Bonding With Bubs: A practice-based music therapy group supporting early infant-caregiver relationships and a future vision for applications in perinatal outpatient care
Tracks
Stream Two
| Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM |
| Centre Stage 2 |
Overview
Tara Del Borrello
Speaker
Tara Del Borrello
Sol Music Therapy
Bonding With Bubs: A practice-based music therapy group supporting early infant-caregiver relationships and a future vision for applications in perinatal outpatient care
Abstract
Background:
Secure attachment between infant and caregiver is a well-established predictor of mental health and developmental outcomes spanning infancy to adulthood. However, the development of this early bond may be compromised by a range of biological, psychosocial, or environmental factors. Research demonstrates the importance of early, responsive, co-regulatory experiences in promoting secure attachment and caregiver mental health. Music therapy can offer a developmentally appropriate, family-centred approach that safely supports connection through shared, responsive musical experiences. In Western Australia, there remains a significant gap in infant-caregiver music therapy programs targeting attachment, co-regulation, and caregiver confidence-including families who do not meet the eligibility criteria for funded or prioritised early intervention. ‘Bonding With Bubs’ provides structured yet flexible, developmentally appropriate interventions through singing, movement, and instrumental play to support attachment, promote co-regulation, and build on caregiver confidence.
Aim:
To explore how Bonding with Bubs promotes secure attachment and improves the quality of infant-caregiver interactions through musical play, and to consider its potential for wider clinical application in post-NICU outpatient care.
Methods:
Participants include infants aged 3-12 months, and their primary caregivers. The program is delivered in 10-week blocks with ongoing enrolment based on family needs. Outcomes were explored through therapist observations, alongside a 12-item caregiver feedback survey with quantitative and qualitative responses.
Outcomes:
Preliminary observations and early caregiver survey responses indicate positive impacts on caregiver confidence, connection, and co-regulation. The survey evaluates program acceptability, caregiver responsiveness, and perceived developmental benefits. Ongoing data collection aims to comprehensively measure the program’s effectiveness in supporting secure attachment and infant-caregiver interactions.
Conclusion:
Preliminary outcomes suggest that community-based infant-caregiver music therapy groups can positively impact early relational outcomes, particularly in caregiver responsiveness and confidence.
Secure attachment between infant and caregiver is a well-established predictor of mental health and developmental outcomes spanning infancy to adulthood. However, the development of this early bond may be compromised by a range of biological, psychosocial, or environmental factors. Research demonstrates the importance of early, responsive, co-regulatory experiences in promoting secure attachment and caregiver mental health. Music therapy can offer a developmentally appropriate, family-centred approach that safely supports connection through shared, responsive musical experiences. In Western Australia, there remains a significant gap in infant-caregiver music therapy programs targeting attachment, co-regulation, and caregiver confidence-including families who do not meet the eligibility criteria for funded or prioritised early intervention. ‘Bonding With Bubs’ provides structured yet flexible, developmentally appropriate interventions through singing, movement, and instrumental play to support attachment, promote co-regulation, and build on caregiver confidence.
Aim:
To explore how Bonding with Bubs promotes secure attachment and improves the quality of infant-caregiver interactions through musical play, and to consider its potential for wider clinical application in post-NICU outpatient care.
Methods:
Participants include infants aged 3-12 months, and their primary caregivers. The program is delivered in 10-week blocks with ongoing enrolment based on family needs. Outcomes were explored through therapist observations, alongside a 12-item caregiver feedback survey with quantitative and qualitative responses.
Outcomes:
Preliminary observations and early caregiver survey responses indicate positive impacts on caregiver confidence, connection, and co-regulation. The survey evaluates program acceptability, caregiver responsiveness, and perceived developmental benefits. Ongoing data collection aims to comprehensively measure the program’s effectiveness in supporting secure attachment and infant-caregiver interactions.
Conclusion:
Preliminary outcomes suggest that community-based infant-caregiver music therapy groups can positively impact early relational outcomes, particularly in caregiver responsiveness and confidence.
Biography
Tara is a Registered and Neurologic Music Therapist practising exclusively in paediatrics in WA. She works at Perth Children’s Hospital supporting the oncology caseload and in her private practice, Sol Music Therapy, focusing on early intervention and the infant-caregiver dyad, with a special interest in perinatal and infant mental health.
