Playing music for your unborn baby might feel a bit silly at first, but experts say it can actually have significant benefits because it can stimulate brain activity and have an overall calming effect. Babies can actually detect their very first sounds around 18 weeks gestation but are limited to what they can hear inside the womb, such as your heartbeat. By weeks 27 to 29, they'll start to hear small sounds from the outside world, including music.
Music isn't the only thing they'll be able to hear in there, though. In the final weeks of pregnancy, they'll be able to hear at about the same level as adults even though they're still "on the inside," and they will start to recognize the sounds of familiar voices such as Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa. This makes it the perfect time to start talking and/or singing to your baby — even if it's just to offer some loving words about how excited you are to meet.
Looking to connect with your unborn baby through music and sound? Scroll on for prenatal headphones, speakers, and other listening devices specially designed to transmit sounds in utero.
BellyBuds Deluxe Baby-Bump Sound System
$39.99
from
BellyBuds are designed to play through any standard phone or media device, and they use small adhesive strips to gently stick to a mom's pregnant belly. "I'm happy to share my music playlist with my unborn baby," one expecting mom wrote in her positive review. Although lots of customers loved using it during their own pregnancies, others said it made them feel more connected to their babies who were born via surrogacy or adoption because they could have their own voices played aloud even when they weren't there.
Womb Music Bluetooth Belly Speaker
This nifty little gadget touts itself as the No. 1 wireless bluetooth belly speaker because it's the first of its kind to be totally cordless. The all-in-one design can be placed right on your belly and comes with everything you need to bond with your baby — whether you want to introduce the little one to your favorite music or play some soothing sounds.
Baby Bump Headphones Marble Deluxe
With their marble-like look, these headphones are both stylish and effective. You can use them to play music, read stories, talk, or sing lullabies to your sweet little one. They also have a volume control and feature an audio splitter so you can listen along with your baby. They attach with hydrogel adhesives, so they're comfy to wear even on the go.
Baby Tunes Baby-Bump Headphones
Hook these headphones up to your iOS, Android, or other standard audio device, and you can safely play music, sing lullabies, or even read books on the go. Aside from being comfy to wear, they also have a special switch that regulates the volume level so you can ensure it doesn't go any higher than a normal human speaking voice. Download the bebon Tunes App, and you can even record messages and stories to share with your baby — from literally anywhere.
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