Learning an instrument is known to promote concentration; co-ordination; patience and perseverance, as well as boosting self confidence. A study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin and the University of California showed that when 3 and 4 year old children were given simple piano lessons over a 6 month period, they performed 34% better than other children in IQ tests, with researchers concluding that music training effectively ‘jump starts' the brain.

It's not just by learning an instrument that music has such a positive impact on development, hearing it is highly beneficial too. According to online parenting resource Ask Baby, foetuses develop the ability to hear around the 5th month of pregnancy when they start to become aware of stimuli outside of the womb. Though there are mixed views on whether or not they recognise music at this stage or that it aids in development, it has a relaxing effect on mum-to-be which is also good for baby.

 Music and musical instruments help to develop baby's emotional, linguistic and motor skills in a non pressurised, enjoyable way: "Playing nursery rhymes and song tapes to your baby will help them get a feel for the rhythm of language, long before they can understand what is actually being said. As they grow older, new information set to music will be more easily remembered and singing provides a fantastic way to teach your infant colours, numbers and letters," explains Ask Baby.

A wide range of musical toys, cot mobiles, CD's, DVD's and books which provide comfort to babies while aiding in the learning and development of toddlers, should perhaps be accompanied by your own personal recommendation that music be central to a child's upbringing.

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