Due to the natural connection infants have with music, prerecorded music is often played throughout Neonatal Intensive Care Units for all premature infants, family and staff to enjoy.

Due to the natural connection infants have with music, prerecorded music is often played throughout Neonatal Intensive Care Units for all premature infants, family and staff to enjoy.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. It is applied selectively

Answer: (B)

Music therapy in the NICU is used in a tailored, selective way rather than for every premature infant. While babies can respond to music, decisions about using prerecorded pieces take into account medical stability, signs of fatigue or distress, alarms and equipment in use, and the risk of overstimulation or disrupting care. Because of these factors, prerecorded music isn’t routinely played for all infants; when music is used, it’s guided by a trained clinician and often involves the family, with careful control of what is played, how long, and at what volume. This approach supports development while prioritizing each infant’s medical and sensory needs.

Music therapy in the NICU is used in a tailored, selective way rather than for every premature infant. While babies can respond to music, decisions about using prerecorded pieces take into account medical stability, signs of fatigue or distress, alarms and equipment in use, and the risk of overstimulation or disrupting care. Because of these factors, prerecorded music isn’t routinely played for all infants; when music is used, it’s guided by a trained clinician and often involves the family, with careful control of what is played, how long, and at what volume. This approach supports development while prioritizing each infant’s medical and sensory needs.