Family, Kids & Relationships

The song that’s scientifically proven to make babies stop crying

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Parenting doesn’t usually involve a lot of easy fixes and immediate results. But here’s one quick-acting hack you should keep on hand: “The Happy Song” by Imogen Heap is scientifically designed to make babies happy!

The artist worked with Goldsmith University on a team that included developmental and musical psychologists. The group tested the music at various stages with actual babies aged six months to two years, in order to find the right tempo, melody, and most appealing samples.

Many parents report that their babies stop crying as soon as the song starts. As Corrie Rose Mahaffie commented on Instagram, “This song is magic!!! It’s amazing! Always calms my one-year-old no matter what!” Another parent, Jill McKenrick, attested, “Yes! This is our go-to song for long car rides when we’re all losing our minds. Works every time with my one-year-old.”

Listen to the song here!

“Happy” shouldn’t be the only goal, though. For toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids who need to process more complicated emotions such as anger, sadness, nervousness, and more, check out our kids’ music playlists for big feelings!

Joanna Eng is a staff writer and digital content specialist at ParentsTogether. She lives with her wife and two kids in New York, where she loves to hike, try new foods, and check out way too many books from the library.