Lullabies. Simple, soothing… nonsense. Right? Wrong. Here we’re getting behind the importance of music and singing in a baby's development. India speaks to Dr Nina Polytimou about her research into how music can help with speech and communication and also be a powerful tool for bonding. India then visits a Singing Mamas group to hear how coming together as mothers to sing is a powerful, important, and missing slice of community. Kate Valentine, the founder, describes the impact it has on maternal mental health.Presented by: India Rakusen. 
Producers: India Rakusen And Georgia Arundell
Series producer: Ellie Sans.
Executive producer: Suzy Grant. 
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Original music composed and performed by The Big Moon.
Mix and Mastering by Charlie Brandon-King.A Listen Production for Radio 4.

26. Nursery

In this new look at the beginnings of life we tell the story of a child from fertilisation to first birthday through the lens of society, history, and science.