When we wrapped up our Lullaby Intervention Project in Essex – where we worked in partnership with Parents1st and B3 over 18 months to support new parents in Clacton and Basildon to work with musicians to write and record a personal song for their baby – we wanted to know if the impact lasted once the sessions ended.
We caught up with the participating families recently at a special reunion session in Clacton, and it turns out these lullabies have become a bit of a “secret weapon” for daily life; as a tool for emotional regulation, strengthening family bonds, building confidence and community.
More than just a song for sleep
One of the most interesting things we found out from participants is that the lullabies aren’t just for bedtime. Parents are using them as practical tools to get through the trickier parts of the day.
- The “Daily Survival” Kit: Parents told us they use the songs in the car, during nappy changes, and even to help with teeth brushing.
- Emotional Anchors: The music is a go-to during “crying times” or stressful night feeds, helping both parent and baby stay calm when things get a bit overwhelming.
“Always! In the car, bedtime, when we are sad or happy! It really perks him up.”; “It works every time I want her to eat or smile.”
Strengthening the whole family
We heard some great examples of how the project brought families together. Even when partners couldn’t make it to the sessions, they were involved at home – brainstorming lyrics in the evenings and helping shape the song.
Case Study: The Family Bond For many, the song became a “living memory” of those first few weeks of the baby’s life. One parent shared that their whole family – including grandparents and siblings—learned the lyrics. It created a real sense of “family unity” and made the house feel a lot more harmonious.
“To have something that’s ours is incredible! It really changed us emotionally and we are forever grateful. It brings tears to everyone when they hear it.”
Building confidence and community
For some parents, the biggest change wasn’t the music, but how they felt about themselves.
Case Study: Finding a Voice Many joined the project feeling isolated or “not creative.” By the end, they weren’t just writing lyrics; they were gaining the confidence to join other local groups and speak up in social settings.
“It got me out… I did struggle to go out to baby groups and this made me want to stick to it. I have a supportive Mum community now.”
The Big Picture: Why it worked
Looking at the feedback as a whole, a few things really stand out:
- Practicality: These songs are being used as “equipment” for parenting, used “any time of day to soothe, hold attention, or even to wake her up.”
- Personal Growth: Parents moved from “I’m not creative” to being proud of what they’d built. As one parent put it: “I’ve learnt that I’m more creative than I realised.”
- Lasting Connections: It created a “supportive mum community” that didn’t disappear when the project ended.
- A “Gift of a Lifetime”: Parents see these songs as a permanent tribute to their child.
“I feel closer to her and it feels like a tangible memory of her early weeks… It reminded me that I could still have confidence.”
Read the independent evaluation about the Lullaby Intervention in Essex here.
Interested in bringing the Lullaby Project to your area? Get in touch here.
