There are many ways to put a baby to sleep but there’s no sweeter and easy way to put your baby to bed than with a soothing lullaby.
Adding music when snuggling your little one to bed can improve your child’s cognitive development.
According to UNICEF, lullabies are very good for a baby’s development. They help ignite multiple areas of a baby’s brain. This can prepare a child for language acquisition and reading skills. It has also been proven that the rhythm of a lullaby helps to calm babies down by slowing their heart rate.
Here’s a list of some unique baby music you can use today.
- Rock-a-Bye Baby”
This melodious nursery rhyme has lulled babies to sleep and stood the test of time. Although it may have originated in America, this classic baby music is believed to date back to 18th-century England.
There are many theories available as to the meaning of the lyrics which are mostly seen as mysterious but have changed over time.
“Rock-a-Bye Baby” Lyrics
Rock-a-bye baby
On the tree tops,
When the wind blows
The cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks
The cradle will fall,
And down will come baby
Cradle and all.
- “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
Coming from a poem written by Jane Taylor in 1806, this classic baby music is popular in daycares around the country.
Thanks to the images of stars and the night sky, this song is the perfect way to evoke sleep.
“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” Lyrics
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all night.
Then the traveler in the dark
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
How could he see where to go,
If you did not twinkle so?
In the dark blue sky you keep,
Often through my curtains peep.
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.
As your bright and tiny spark
Lights the traveler in the dark,
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
- “Frère Jacques” (or “Brother John”)
You can sign this classic French lullaby in either English or French. This classic baby music is about a friar who oversleeps. Whether you decide to sing it in English or in French, the repetition at the end of the song which is (“ding, dong, dang”) is curiously restful.
“Frère Jacque” Lyrics
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
“Brother John” Lyrics
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John,
Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
Read: Great Irish Names For Boys
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow
This classic baby music is from the movie, wizard of Oz. Singing this song to babies gives the hope that they may one day discover this wonderful land where dreams come true.
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Lyrics
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There’s a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can’t I?
If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can’t I?
- “You Are My Sunshine”
This classic has been sung by many artists including Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin,,the Beach Boys and Bing Cosby although it was written by Charles Mitchell and Jimmie Davis in the late 1930’s.
“You Are My Sunshine” Lyrics
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
You make me happy when the skies are gray.
You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you,
Please don’t take my sunshine away.
The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping,
I dreamt I held you in my arms.
When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken,
So I hung my head, and I cried.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
You make me happy when the skies are gray.
You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you,
Please don’t take my sunshine away.
I’ll always love you and make you happy,
If you will only say the same.
But if you leave me to love another,
You’ll regret it all one day.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
You make me happy when the skies are gray.
You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you,
Please don’t take my sunshine away.
Please don’t take my sunshine away.
- “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes”
It’s important to note that this song plays on the double meaning of dream. Thus, your dreams as an expression of hopes for the future answer what happens when you sleep.
“A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” Lyrics
A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you’re fast asleep
In dreams you will lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams, and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling through
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
The dream that you wish will come true
A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you’re fast asleep
In dreams you will lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams, and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling through
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
The dream that you wish will come true
Read: The Best Birthday Gift Ideas For Girls
- “Good Night”
This peaceful and soothing song written by John Lennon for his son Julian is a perfect classic baby music. This song is perfect for parents to sing to Thierry little ones.
Night.”
“Good Night” Lyrics
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 !
Read: 15 Powerful Music Room Ideas In 2022
CONCLUSION
As already stated, lullabies are great for babies’ development. Lullabies are also a nice and soothing way to put your baby to sleep. They calm your baby and slow their heart rate.
If you had no idea of what lullaby to sing to your baby, we hope you have learnt a lot and if you already knew some, we hope you have found something new to add to what you already know.
Enjoy putting your baby to sleep!
Kwabena Okyire Appianing
Subscribe and Join 13,976 people already receiving weekly updates from Vibelens.