Parents have been singing babies to sleep for longer than anyone can say. The use of a lullaby to soothe a baby to sleep is universal. Nearly all cultures have songs for this purpose. There are many benefits of enjoying lullabies with your baby. Find the songs they respond to best and try new ones as they get older.

Lullabies Soothe Babies

One of the most important reasons parents turn to lullabies is to get their babies to sleep. Research shows that music, particularly the slow, simple, and soothing tunes used as lullabies, calms babies and lowers their heart rates.

Soothing a baby is an essential step in helping them fall asleep. A quiet, gentle lullaby, especially sung by the caregiver, can help a fussy baby drift off more quickly or settle after waking during the night.

Lullabies Strengthen the Parent-Child Bond

A healthy bond between a child and their primary caregiver begins early. It starts with touch and warmth and includes soothing sounds, talk, and eye contact. A good bond ensures a child feels safe and happy. It also benefits the mental health of the parent.

There are many ways to bond with a baby, including reading stories and cuddling, but singing is special. Child development experts have found that hearing is a baby’s most important sense for the first two years. A lullaby soothes your baby, but it also conveys love and warmth and creates a regular routine you share together.

Songs Stimulate Language and Cognitive Development

The bond created between baby and caregiver supports healthy development. Talking and singing with a baby plays a major role in how they learn language, speech, and thinking patterns. Sharing a simple song at night helps stimulate learning and development.

Babies that listen to music and stories, especially in a high-pitched “baby” voice, learn to speak sooner. When you connect feelings to words and songs, babies get the added benefit of enhanced emotional development.

Classic Lullabies to Learn

Most parents turn to lullabies they heard in childhood. They hold specific cultural and nostalgic meanings for parents, but it’s also fun to learn new songs from other cultures. Here are some of the most popular lullabies and songs that have become treasured baby favorites:

• Brahm’s Lullaby
• The Mockingbird Lullaby
• All Through the Night
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Lullaby
• Rockabye Baby
• You Are My Sunshine
• Edelweiss
• Somewhere over the Rainbow
• It’s Raining, It’s Pouring
• What a Wonderful World
• The Rainbow Connection
• Amazing Grace

Experts agree that a parent’s voice is best when it comes to bonding over lullabies. This doesn’t mean that recorded songs aren’t useful. Baby sounds and lullaby mixes can help soothe your baby, provide background noise, and help them fall asleep sooner or after waking up in the night. Use your own voice when you can, but when it isn’t possible, try an app with instrumental lullaby music.