustic track, or something nostalgic that gives you the warm fuzzies. Then:
Weave it into your evening wind-down — a warm bath, rubbing in belly oil, soft lighting, and a bit of gentle swaying with your bump as the music plays.
Do it most nights, around the same time. Repetition is where the magic happens.
Sing or hum along if you fancy — your voice is already their favourite sound.
Once Baby’s Here...
That same song becomes your secret weapon.
Pop it on during nappy change standoffs, in the car, or at bedtime.
Hum it when you’re pacing the hallway at 3am, bleary-eyed but trying to stay calm.
Or play it softly while they fall asleep in your arms.
This Isn’t a Hack. It’s a Little Love Note.
There’s no pressure here. This isn’t a must-do or a guaranteed fix for all crying fits. It’s just a small, beautiful way to build connection — a comforting thread between you and your baby that starts before they’re even in your arms.
And one day, when that song plays unexpectedly in a shop or in the background of a film, you’ll be instantly transported. You’ll be back in your cosy living room, belly round, hand resting on bump, swaying softly and imagining who your little one might be.
Or maybe they’ll dance to it at their wedding, and you’ll cry into your Prosecco. Either way — tissues at the ready.
Looking for Natural Newborn Photography That Feels Like You?
If you’re drawn to the idea of calm, connection-led photography — the kind that captures real life, not just picture-perfect poses — you’re in the right place.
Get in touch here , and I’ll send you all my information on this very special time, look at how I photograph newborns in a way that feels natural, gentle, and true to you.
No pressure, no faff — just real insight into why authentic, baby-led photography is such a powerful way to hold onto this chapter.
Whether you’re in Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, or just quietly Googling “should I book a newborn photographer?” while feeding the baby at 2am — I’ve got you.
