Lullabies provide a healing balm to both infants and their parents. Apart from the immediate soothing effect, these harmonies provide many advantages, ranging from enhancing language abilities to developing a deep sense of security, attachment, and belonging. Here is a list containing 10 bedtime tunes with their individual charms and histories.
Older Lullaby Classics
Most people will be familiar with “Hush Little Baby” and all the things momma is going to buy their little one. It’s a classic that has a familiar, calming tune.
If you want to try your hand at being bilingual, you can sing the traditional French nursery rhyme “Frere Jacques.” It’s a way to ask your baby “Are you sleeping?” without them being able to actually understand you (unless you actually speak French, of course).
Newer Lullaby Classics
The timeless classic “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” is borrowed from an 18th-century poem by Jane Taylor. It’s a tune that weaves through the night sky, lulling all the little dreamers through the centuries.
Another classic, although a bit more sad, is “You Are My Sunshine.” Several artists have sung it, such as Ray Charles and Bing Crosby. The song can turn a dull night into a serenade filled with feelings.
Try Out Modern Pop Songs
If you want something a bit edgier, consider Adele’s soul-stirring ballad “Rolling in the Deep.” Although it’s an untraditional choice for a lullaby, the emotional depth of the song creates a surprisingly calming atmosphere.
You can also inject a dose of playfulness with Jack Johnson’s “Upside Down.” From the film Curious George, this catchy tune transforms bedtime into a joyous sing-along, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
Other Modern Options
Calm down your baby with John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy.” It’s a song about parenthood, and it captures the love and comfort parents wish to provide for their little boys.
You can also move to John Legend’s “All of Me” as a new bedtime lullaby that captures the imperfect loveliness of your baby.
A Disney Twist and a Classic
“A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella will make you step into the wonderful world of magic. The lullaby goes beyond animation and results in an endearing bedtime song about the eternal nature of dreams and wishes.
If you want to make bedtime educational or simply don’t want to sing anything else, there’s always “The Alphabet Song.” Everyone knows it, and it’s an easy way to get your little one thinking about their letters while they fall asleep.