Looking to create a peaceful bedtime routine for your little one? Discover our curated collection of Baby Lullaby Songs, from timeless classics to modern favorites, designed to gently lull your child to sleep.
Rebekah Wahlberg
Fact-checked by Rebekah Wahlberg, Sr. Associate Editor
Colleen de Bellefonds
Written by Colleen de Bellefonds | Mar 27, 2024
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Photo credit: © Juan Moyano / Stocksy United
What Exactly is a Baby Lullaby Song?
Many people think of lullabies as just a few traditional tunes like “Rock-a-Bye Baby” or “Hush, Little Baby.” However, a baby lullaby song encompasses any calming melody you sing to soothe your baby and help them drift off to sleep. It’s all about creating a tranquil atmosphere through song.
Whether you consider yourself a gifted singer or someone who’s less confident in their vocal abilities, you might find yourself singing more than ever as a new parent. Incorporating singing baby lullaby songs into your baby’s nightly bedtime routine can become a cherished part of your day. It’s also a wonderful way to comfort and relax a tired or fussy baby at any moment.
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The Remarkable Benefits of Singing Baby Lullaby Songs
There’s a strong reason why baby lullaby songs are a staple in every new parent’s toolkit: they truly work. Extensive researchOpens a new window has demonstrated that premature babies whose parents sang to them experienced significant improvements in vital signs. These benefits included more stable heart rates, consistent breathing rhythms, healthier sleep patterns, and better feeding habits.
Furthermore, numerous studies suggest that exposing babies to language, particularly through baby lullaby songs sung by their parents, greatly enhances their language skills and sets a solid foundation for future academic success. Early exposure to music, including simple baby lullaby songs, can also boost a child’s inherent musical abilities later in life, improving their sense of melody, rhythm, and musical memory.
In the short term, making baby lullaby songs a regular part of your baby’s routine is invaluable for establishing a consistent bedtime routine. A good bedtime routine is essential for nurturing healthy sleep habits in your child from infancy onwards. And the advantages of baby lullaby songs extend to parents as well. Singing a beloved baby lullaby song has been shown to effectively reduce stress levels and foster feelings of calm and security, while simultaneously strengthening the precious bond with your baby.
Explore our carefully selected list of classic baby lullaby songs and modern adaptations below, complete with lyrics links to help you learn them easily. Soon, singing baby lullaby songs will become second nature – a heartwarming ritual that both you and your baby will treasure.
1. Can’t Help Falling in Love
This iconic love song by Elvis Presley, “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” actually borrows its melody from an 18th-century French tune called “Plaisir d’Amour.” While the song evokes deep romance with lines like “take my hand, take my whole life too,” its message is versatile. Famously, in the 1961 film Blue Hawaii, Elvis serenades his girlfriend’s grandmother with this tender song. Its gentle rhythm and loving sentiment make it a beautiful choice for baby lullaby songs.
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2. Baby Mine
Featured in the beloved 1941 Disney movie Dumbo, “Baby Mine” is a heartwarming ode to the unique beauty of every child, with lyrics like “Little one, when you play/Don’t you mind what they say.” In a poignant scene from the film, Dumbo’s mother, confined in a circus wagon, cradles her baby with her trunk and sings this tender baby lullaby song. This more recent rendition by Arcade Fire is from Tim Burton’s live-action remake of the movie, offering a modern take on a classic lullaby.
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3. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
No list of baby lullaby songs would be complete without “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Its simple, six-line verse perfectly captures the enchanting wonder of gazing at stars, likened to diamonds shimmering in the night sky. This timeless baby lullaby song is often one of the first tunes your little one will begin to sing back to you, marking a sweet milestone.
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4. Brahms’s Lullaby (Lullaby and Good Night)
Likely the most widely recognized “official” baby lullaby song on our list, Brahms’s Lullaby, also known as “Lullaby and Good Night,” gently encourages your little one to “lay thee down now and rest.” The renowned German composer Johannes Brahms composed this classic baby lullaby song in 1868 as a thoughtful gift for his friend and former love interest, Bertha Faber. In the 20th century, iconic singers Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra both popularized the song further, with slight lyrical adaptations.
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5. Golden Slumbers
“Sleep, baby, sleep; smiles awake you when you rise.” “Golden Slumbers,” one of the final songs recorded by The Beatles as a group, is featured on their iconic 1969 album Abbey Road. Paul McCartney’s tender lyrics for this baby lullaby song were inspired by a 1603 play by British playwright Thomas Dekker. This soothing melody has been covered by numerous artists including John Denver, Neil Diamond, and Mumford & Sons, attesting to its enduring appeal as a perfect baby lullaby song.
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6. You Are My Sunshine
While the complete lyrics of “You Are My Sunshine” carry a note of melancholy, for the purpose of baby lullaby songs, you can focus on the chorus, which is perfectly suited for a baby: “You make me happy when skies are grey.” First recorded in 1939, this beloved song has been reinterpreted by countless famous blues and country singers, including Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles, showcasing its versatility and lasting power as a comforting baby lullaby song.
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7. Little Boy Blue
“Little Boy Blue” offers a gentle and calming way to conclude your baby’s day. This baby lullaby song evokes a peaceful image of a napping shepherd boy in a wide-open prairie. Its brevity and sweetness make it an ideal choice to have ready for moments when you need a quick baby lullaby song to sing just before your drowsy baby drifts off to sleep.
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8. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Thinking of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz immediately brings to mind the enchanting song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” This universally loved tune was even voted the “greatest song of the century” in a survey by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America. This particularly beautiful rendition is performed by Hawaiian artist Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, adding a unique and soothing touch to this timeless baby lullaby song.
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9. Toora, Loora, Loora
Most famously sung by Bing Crosby, “Toora, Loora, Loora” is a charming baby lullaby song that may hold special meaning if you have Irish heritage. Even without Irish roots, the repetitive and lyrical refrain of “toora, loora, loora, toora, loora, li, toora, loora, loora” is simply delightful and comforting to sing, making it a fun and engaging baby lullaby song.
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10. All the Pretty Horses
This quintessential American folk song, “All the Pretty Horses,” paints a serene picture of a cozy farmhouse surrounded by grazing horses, with the comforting promise: “When you wake, you shall have all the pretty little horses.” Simple to sing and easy to remember, this baby lullaby song is just long enough to effectively lull your baby to sleep, yet short enough to easily recall whenever you need it.
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11. Amazing Grace
Whether or not your family has religious ties, “Amazing Grace” is a song that resonates deeply with many new parents. Penned in the 18th century by a British slave trader who later became a minister and condemned slavery, this soulful Christian classic has been performed by countless American artists, including Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood. This powerful version is beautifully sung by Pentatonix, making it a moving and spiritual choice for baby lullaby songs.
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12. Stay Awake
When you’re yearning for a peaceful bedtime but your baby has different plans, consider the playful approach of “Stay Awake.” In the 1964 Disney classic Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews uses reverse psychology to encourage the children to fall asleep by playfully urging them to stay awake. And as the magic of Mary Poppins would have it, it works! This whimsical baby lullaby song might just bring a touch of fun to your bedtime routine.
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Read “Stay Awake” lyrics
13. Three Little Birds
Bob Marley’s uplifting anthem, “Three Little Birds,” from his 1977 album Exodus, carries a message of hope perfectly suited for your little one: “don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing is gonna be alright.” The encouraging lyrics and soothing melody of this baby lullaby song are not only comforting for your baby but also calming to sing yourself, promoting a relaxed bedtime atmosphere.
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14. All My Loving
From The Beatles’ 1963 album With the Beatles, “All My Loving,” penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is a classic choice for baby lullaby songs. Originally written for a faraway love, its tender lyrics are equally fitting to croon to your baby: “Close your eyes and I’ll kiss you/Tomorrow I’ll miss you … And I’ll send all my loving to you.” Its gentle melody and loving words make it an ideal baby lullaby song.
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15. Sweet Baby James
James Taylor’s gentle and folksy “Sweet Baby James” is the title track from his breakthrough 1970 album Sweet Baby James. Written about a young cowboy venturing out on his own, the lyrics of this baby lullaby song are touchingly poignant: “Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose/Won’t you let me go down in my dreams/And rockabye sweet baby James.” Its soothing rhythm and heartfelt sentiment make it a wonderful baby lullaby song.
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16. The Sound of Silence
As you prepare for a peaceful night (hopefully!), consider the reflective classic “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel. The duo has described the song as being “about the inability of people to communicate with each other.” While this deeper meaning might not be what you intend to convey to your baby, the poetic lyrics and beautiful melody are undeniably soothing to sing, making it a unique and thoughtful choice among baby lullaby songs.
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17. You Are the Best Thing
If you’re searching for baby lullaby songs with lyrics that perfectly capture your overwhelming love for your little one, look no further than Ray LaMontagne’s hit, “You Are the Best Thing.” It beautifully expresses the sentiment: “You are the best thing/Ever happened to me/Baby, you know I hope and I pray/That you believe me/When I say/This love will never fade away.” Its heartfelt message makes it a perfect baby lullaby song to express your love.
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18. Don’t You Worry Child
Swedish House Mafia’s EDM anthem “Don’t You Worry Child” might seem like an unexpected choice for baby lullaby songs. However, the core message of the chorus is surprisingly fitting, offering words of comfort and reassurance from a father to his child: “My father said/Don’t you worry don’t you worry, child/See heaven’s got a plan for you.” When slowed down and sung gently, it transforms into a surprisingly comforting and modern baby lullaby song.
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19. A Million Dreams
Save “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman for moments when you feel inspired to sing your heart out as a baby lullaby song. It might be a bit more vocally challenging, but let Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams be your inspiration. This hopeful tune promises that as you sleep, in your most vivid dreams, “we can live in a world that we design,” making it a beautiful and imaginative baby lullaby song.
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20. L-O-V-E
Nat King Cole’s jazzy classic “L-O-V-E” playfully spells out the essence of being in love. Its vintage, upbeat melody and charming lyrics might bring to mind cherished memories of your grandparents. Lines like “Love is all that I can give to you,” and “Love was made for me and you,” poignantly express the unique bond with your baby, making it a sweet and timeless choice for baby lullaby songs.
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21. Sweet Child O’ Mine
Slow down the tempo of Guns N’ Roses’ classic rock anthem “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and you’ll discover an unexpectedly perfect baby lullaby song for your sweet child. Written in 1987 by lead singer Axl Rose for his then-future wife Erin Everly, the song opens with the heartwarming line about a sweet smile that “reminds me of childhood memories.” Its tender sentiment transforms it into a surprisingly effective and heartfelt baby lullaby song.
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22. Itsy-Bitsy Spider
Simple, sweet, and endlessly engaging, “Itsy-Bitsy Spider” has been a source of entertainment for babies for over a century. This classic nursery rhyme is easy to remember and sing, and the accompanying hand motions can often elicit delightful giggles from your baby. However, if it proves too stimulating and energetic, save this playful tune for daytime fun rather than as one of your baby lullaby songs!
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23. Hush, Little Baby
“Hush, Little Baby” deeply resonates with any parent who has gone to great lengths to soothe their crying baby. While most of us may not be buying mockingbirds or diamond rings, the sentiment of this classic Southern folk song – the willingness to do anything for your baby’s peace – is universally understood. The final line, “You’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town,” is a particularly heartwarming and comforting end to this enduring baby lullaby song.
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24. Rock-a-Bye Baby
Consisting of just four lines, “Rock-a-Bye Baby” is a baby lullaby song so deeply ingrained in cultural memory that you’ll likely be able to recall it even in the midst of serious sleep deprivation. This short and sweet lullaby dates back to 1765 and is believed to originate from observations of women working in fields who would tie cradles to tree branches, allowing the wind to gently rock their babies to sleep.
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Read “Rock-a-Bye Baby” lyrics
25. Are You Sleeping? (Frère Jacques)
Enjoyable to sing in both English and French, “Are You Sleeping?” or “Frère Jacques” tells the simple tale of a friar who has overslept and forgotten to ring the bells for morning prayers. The “ding, dang, dong” refrain is particularly captivating for babies, making this classic round a playful yet soothing choice among baby lullaby songs.
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26. Sleep, Baby, Sleep
Originally a German lullaby titled “Schlaf, Kindlein, Schlaf,” “Sleep, Baby, Sleep” is a timeless baby lullaby song that dates back to 1611. Its gentle lyrics paint a peaceful scene of living in a cozy cottage surrounded by sheep. The comforting lines, “Your mother shakes the dreamland tree/And from it fall sweet dreams for thee,” evoke a sense of सुरक्षा and love, making it a perfect final baby lullaby song for bedtime.
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Sources
BabyCenter’s editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
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