Music sessions promote bonding and provide relaxation in neonatal intensive care units

Music sessions promote bonding and provide relaxation in neonatal intensive care units

Playing soothing live music in intensive care units not only strengthens the bond between parents and their baby, but also provides a moment of respite from an uncertain and stressful situation, says a senior doctor in the Christmas edition of The BMJ.

In 2025, Music in Hospitals & Care delivered more than 90 hours of live music to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the UK, reaching more than 1,000 critically ill babies.

The charity has been providing soothing tunes for babies and parents as part of its Lullaby Hour sessions since 2017, bringing a sense of calm to intensive care settings, including adult intensive care units.

Several studies have found a positive effect of music therapy on premature babies in the NICU - including a decrease in heart and respiratory rates and an increase in the amount of food - although a 2021 meta-analysis highlighted the low-certainty of the evidence.

Mica Bernard, singer and guitarist, says: "When I sing to the baby, I can literally see his heartbeat calming down or his oxygen levels increasing. I think that shows how much music is built into the human being."

Contrary to some parents' concerns, research from Music in Hospitals & Care shows that babies are often observed falling asleep or staying asleep during live music. Sometimes it is played during stressful times such as clinical procedures and diaper changes.

These music lessons not only help parents bond with their baby, but also offer them a moment of respite from an uncertain and stressful situation. The feedback from the families and the clinical team here was consistently positive.”

Jay Banerjee, Neonatal Consultant, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

The bonding element of Lullaby Hour is especially important for parents who cannot hold their baby in the incubator.

Bernard explains: "When it's the first time I sing to a parent, it's often the perfect place for them to cry...The music helps them get in touch with their feelings."

Music also provides some normality in intensive care units.

Gail Scott-Spicer, chief executive of Imperial Health Charity, which runs art programs for hospitals, says: "The environment of a neonatal intensive care unit is of course quite overwhelming... The ability to bring a bit of 'normality' into this situation explains the really positive health outcomes for the babies and reduces stress and anxiety for the families."

Sources: