Why art matters Research & evaluation 70 Ways Art Improves Our Health Music benefits new-born babies Number 67 in our countdown of '70 Ways Art Improves Our Health' highlights how music helps new-born babies leave care quicker... Many of us know that music can calm young children. But last year a report on arts for health and wellbeing said that live music in neonatal intensive care actually leads to significantly reduced hospital stays. The Creative Health report, from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing also notes that: “The heart rate of new-born babies is calmed by the playing of lullabies.” There is previous evidence that suggests early experience with music and music training can help young children develop a wide range of skills. It could even help them learn to speak. The effects of music extend to new mothers too. According to a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, group singing with babies could help women recover from postnatal depression more quickly. Follow the countdown on our Twitter and Instagram...