Nursery Rhymes for Babies (0-12 Months)
Ages 0-12 months
In the first year, a baby is listening long before they can join in. Your voice, the rhythm and the repetition are doing the work, so the best rhymes for this stage are slow, soft and short enough to sing again and again. A newborn simply soaks up the sound and the closeness; by around six months many babies start to anticipate a tickle or a "boo" and reward you with a smile.
You are your baby's favourite instrument, so keep it simple. Hold your baby close, sing at a gentle pace, and let a few favourites become part of the daily routine at nappy changes, feeds and bedtime. Lullabies like Hush Little Baby and Rock-a-bye Baby are made for winding down, while gentle touch and finger games such as Round and Round the Garden and This Little Piggy add a first taste of playful anticipation.
None of this needs to be perfect. Babies are not judging your singing voice; the repetition, eye contact and rhythm are what build early language and a sense of security. Pick a handful from the list below and sing them often.
Hush Little Baby
A slow, repeating lullaby whose steady list of gifts settles a baby with no actions needed.
Rock-a-bye Baby
The classic rocking lullaby; sway gently in time with the tune as you hold your baby.
Brahms' Lullaby
A wordless hum works as well as the words, making it an easy last song before sleep.
Golden Slumbers
Soft, sleepy imagery and a gentle melody made for the end of the day.
Sleep Baby Sleep
Short, calm and endlessly repeatable, ideal for humming during a night feed.
Bye, Baby Bunting
A tiny four-line lullaby to sing while rocking or wrapping your baby.
Lavender's Blue
A quiet, old melody that suits a slow cuddle before a nap.
Star Light, Star Bright
One short verse to whisper at the window or the cot, easy to learn by heart.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
The song most babies hear first; open and close your hands to make the stars for them to watch.
Round and Round the Garden
A gentle tickle game: circle a finger on the palm, then walk it up for a little tickle under the arm.
This Little Piggy
Wiggle each toe in turn, ending with a tickle up to the chin, great during nappy changes.
Pat-a-Cake
Take your baby's hands and clap them together, an early taste of rhythm and turn-taking.
Peekaboo
The first hide-and-reveal game; covering and uncovering your face teaches that things come back.
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
Slow the finger movements right down so a young baby can track your hands as they climb.
Two Little Dickie Birds
Hide a finger behind your back and bring it back on cue, a simple appear-and-disappear surprise.
Where to Go Next
- Nursery Rhymes for Toddlers (1-2 Years): the next step up, with clapping and action songs for when your baby is on the move.
- Preschool Circle Time Rhymes (3-5 Years): counting and group games for older children.
- Bedtime Rhymes & Lullabies: more soothing songs for winding down at the end of the day.
- Finger Play Rhymes: more gentle hand and finger games to play together.