Lullaby songs aren’t just a sweet tradition; they’re scientifically proven to calm a baby’s nervous system, slow their heart rate, and create a sense of security. The gentle rhythm and repetition mimic the sounds of the womb, making lullabies the perfect sleep cue for little ones (and sometimes exhausted parents too!).
In today’s world, baby sleep music comes in many forms, from musical light projectors to gadgets like the Yoto player. But nothing quite compares to the power of a simple lullaby song. Far from being just an old wives' tale, lullabies have a magical way of soothing fussy or colicky babies, making bedtime and nap time a little easier.
So read on to discover the lullaby songs, baby sleep music, and lyrics that will help soothe your baby to sleep. Sweet dreams!
The best baby lullabies: traditional
Rock-a-Bye Baby
Rock-a-Bye Baby is one of the most well-known lullabies, with roots tracing back to the 1700s. While its lyrics do hint at a rather dramatic scene – warning of a cradle tumbling down – like all classic songs, its meaning is open to interpretation. Its gentle, rhythmic melody has stood the test of time, helping to soothe little ones and lull them into a peaceful sleep.
Rock-a-Bye Baby Lyrics
Rock a bye baby on the tree top
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
The lyrics to this classic come from a poem by Jane Taylor written in 1806. With its images of stars, the night sky, and the disappearing sun, this song is the perfect way to sing your baby to sleep. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is a family favourite. The words encourage dreaming, wonder, and imagination, all the things we hope our little ones experience as they drift off to 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
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
How I wonder what you are!
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Row, Row, Row Your Boat is a fantastic lullaby because, depending on your tone, it can be used as a soothing nighttime song or an exciting part of play. If you plan to use it as part of bedtime, it's a good idea to use a quieter tone alongside a gentle rocking motion. Before birth, babies are constantly being swayed by their mother’s movements and surrounded by rhythmic sounds like her heartbeat and voice. Rocking and lullabies recreate this familiar environment, making babies feel safe and secure.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat Lyrics
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream.
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
If you see a crocodile
Don't forget to scream - Aghh!
Hey Diddle Diddle
The Mother&Baby team had a bit of a debate over whether this truly counts as a lullaby, but after some careful consideration, we decided it definitely earned its spot on our list. We love the dreamy imagery and the gentle nighttime themes woven into the lyrics. Much like Row, Row, Row Your Boat, the way you sing it makes all the difference and your tone is key to setting a calm, sleepy atmosphere.
Hey Diddle Diddle Lyrics
Hey, diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle
The cow jumped over the moon
The little dog laughed to see such fun
And the dish ran away with the spoon!
Hush Little Baby
Hush, Little Baby is a classic lullaby sung to sleepy little ones all over the world. It's a gentle, repetitive tune filled with loving promises and tiny gifts to help lull babies to sleep. We love that you can swap out 'Papa' for ''Mama,' 'Granny,' or anyone else who fits the bedtime routine. It's the musical version of a warm cuddle, perfect for winding down the day.
Listen to Hush Little Baby on Amazon Music
Hush Little Baby Lyrics
Hush, little baby, don't say a word, Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird don't sing, Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring turns brass, Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass
And if that looking glass gets broke, Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat
And if that billy goat doesn't pull, Mama's gonna buy you a cart and bull
And if that cart and bull turn over, Mama's gonna buy you a dog named Rover
And if that dog named Rover won't bark, Mama's gonna buy you a horse and cart
And if that horse and cart fall down, well you'll still be the sweetest baby in town
Brother John
Brother John (or Frère Jacques, if French or feeling fancy) is the classic round song that’s been lulling little ones to sleep for generations. Its simple, repetitive melody and soothing rhythm make it a great lullaby. Easy to hum, easy to sing, and guaranteed to stick in your head. The lyrics tell the tale of a sleepy monk who’s supposed to be ringing the morning bells but is, well… still snoozing. It's a little ironic for a bedtime song, but it has a magical way of calming even the most restless baby when sung softly.
Listen to Brother John on Amazon Music
Brother John Lyrics
Are you sleeping?
Are you sleeping?
Brother John?
Brother John?
Morning bells are ringing
Morning bells are ringing
Ding-ding-dong
Ding-ding-dong
Frère Jacques
Frère Jacques
Dormez-vous?
Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines
Sonnez les matines
Ding-ding-dong
Ding-ding-dong
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Perhaps more commonly thought of as a nursery rhyme, there's no harm in trying Baa Baa Black Sheep to help your little one drift off - they might not be able to count sheep but with any luck, singing about them might have the same effect.
"Baa Baa Black Sheep" Lyrics
Baa, baa, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes, sir, yes, sir, Three bags full
One for my master,
And one for my dame,
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane.
Best modern baby sleep music for bedtime
If lullabies aren’t for you, plenty of modern songs can work just as well. Whether you choose to sing along or simply snuggle up and let the music play in the background, these calming melodies can still work their sleepy magic.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is a beautiful hymn, with its gentle melody and soothing lyrics, perfect for calming little ones at bedtime. Its message of love, protection, and finding peace can be a comforting reassurance as they drift off to sleep. Softly singing this classic hymn can create a peaceful bedtime routine, wrapping your baby in warmth and security.
Amazing Grace Lyrics
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
We have already come
'Twas grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun
Than when we've first begun
You Are My Sunshine
Although originally a country song, You Are My Sunshine, it works very well as a song for singing your baby to sleep because of its moving lyrics. It’s considered one of the most-covered songs in American popular music, having been recorded by over 350 artists and translated into at least 30 languages.
You Are My Sunshine Lyrics
You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey
You'll never know, dear
How much I love you
Please don't take
My sunshine away
Moon River
Famously performed by Aubrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Moon River won the Oscar for Best Original Song and paints a wonderfully evocative story.
"Moon River" lyrics
Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heartbreaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
Two drifters off to see the world
There's such a crazy world to see
We're all chasin' after all the same
Chasing after our ends
Moon river, wider than a mile
Crossin' in style someday
My dream maker, heartbreaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' the same
Two drifters off to see the world
It's such a crazy world you'll see (what I see, who I become)
(What I see, who I become)
We're all chasin' after our ends
Chasin' after our ends
Life's just around the bend, my friend
Moon river and me
Isn’t She Lovely
This Stevie Wonder song, an ode to his own daughter, Aisha, makes a beautiful lullaby. The adjectives describing Aisha just after her birth—lovely, wonderful, precious—will likely feel familiar to any new mum or dad, and you can change the 'she' to 'he', too.
Isn’t She Lovely Lyrics
Isn't she wonderful
Isn't she precious
Less than one minute old
I never thought through love, we'd be
Making one as lovely as she
But isn't she lovely, made from love
Isn't she pretty
Truly, the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
Through us, he's given life to one
But isn't she lovely, made from love
La Vie En Rose
Written in 1945 by Edith Piaf, La Vie en Rose has been covered countless times in both French and English, but we especially love Emily Watt’s version—featured in a whopping 1.8 million Instagram reels (mostly adorable newborn videos!). The song, which translates to 'Life in Pink' is all about seeing the world through rose-coloured glasses. And what better lullaby for your baby? Because even though newborn life can be tough when we look at our little ones, all we see is pure love and joy.
Listen to La Via En Rose on Amazon Music
“La Vie En Rose" Lyrics
Hold me close and hold me fast
This magic spell you cast
This is 'La vie en rose'
When you kiss me, heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes
I see "La vie en rose"
When you press me to your heart
I'm in a world apart
A world where roses bloom
And when you speak, angels sing from above
Everyday words seem to turn into love songs
Give your heart and soul to me
And life will always be
"La vie en rose"
When you wish upon a star
This classic song is from the Disney film, Pinocchio and won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1940. It's a beautiful tune with an equally inspiring message that your baby can carry with them.
"When you wish upon a star" lyrics
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you
If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
Star Light, Star Bright
This classic nursery rhyme is all about the magic of wishing on a star, capturing that timeless hope that if you see a shooting star, your wish just might come true. Thought to have originated in America, it’s been whispered at bedtime for generations, adding a sprinkle of wonder to sleepy little heads. Over the years, it has inspired a few musical versions for children, making it a sweet and simple lullaby to sing.
Star Light, Star Bright Lyrics
Star light,
Star bright
First star I see tonight
I wish I may
I wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight.
Baby Mine
Originally featured in Disney’s 1941 classic Dumbo (and in the 2019 remake), Baby Mine is the ultimate tearjerker lullaby. Sung by Dumbo’s mother as she cradles her baby, it’s a gentle, heartfelt song that perfectly captures the deep bond between parent and child. With its soothing melody and reassuring lyrics, it’s the kind of lullaby that wraps your little one in warmth, reminding them that no matter what, you’ll always be there. Just be warned – you might get misty-eyed while singing it.
Listen to Baby Mine on Amazon Music
Baby Mine Lyrics
Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine
Little one, when you play,
Pay no heed what they say
Let your eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine
If they knew all about you
They'd end up loving you, too
All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for the right to hold you
From your hair down to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But, you're so precious to me
Sweet as can be, baby of mine
Sweet Dreams, Goodnight Song
This sweet and soothing lullaby, covered by Super Simple Songs on YouTube, is a lovely addition to any bedtime routine. Its gentle melody and calming lyrics send a clear but comforting message: 'It's time to sleep'.' Whether you sing it softly or let the peaceful tune play in the background, it's a simple yet magical way to help your little one wind down and drift off to dreamland.
Listen to Sweet Dreams, Goodnight Song on Youtube
“Sweet Dreams, Goodnight Song Lyrics
Goodnight to you, goodnight to me,
Now close your eyes and go to sleep
Goodnight, sleep tight
Sweet dreams tonight
Goodnight, I love you
(repeat three times)
Golden Slumbers
Originally based on a 17th-century poem by Thomas Dekker, Golden Slumbers was given new life when The Beatles recorded their own version for Abbey Road in 1969. The tender lyrics and dreamy melody make it a beautifully modern lullaby that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Whether you sing it softly or play the original, it’s a heartwarming way to lull your baby to sleep because if it’s good enough to close out a Beatles album, it’s certainly good enough for bedtime.
Golden Slumbers Lyrics
Once, there was a way
To get back homeward
Once, there was a way
To get back home
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby
Golden slumbers fill your eyes
Smiles awake you when you rise
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby
Once, there was a way
To get back homeward
Once, there was a way
To get back home
Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby
Heaven
Bryan Adams might not have written Heaven as a lullaby, but its soft melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a surprisingly perfect choice for bedtime. Originally released in 1983, this classic love ballad is all about finding comfort and safety in someone’s arms—exactly the reassurance a baby needs as they drift off to sleep.
Heaven Lyrics
Baby, you're all that I want
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven.
And love is all that I need,
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see,
We're in heaven
You'll Be In My Heart
Sung by Phil Collins, this heartfelt ballad is another underrated Disney gem featured in Tarzan. The song plays during a touching scene where Tarzan’s adoptive mother cradles him, singing to reassure him that he’s safe and loved. With its gentle melody and powerful lyrics, You'll Be in My Heart makes a perfect lullaby, reminding your little one that you’ll always be there for them no matter what.
“You'll Be In My Heart” Lyrics
Come stop your crying, it will be alright
Just take my hand, hold it tight.
I will protect you from, all around you
I will be here, don't you cry
For one so small, you seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us, can't be broken
I will be here don't you cry
Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on,
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always
Always.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Whisk baby off to the magical land of Oz as you sing them the classic song from the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. Your little one won't mind if you don't sound quite as pitch perfect as Judy Garland!
"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?
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?
Auld Lang Syne
While not technically a baby lullaby or a modern song, Auld Lang Syne's soothing melody and beautiful lyrics should help babies be calmed by your voice and help them to drift off to sleep.
"Auld Lang Syne" lyrics
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And the days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll drink a cup of kindness yet
For the sake of auld lang syne
What is a lullaby?
Lullabies have been around for centuries, with the earliest known ones dating back to 2,000 BC. But unlike today’s gentle melodies, those ancient lullabies were more like eerie warnings filled with tales of demons meant to scare little ones back to sleep. Thankfully, modern lullabies for babies are much softer and sweeter. Except for Rockabye Baby, which still has some questionable lyrics.
When used as part of sleep training or a consistent bedtime routine, baby lullaby songs help little ones recognise sleep cues, making settling down easier. Not only that, research from Harvard University found that lullabies (in any language) created signs of physical relaxation in babies, helping to regulate their heart rate and breathing, promoting deeper, more restful sleep. Best of all, lullabies don’t cost a thing – they’re a priceless tool for strengthening the bond between you and your precious baby.
As you snuggle close to your little ones at bedtime, adding a soothing lullaby to the experience can help grow your sense of connection, help calm them into an easier routine, and even improve your child’s cognitive development. Whether you're an opera singer or can't hold a tune, your baby won't mind - it's the sound of your voice and the closeness that makes the difference.
Why will a lullaby song help put your baby to sleep?
As any parent knows, getting a newborn—or a toddler, for that matter—to sleep (and stay asleep) can sometimes feel like a never-ending challenge. However, according to Dr. Robin Clark, Medical Director at Bupa UK Insurance, lullabies can make all the difference. "Studies show that lullabies can help children fall asleep faster, especially when sung by parents. They can trigger a relaxation response, making bedtime a much calmer experience."
And the benefits don’t stop there. As your little one grows, lullabies become more than just a soothing tool-they become a fun and familiar part of the bedtime routine. Instead of resisting sleep, your toddler might even start singing along to their favourite nursery rhymes, making bedtime a little less of a battle.
Of course, babies cry for all sorts of reasons-whether it’s a wet nappy, hunger, or feeling unsettled. However, sleep is crucial for their growth and development, with newborns needing around 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. While they typically sleep in short bursts of around four hours, they frequently wake to feed (tiny tummies don’t stay full for long) before either drifting back to sleep or flashing you an adorable, wide-eyed smile.
Better sleep isn’t just good for your baby but also for you. A well-rested baby is happier, more engaged, and more content, which means you might just get a little extra time for yourself (perhaps even enough to catch up on that Netflix series you’ve been meaning to watch). And let’s be honest, a bedtime routine filled with lullaby songs isn’t just good for babies; it’s a little magic for parents, too.
Where can I listen to lullaby songs?
Many lullabies can be listened to on music streaming platforms such as Amazon Music and YouTube, where artists cover traditional, modern lullabies or even classical lullabies from Mozart for a consistent, soothing playlist. You can also invest in devices such as a Toniebox to play lullabies from certain tonie figures.
Baby lullaby songs: FAQs
What is the most popular lullaby?
Some of the classic lullaby songs are the most popular, and it's likely they're the same songs you were sung as a baby. Songs like Twinkle Twinkle, Rock a-bye baby and Hush Little Baby have been around for decades and are still just as popular.
Is it OK to play lullaby music all night?
Lullaby songs are a great way of signalling to baby that it's time to sleep, but generally experts recommend not keeping music on all night as it can disturb their sleep cycles. White noise machines can be a good alternative.
What music makes babies fall asleep?
Soothing, gentle songs are best to help babies fall asleep but it's likely they'll be soothed by the sound of your voice as much as the song itself. The more you sing the same songs, the more they'll come to recognise those as bedtime cues.
About the expert
Dr Robin Clarke is the Medical Director of Bupa Global and UK Insurance. He started his career as a GP and has worked across different organisations over his 15 years of experience.
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.