Singing to your baby creates a connection that goes beyond basic care. While feeding and changing diapers are essential, your little one needs emotional nourishment too.
Singing promotes bonding, boosts brain development, and lays the groundwork for language skills. You don’t need a professional voice; your baby just wants to hear you. We have rounded up 50 classic, silly, and sweet songs to help you get started.
Key Takeaways
- Stronger bonds: Singing creates a unique emotional connection between you and your child.
- Language skills: Rhythmic sounds help prepare your baby’s brain for speech and reading.
- Active listening: Hearing songs helps babies learn to process sounds and pay attention.
- Routine building: Songs serve as great cues for sleep, bath time, or play.
Benefits of Singing to Babies
Why should you incorporate music into your daily routine?
Here is how a simple melody can support your child’s development.
- Emotional bonding: When you sing, you often make eye contact and cuddle. This strengthens the attachment and trust between you and your baby.
- Language foundation: Singing stimulates the language centers of the brain (1). The rhythm and repetition help babies distinguish sounds and syllables.
- Reading readiness: Promoting basic language awareness now builds a strong foundation for learning to read later.
- Listening skills: Processing auditory information is a learned skill. Singing teaches your little one to listen and focus on specific sounds.
- Social interaction: The back-and-forth of singing and smiling teaches cause and effect. It shows your baby how their actions influence you.
- Community connection: Songs are a great way to include siblings, grandparents, and friends. It shows your baby they are part of a loving group.
- Motor development: Action songs encourage movement. This helps develop coordination and gross motor skills.
- Cognitive boost: Studies link musical activities to improved cognitive function and higher test scores later in life (2).
If you are ready to sing but need inspiration, we have compiled 50 songs complete with videos and lyrics.
Bedtime Songs to Sing to Your Baby
Lullabies are the secret weapon for sleepy parents. These soothing melodies help calm your baby and signal that it is time to rest.
Here are ten classics to help your little one drift off.
German Cradle Song
This traditional lullaby is short, sweet, and incredibly easy to learn. It is perfect if you are not naturally musical or feel self-conscious about singing. The simple melody is repetitive, which is exactly what a tired baby needs to hear.
Lul-la-lul-la-by,
Hush, my babe, and do not cry,
In your cradle now you swing,
Moon River
Made famous by Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Moon River features a soft, rolling melody. There are no sudden high notes or loud sections, making it ideal for singing your baby to sleep. Its calming rhythm works wonders for settling a fussy infant.
Moon river, wider than a mile
I’m crossing you in style someday
Oh, dream maker
You heartbreaker
Wherever you’re going, I’m going your way
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Almost everyone knows this tune. Its familiarity is a huge plus because other caregivers and family members can sing it to your baby too. Many musical toys also use this melody, creating a sense of comfort and recognition for your child.
Twinkle twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are
Tender
This track by the English band Blur isn’t on most nursery rhyme lists, but it should be. The lyrics and tempo are perfect for rocking a baby in a chair. It is a heartfelt song about connection that you can sing quietly while snuggling.
Tender is the night
Lying by your side
Tender is the touch
Of someone that you love too much
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
This Academy Award-winning ballad is famously soothing. Whether you prefer the Judy Garland original or the gentle ukulele version by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, the dreamy lyrics help transport your little one to sleep.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby
Lullaby
The Dixie Chicks nailed the sentiment of parenthood with this song. It captures the life-changing moment you meet your child. You don’t need to be a country star to sing it; just let the loving lyrics do the work.
They didn’t have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade
Baby Mine
Be warned: this song from Dumbo is a tearjerker. It perfectly expresses the protective love a parent feels. If you can get through it without crying, it is a beautiful, slow melody that reassures your baby they are safe and loved.
Baby mine, don’t you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine
I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon
This Sesame Street classic sung by Ernie is gentle and contemplative. It speaks to the desire to explore but ultimately return to the people you love. The slow pace makes it an excellent wind-down song for the end of a busy day.
Well I’d like to visit the moon
On a rocket ship high in the air
Yes, I’d like to visit the moon
But I don’t think I’d like to live there
Rock-a-Bye Baby
This might be the most recognizable lullaby in history. While the lyrics are a bit odd when you think about them (cradles falling from trees?), the melody is universally associated with sleep. It is a staple for a reason and easy to hum when you are too tired for words.
Rock a bye baby on the tree top,
When the wind blows the cradle will rock,
All of Me
John Legend wrote this ballad for his wife, but the lyrics apply beautifully to the all-encompassing love for a child. It is slow, emotive, and works well as a modern lullaby if you want a break from nursery rhymes.
‘Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Silly Songs to Sing to Your Baby
Playtime calls for silly songs. These upbeat tunes are perfect for engaging your baby during the day, teaching them gestures, and getting those first giggles.
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Also known as Incy Wincy Spider, this song is fantastic for finger play. Teaching your baby the hand motions helps develop their fine motor skills. It is a resilient little spider, and babies love the anticipation of the “down came the rain” part.
Itsy Bitsy Spider climbed up the spout,
Down came the rain and washed the spider out
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Mary Poppins gave us this tongue-twister, and it is a blast to sing. Babies love exaggerated facial expressions and funny noises, so really ham it up. The faster you sing it, the more your baby will likely giggle at the sounds.
It’s… supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious
If you say it loud enough, you’ll always sound precocious:
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
I’m a Little Teapot
This song comes with built-in choreography that is easy to do even while sitting. It is short, punchy, and perfect for babies who aren’t walking yet. You can move their arms to mimic the handle and spout, making it an interactive game.
I’m a little teapot, short and stout,
Here’s my handle and here’s my spout.
Hickory Dickory Dock
This classic nursery rhyme is great for teaching rhythm. You can easily extend it by changing the time (“The clock struck two…”) and adding different animals. It is a simple way to introduce numbers and cause-and-effect concepts to your little one.
Hickory Dickory Dock,
The mouse ran up the clock
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
This is the ultimate “get active” song. It teaches body awareness and vocabulary in a fun way. Even if your baby is too young to stand, you can tap their head, shoulders, knees, and toes as you sing to help them make the connection.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
Do Your Ears Hang Low?
This silly song is all about the actions. It is great for older siblings to perform for the baby, or for you to do while making funny faces. There are many versions of the lyrics, so feel free to improvise and make it your own.
Do your ears hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
You’re Welcome
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made this Moana hit famous, and it is fantastic for singing to babies. The confident, fast-paced lyrics are fun to rap along to. It is catchy, upbeat, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Okay, okay, I see what’s happening here
You’re face-to-face with greatness and it’s strange
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Ignore the fact that lions don’t live in jungles; this song is a bop. The high falsetto parts and the “wimoweh” chorus are incredibly fun to sing. It is a mood lifter that encourages you to be loud and playful with your voice.
In the jungle, the quiet jungle
The lion sleeps tonight
Be Our Guest
This Beauty and the Beast showstopper is perfect for dramatic singing. Use funny voices and exaggerated accents to entertain your baby. The varying tempos and theatrical style help stimulate your baby’s listening skills.
Be our guest! Be our guest!
Put our service to the test
Tie your napkin ’round your neck, cherie
And we’ll provide the rest
Hakuna Matata
This carefree anthem from The Lion King is all about joy. Sing it while dancing with your baby or moving their stuffed animals around. It is a happy, rhythmic song that introduces new sounds and words in a fun context.
Hakuna matata! What a wonderful phrase!
Hakuna matata! Ain’t no passing craze!
It means no worries, for the rest of your days…
It’s our problem-free philosophy…
Hakuna matata!
Easy Songs to Sing to Your Baby
Not confident in your vocal skills? No problem. These easy songs rely on simple melodies and repetition, making them foolproof for any parent.
The ABC Song
It is never too early for the alphabet. This is essentially the same tune as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, so you likely already know it. Mix it up by changing your volume or pitch to keep your baby engaged while learning the alphabet.
A, B, C D,
E ,F, G …
Five Little Monkeys
Babies thrive on repetition, and this song delivers. It builds anticipation as the monkeys fall off the bed one by one. The countdown aspect is a great introduction to numbers, and the “No more monkeys!” line is fun to say sternly.
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped their head.
Do-Re-Mi
You can skip the long intro and jump straight to “Doe, a deer.” The Sound of Music classic is fantastic for teaching pitch and scales. The long, held notes are fun to sing and help capture your baby’s attention.
Doe, a deer, a female deer,
Ray, a drop of golden sun,
Hot and Cold
Katy Perry’s pop hit actually makes for a great baby song. The lyrics are simple and repetitive (“You’re hot then you’re cold”), and the rhythm is catchy. Your baby won’t care about the meaning; they will just enjoy the bouncy beat and your energy.
You wanna play, so I wore dress up clothes
Then you ran away, left me here in this pose
How am I supposed to play with you?
Happy
It is almost impossible to be in a bad mood while singing this Pharrell Williams song. The clapping beat is great for involving older siblings. It is an instant mood booster that teaches your baby about rhythm and joy.
It might seem crazy what I’m ’bout to say
Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break
I’m a hot air balloon that could go to space
With the air, like I don’t care, baby, by the way
Purple People Eater
This novelty song is incredibly catchy and simple. The chorus repeats the same description over and over, which babies love. You can even use it to teach the color purple if you have a toy or shirt nearby.
It was a one-horned, one-eyed, flying purple people eater
One-horned, one-eyed, flying purple people eater
If You’re Happy and You Know It
This song is a powerhouse for developing motor skills. Take your baby’s hands and help them clap. It teaches emotions (happy) and actions (clap, stomp) simultaneously, all wrapped in a tune everyone knows.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands,
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands,
I Can’t Help Myself
Better known as “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch,” this Motown classic is pure sunshine. It is upbeat, easy to sing, and the lyrics are incredibly sweet for a baby. It is the kind of song that makes you want to dance around the kitchen with your little one.
Sugar pie, honey bunch
You know that I love you
I can’t help myself
I love you and nobody else
Row Row Row Your Boat
This is an interaction staple. Sit on the floor, hold your baby’s hands, and rock back and forth to the rhythm. The physical movement combined with the song helps with balance and makes the singing experience physically engaging.
Row row row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily merrily merrily merrily
Life is but a dream
Baby Shark
Love it or hate it, Baby Shark is here to stay. The simple “doo doo doo” rhythm is irresistible to babies. It grabs their attention instantly and the hand motions are easy for toddlers to learn eventually.
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo
Baby shark!
Sweet Songs to Sing to Your Baby
Sometimes you just want to sing about how much you love them. These sweet songs are perfect for quiet moments of bonding and gratitude.
Hush Little Baby
This classic folk song is all about a parent trying to comfort their child. The structure is simple, so if you forget the lyrics, you can easily make up your own rhymes about things in your house.
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word,
Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird.
You Are My Sunshine
This is one of the most covered songs in history for a reason. It is simple, loving, and beautiful. Singing this to your baby tells them exactly how much joy they bring into your life.
You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey
Your Song
Elton John’s classic has honest, beautiful lyrics that fit perfectly for a parent-child bond. It is a gentle melody that you can sway to, making it a lovely choice for a calm afternoon cuddle.
It’s a little bit funny, this feeling inside
I’m not one of those who can easily hide
Edelweiss
From The Sound of Music, this song about a small flower is surprisingly tender. The slow waltz rhythm is ideal for rocking your baby to sleep. It feels timeless and peaceful, perfect for quiet nurseries.
Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Every morning you greet me
Small and white, clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite
Doo-wop songs from the 50s make excellent lullabies. This track by The Spaniels is affectionate and rhythmic. It is a stylish way to say goodnight as you rock your baby to sleep.
Goodnight, sweetheart, well, it’s time to go
Goodnight, sweetheart, well, it’s time to go
Five Little Ducks
This is a sweet counting song with a happy ending. Babies enjoy the repetition of the “quack quack quack” part. It reassures them that even when things (or ducks) go away, they come back.
Five little ducks went out one day,
Over the hill and far away,
Mother duck said quack quack quack quack,
But only four little ducks came back.
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor actually wrote this lullaby for his nephew, James. It is a genuine cowboy lullaby with soft guitar and soothing lyrics. It is a great choice if you want something folkier and less nursery-rhyme style.
There is a young cowboy he lives on the range
His horse and his cattle are his only companions
He works in the saddle and he sleeps in the canyons
Waiting for summer, his pastures to change
Beautiful Boy
John Lennon wrote this for his son Sean, and it is a masterpiece of paternal love. The lyrics “Close your eyes, have no fear” are incredibly comforting. It is a perfect song for dads to sing to their little ones.
Close your eyes
Have no fear
The monster’s gone, he’s on the run
And your daddy’s here
Here Comes the Sun
After a long night or a fussy morning, this Beatles track is pure hope. It is gentle, uplifting, and speaks of brighter times ahead. It is a great song to sing when opening the curtains to start the day.
Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here
Blue
Beyonce wrote this for her daughter, Blue Ivy. It captures the overwhelming feeling of love and feeling “alive” when holding your child. The melody is modern but soothing, making it a great addition to your playlist.
Sometimes these walls seem to cave in on me
When I look in your eyes, I feel alive
Some days we say words that don’t mean a thing
But when you holding me tight, I feel alive
Disney Songs to Sing to Your Baby
Disney songs are practically designed for singing along. They are emotional, catchy, and tell great stories. Here are ten favorites that work perfectly for babies.
Kiss the Girl
This Little Mermaid track has a gentle calypso rhythm that is very relaxing. It is soft enough for quiet time but catchy enough to sway to. Plus, the “Sha la la” parts are easy to remember if you forget the verses.
There you see her
Sitting there across the way
She don’t got a lot to say
But there’s something about her
Colors of the Wind
This Pocahontas ballad is sweeping and beautiful. The lyrics are poetic and the melody is soothing. It introduces the idea of nature and connection, and the slow pace is great for winding down.
You think I’m an ignorant savage
And you’ve been so many places
I guess it must be so
But still I cannot see
If the savage one is me
How can there be so much that you don’t know?
You don’t know…
The Bare Necessities
Baloo’s philosophy is great for stressed parents and happy babies. It is a bouncy, fun song about keeping things simple. Sing this while you dance around the living room to shake off a fussy mood.
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
You Can’t Stop the Girl
This powerful anthem from Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is inspiring, especially for baby girls. It is about resilience and strength. Even if you can’t hit the high notes like Bebe Rexha, the message and melody are uplifting.
Oh, they’re tryna shoot down angels
They’re tryna pull their wings off
Under the Sea
Upbeat and rhythmic, this is a winner for playtime. The steel drum vibe is happy and energetic. It is also great for introducing your baby to different musical sounds and instruments.
The seaweed is always greener
In somebody else’s lake
You dream about going up there
But that is a big mistake
He Mele No Lilo
This track from Lilo and Stitch opens with a beautiful Hawaiian chant. It is calming and culturally rich. Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation; the soothing rhythm and choir vocals are what your baby will love.
Mahalo nui iā
Ke ali’i wahine
‘O Lili’ulani
O ka Wohi ku
Un Poco Loco
This song from Coco is high energy and fun. It is great for “dancing” with your baby in your arms. The fast pace and Spanish lyrics add variety to your singing repertoire.
That the sky is not blue
Oh, my love; ay, my love
That is red you say
Ay, my love; ay, my love
Some Things Never Change
Frozen 2 offers this gem about holding onto love despite changes. It is a bit gentler than “Let It Go” and has a warm, comforting message. It is perfect for singing about how your family bond remains strong.
Yes, the wind blows a little bit colder
And we’re all getting older
And the clouds are moving on with every autumn breeze
Peter Pumpkin just became fertilizer
Reflection
Mulan’s ballad is slow, emotional, and beautiful. It is great for quiet time. The lyrics are about identity, but for a baby, it is simply a lovely, sweeping melody that calms the room.
Look at me
You may think you see
Who I really am
But you’ll never know me
Spirit
From the live-action Lion King, this Beyonce track is spiritual and grand. The opening Swahili vocals are mesmerizing for babies. It is a powerful song that feels significant and loving when sung to a child.
Yeah, yeah, and the wind is talkin’
Yeah, yeah, for the very first time
With a melody that pulls you towards it
Paintin’ pictures of paradise
FAQs
When Should I Start Singing to My Baby?
You can start immediately. In fact, you can start before they are born! Babies can hear sounds in the womb from around 18 weeks and become familiar with your voice, so singing during pregnancy can help comfort them once they arrive.
Does It Matter If I Can’t Sing Well?
Not at all. Your baby doesn’t care about perfect pitch or being in tune. They love the sound of your voice because it signifies safety, love, and comfort. Your enthusiasm and connection matter far more than your vocal ability.
What If I Don’t Know the Words?
Improvise! Humming the melody is just as effective for soothing a baby. You can also make up your own lyrics describing what you are doing (like changing a diaper or getting dressed) set to a familiar tune.
Singing to Your Baby
This list of 50 songs is just a starting point for your musical journey together.
Don’t stress about being perfect; just have fun with it.
Whether you are crooning a Disney ballad or stumbling through a nursery rhyme, your baby loves it. Singing builds bonds, boosts brains, and creates happy memories.
So go ahead, belt it out!
