Playing and singing songs don’t just entertain us, they can also help us teach our little ones. Songs and music also help strengthen the bond between parents and children. So it’s great to have an arsenal of songs to share with your baby!
Shakespeare once wrote, “If music be the food of love, play on.” A strong body of research actually shows that crooning to babies while in the womb and after birth can help strengthen the parent-child relationship. Babies love music and enjoy the warmth that goes with it. Apart from that, singing also helps the mother’s mental health.
So aside from wanting to pass down songs that were sung to you when you were a child and the typical nursery rhymes if you are a first-time mother and are in search of great songs to share with your baby, then we have just the songs for you!
Benefits of singing during pregnancy and after birth
A 2019 study found that singing during pregnancy is beneficial because it involves physical and vocal exercises. Aside from the songs serving as a mother’s tool to express feelings during her pregnancy, it is also a good form of communication between the mother and the infant in her womb.
Furthermore, the deep sounds produced when singing as well as the breathing and vibrations created, help support the mother during delivery. The study says that these exercises during singing, when done after birth, help the mother regain a feeling of fulfillment.
So it’s a good idea to have a list of songs to share with your baby even while you’re pregnant! Singing songs for babies to sleep are great as these can help both of you to feel relaxed and calm.
Meanwhile, a 2017 study found that when mothers sing lullabies, it could improve the bonding between them and the child. Singing could also have positive effects on the baby’s behavior and contribute to decreased maternal stress.
The study found that there was greater postnatal bonding after three months. The incidence of crying was also lower in the first month and the same result for infantile colic and perceived maternal stress. In addition, the nightly awakening was also reduced.
Now that you know the benefits of singing to and with your baby, we give you a list of English baby songs, Filipino baby songs, and nursery songs for babies. You can keep it handy to strengthen your bond and keep the fun going!
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Songs for babies to sleep
Songs have a special spot in bedtime rituals. Sing to your child while putting her to sleep, maybe after your little reading routine. You can sing “Rock-a-bye Baby”, “Hush Little Baby”, and other lullabies.
Other songs for babies to sleep include:
- “Twinke, Twinkle, Little Star”
- “You Are My Sunshine”
- “Brahm’s Lullaby” also known as “The Cradle Song”
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
You can also turn to “Hush Little Baby” as a way of storytelling to your little one.
Here are the lyrics to the lullaby:
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word
Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird won’t sing
Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring turns to brass
Papa’s gonna buy you a looking glass
And if that looking glass gets broke
Papa’s gonna buy you a billy goat
And if that billy goat won’t pull
Papa’s gonna buy you a cart and bull
And if that cart and bull turn over
Papa’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover
And if that dog named Rover won’t bark
Papa’s gonna buy you a horse and cart
And if that horse and cart fall down
You’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town
Other great songs to share with your baby may be more instrumental, especially the classics. It’s never too early to introduce your little one to the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin. Have the music playing softly in the background as your baby falls asleep.
Add these classical songs to your list:
- Symphony No. 3 in F Major
- Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major
- Clarinet concerto in A Major
- Canon in D
Modern songs for babies to sleep
Think of songs as love letters to your baby. Let your love flow through your voice and lull them to sleep. “Good Night” by The Beatles is one such song to sing. John Lennon wrote it for his son Julian. It’s a lovely song you can share with your baby even until she grows up.
The lyrics to the song go:
Now it’s time to say good night,
Good night, sleep tight.
Now the sun turns out his light,
Good night, sleep tight.
Dream sweet dreams for me,
Dream sweet dreams for you.
Close your eyes and I’ll close mine,
Good night, sleep tight.
Now the moon begins to shine,
Good night, sleep tight.
Dream sweet dreams for me,
Dream sweet dreams for you.
Close your eyes and I’ll close mine,
Good night, sleep tight.
Now the sun turns out his light,
Good night, sleep tight.
Dream sweet dreams for me,
Dream sweet dreams for you.
Good night,
Good night, everybody,
Everybody, everywhere,
Good night.
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Meanwhile, “Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight” is really a song about saying goodbye to one’s date. But it can also mean reassurance to your little one when you put her down for bed.
Part of the song goes:
Goodnight sweetheart, well, it’s time to go
Goodnight sweetheart, well, it’s time to go
I hate to leave you, I really must say
Oh, goodnight sweetheart, goodnight
Well, it’s three o’clock in the morning
Baby, I just can’t treat you right
Well, I hate to leave you, baby
Don’t mean maybe because I love you so
English baby songs for learning
There are several great songs to share with your baby that are not only meant to entertain but to educate as well. Such songs include “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” and its Filipino version “Paa, Tuhod, Balikat, Ulo”. This song teaches your baby about the different body parts.
Moreover, there are songs that teach counting, such as “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”, and “1-2-3-4-5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive”.
Other educational nursery songs for babies include:
- “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed”
- “I’m A Little Teapot”
- “The Wheels on the Bus”
- “The Alphabet Song (ABC)”
- “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
Meanwhile, the classic Filipino song “Bahay Kubo” is a great way to teach your little one about vegetables. Here’s part of the lyrics:
Bahay-kubo, kahit munti
Ang halaman doon ay sari-sari
Singkamas at talong
Sigarilyas at mani
Sitaw, bataw, patani
Kundol, patola, upo’t kalabasa
At tsaka mayro’n pang
Labanos, mustasa
Sibuyas, kamatis, bawang at luya
Sa paligid-ligid ay puno ng linga
Songs for Babies to Dance To
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Songs for babies are not just for singing, they’re great for dancing too! Letting your baby dance helps her develop her muscles and gross motor skills. Apart from that, it’s also a good way for her to spend her energy and lead to a good nap. So it’s a win-win!
Here’s a list of songs for babies to dance to:
- “Baby Shark”
- “Elmo Slide”
- “It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
- “Hot Dog”
- “Skidamarink”
Music has always been and always will be a good way for parent and child to bond together. Singing established songs or making up your own is a great way to strengthen your ties with each other. Best of all, it is a bonding event that doesn’t cost a cent, but makes everyone happy!
Additional information from Romy Peña Cruz
