Why do they want to hear the same song again? And again? And… again?
If you’ve ever found yourself singing Wheels on the Bus on repeat or reading the same story for the tenth time today, you’re not alone.
Babies love repetition - and while it might feel a little (okay, a lot) relentless, there’s a reason for it.
The Power of Repetition in Baby’s Brain
Every time your baby hears or does something again, their brain is busy strengthening connections. It might seem like they’re just enjoying the moment, but really, they’re learning too!
✔ Memory – Doing something over and over helps them remember it.
✔ Understanding – They start to connect the dots and make sense of what’s happening.
✔ Predicting – They get to know what’s coming next and that’s exciting!
Repetition isn’t just a phase - it’s a crucial part of how babies process the world.
Where You’ll Notice It Most
Songs & Rhymes 🎵
That’s why Wheels on the Bus is on repeat. Forever. The rhythm and predictability make it fun, and hearing it again (and again) helps them eventually join in.
Books 📚
You might want to mix it up, but your baby? They have a favourite and they’re sticking with it. Repeating the same book helps them connect words with meaning and builds early language skills.
Play 🎈
The fun of dropping a toy and watching you pick it up (again!). It might be driving you mad, but to them, it’s an experiment in cause and effect.
Babbling 🗣
Repeating “ba-ba-ba” or “da-da-da” over and over is practice for real words. It strengthens their speech muscles and helps them learn how sounds fit together.
🤯 How to Survive the Never-Ending Repeats
✔ Switch it up (just a little!) – Add a silly action to a song or change how you read a familiar book (whisper it, sing it or try and use funny voices).
✔ Lean into the comfort factor – Babies thrive on routine. Repetition makes their world feel predictable and safe for them.
✔ Follow their lead – If they’re still obsessed with Peekaboo, keep going! Their brain is busy making connections.
It might feel like you’re stuck in a loop, but to your baby, every repeat is a step towards understanding the world. And if nothing else, at least you’ll really know all the words to their favourite songs😅
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