Celebrate Burns Night - or any night - with a Lively Dance

The joy of dance for babies

In our last blog post, we talked about helping babies fall asleep with a lively dance instead of the traditional slow rocking lullaby. Here is another energetic babe-in-arms dancer to get that baby ready for sleep - it's Robert Burns' song Hey Ca' Through..

Janet Russell sings it and brings it a wonderful energy on Playsongs Grand Exercise, track 32. Check it out here. Her lead vocal is joined by Sandra Kerr's second voice and Nancy Kerr's fiddle.

Sing along

There are lots of words to this Scots song so if they're not familiar, join in by diddling or humming along to the tune. And whether it's Burns Night or any night, let’s hope for a good night’s sleep after a good night's dance.

The importance of dancing, babe-in-arms

Music and dance play a crucial role in early childhood development. They not only entertain but also stimulate cognitive and motor skills. Engaging with music helps babies absorb rhythm and coordination.

When you dance with your little one, you provide your baby with all these benefits as well as supporting your own emotional well-being.

Benefits of Dancing with Babies

1. Enhances Bonding: Dancing with your baby fosters a deep emotional connection. It allows you to share joyful moments together.

   
   

2. Encourages Movement: Babies love to be moving! Dancing helps them develop their motor skills and coordination.

   
   

3. Stimulates Senses: The combination of music, movement, and visual stimulation engages your baby's senses, promoting cognitive development.

   
   

4. Promotes Good Sleep: A lively dance can tire your baby out, making it easier for them to settle down for a good night’s sleep.

   
   

Tips for Dancing with Your Baby

• Choose Upbeat Music: Select lively songs that encourage movement. Janet Russell's Hey Ca' Through is a great choice!

  
  

• Hold Them Securely: Ensure your baby feels safely held and secure in your arms while you dance.

  
  

• Be Expressive: Your enthusiasm will be contagious!

  
  

• Make It a Routine: Incorporate dance into your daily routine. It can be a fun way to start or end the day.

  
  

Conclusion

Here’s to a braw Burns Night for all! And may you and your little one enjoy a restful night’s sleep.