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Baby lullabies have been used by parents as part of their nighttime routine for generations, and families often have a personal favorite. Chances are you have a certain lullaby song, lullaby lyric, or nursery rhyme from your childhood that evokes a sense of nostalgia, joy, or calmness that you want to bring to your own baby’s world.
While it’s enjoyable to sing with your baby at any time of day, singing bedtime songs with your baby is a time for bonding, fun, and creating memories – and there are also added benefits of singing a baby lullaby as part of their bedtime routine which may be surprising.
In this article we share the benefits of singing a baby lullaby and list our 28 favorite baby lullaby songs, and their lyrics, to add to your nighttime routine.
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Benefits of Singing a Baby Lullaby at Bedtime
Music is a great way to help develop communication and emotional skills in babies and help with their emotional regulation. Lullaby songs and lyrics, which are often simple songs with repetitive words and rhyming, are especially known to calm a baby and get them ready for sleep.
According to sleep consultant Mandy Treeby, co-founder of the Smart Sleep Coach by PampersTM app, babies start recognizing patterns as early as six weeks. When you sing a lullaby song at night as part of your baby’s consistent nightly bedtime routine, the comfort of hearing the same simple lullaby lyrics and melody every night can relax your baby and promote a better night’s sleep. Plus, coupled with the app’s schedule recommendation, a bedtime lullaby can increase the chances of your baby falling asleep faster – and staying asleep longer.
Top 28 Baby Lullaby and Bedtime Songs Including Lyrics
If you’re looking for a new lullaby song to sing at nighttime or are curious to learn more about one you already sing, here is our list of 28 baby lullabies, in no order, including common lullaby lyrics, that can be great additions to your consistent and relaxing bedtime routine.
1. “Cradle Song" (Brahms’s Lullaby) or "Wiegenlied”
“Cradle Song”, also commonly known by its first line “Lullaby and goodnight”, or “Brahm’s Lullaby” after its composer Johannes Brahms, is considered one of the most popular lullabies ever. It was published in 1868 by the name “Wiegenlied” which is German for cradle song. Its soothing melody and soft lyrics have made it perfect for lulling babies to sleep for generations.
Brahms’s Lullaby Lyrics
Lullaby and good night, with roses bedight,
With lilies o'er spread is baby's wee bed. Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed. Lay thee down now and rest, may thy slumber be blessed.
Lullaby and good night, thy mother's delight.
Bright angels beside my darling abide.
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast.
They will guard thee at rest, thou shalt wake on my breast.
2. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
This incredibly popular lullaby was based off a poem written by Jane Taylor in 1806 called “The Star”. It was a nursery rhyme before it began being sun to the tune of the 1761 French melody, “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman.” The words promote the magic and wonder of what you see when you look up at the sky at night. It’s a go-to for many parents around the world!
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
3. Hush, Little Baby
"Hush, Little Baby" is a soothing lullaby that promises your baby different happy things and gifts in the morning – if they wind down in the evening. That, on top of its repetitive structure and calming melody, makes it a great choice for a song to encourage your baby to go sleep.
Hush, Little Baby Lyrics
Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird.
If that mockingbird don't sing,
Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring.
4. You Are My Sunshine
The song "You Are My Sunshine" has been a cherished lullaby for generations. The message of love and reassurance, coupled with its calming melody, can make your baby feel special and soothed – two feelings that can help them drift off for the night.
You Are My Sunshine Lyrics
You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are gray
You'll never know, dear
How much I love you
Please don't take
My sunshine away
5. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
The Wizard of Oz is a classic movie loved by many families around the world. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow “is a popular song from the movie that is as nostalgic for parents as it is calming for babies trying to fall asleep. The song is written about someplace where you can’t get into trouble, and the lyrics sing about dreams coming through. The melody complementing the dreamy lyrics can transport your baby (and you) to a world of happiness and tranquility.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lyrics
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby, oh
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true
6. Edelweiss
From the movie The Sound of Music, the song "Edelweiss" makes for a heartfelt and tender lullaby to sing to your baby before bed. The song sends the message of love and protection, which complements a calm and comfortable bedtime routine.
Edelweiss Lyrics
Edelweiss, edelweiss
Every morning you greet me
Small and white, clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever
Edelweiss, edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever
7. Stay Awake
This lullaby is famously sung by Mary Poppins, the title character in one of the most beloved movies from Walt Disney. In the movie Mary sings this lullaby while putting the children she is caring for to sleep after a busy day. She tries reverse psychology to get the children, who are resisting sleep, to shut their eyes. It tends to work wonders!
Stay Awake Lyrics
Stay awake don't rest your head
Don't lie down upon your bed
While the moon drifts in the skies
Stay awake don't close your eyes
Though the world is fast asleep
Though your pillow soft and deep
You're not sleepy as you seem
8. Baby Mine
“Baby Mine” is a song from the Disney film Dumbo. Dumbo’s mother, a circus elephant, sings the song as she cradles baby Dumbo with her trunk. The soothing music and comforting lyrics convey a parent’s deep love and protection for their child. These sentiments are universally relatable and can make your baby feel safe. And it goes great with a cuddle!
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
Don't you mind what you say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine
9. All the Pretty Little Horses
Also known as “Hush-a-bye", the traditional lullaby “All the Pretty little Horses” sends your baby the message that they will have all the pretty horses when they wake the next morning. The repetition in the chorus creates a peaceful and rhythmic atmosphere, making it ideal for bedtime. And for a child protesting sleep, thinking about exciting things that may happen the following morning may encourage them to settle down.
All the Pretty Little Horses Lyrics
Hush-a-bye, don't you cry
Go to sleep you little baby
When you wake, you will have cake
And all the pretty little horses
Blacks and bays, dapples and greys
A coach and six white horses
Blacks and bays, dapples and greys
All the pretty little horses
10. Lavender's Blue (Dilly Dilly)
"Lavender's Blue" is an English folk song and nursery rhyme from the 17th century. Parents like "Lavender's Blue" because of its melodic beauty, simplicity, warmth, comfort, and timeliness, making it a perfect lullaby. It’s also quite nostalgic, making it even more authentically enjoyable for the entire family to sing.
Lavender's Blue Lyrics
Lavenders blue, dilly, dilly
Lavender's green
When I am king, dilly, dilly
You shall be queen
Who told you so, dilly, dilly
Who told you so?
'Twas mine own heart, dilly, dilly
That told me so
Call up your men, dilly, dilly
Set them to work
Some to the plough, dilly, dilly
Some to the fork
Some to make hay, dilly, dilly
Some to reap corn
While you and I, dilly, dilly
Keep ourselves warm
11. Puff the Magic Dragon
"Puff the Magic Dragon" is a song that was written by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow and made popular by the group Peter, Paul and Mary in the 1960s. The lyrics tell a story of a magical dragon named Puff and his playful adventures with a little boy named Jackie Paper. Despite the boy eventually growing up and leaving Puff behind, the whimsical notion of a friendly dragon in a fantastical land can be both captivating and comforting, helping to lull a baby into sleep with thoughts of magical places and tender companionship.
Puff the Magic Dragon Lyrics
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff
And brought him strings, and sealing wax, and other fancy stuff
Oh, Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist, in a land called Honah Lee
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist, in a land called Honah Lee
12. Skidamarink
"Skidamarink" is a beloved children's song that originated from an early 20th-century musical comedy "The Echo." First introduced in 1910, the song's playful lyrics and charming melody have made it a favorite among children for over a century. The lyrics express affection in a fun and whimsical way, making it an excellent choice for bedtime as it conveys feelings of love and safety. Singing "Skidamarink" at night can help a baby feel secure and loved, the repetitive and melodic nature of the song providing a calming effect that can ease them into sleep.
Skidamarink Lyrics
Skidamarink a dink a dink
Skidamarink a doo
I love you
I love you in the morning
And in the afternoon
I love you in the evening
And underneath the moon, oh
13. La La Lu
"La La Lu" is a bedtime lullaby from the 1955 Disney classic "Lady and the Tramp." Written by Peggy Lee and Sonny Burke, the lullaby's gentle melody and warm, affectionate lyrics convey comfort and protection from a parent or guardian, ideal for bedtime.
La La Lu Lyrics
La la lu, la la lu
Oh, my little star sweeper
I'll sweep the stardust for you
La la lu, la la lu
Little soft, fluffy sleeper
Here comes a pink cloud for you
There now, little star sweeper
Dream on
14. Silent Night
"Silent Night" is one of the most iconic Christmas carols around the world, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. This lullaby’s message of tranquility is a great bedtime song choice for anytime – not just around the holidays.
Silent Night Lyrics
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, and all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
15. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes
"A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" is a classic Disney song from the 1950 animated film "Cinderella." Composed by songwriters including Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston, this enchanting lullaby is sung by Cinderella herself, with the message to inspire listeners to always hold on to your dreams.
A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes Lyrics
A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you will lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling through
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
16. Mary Had a Little Lamb
"Mary Had a Little Lamb" is a nursery rhyme that dates back to the early 19th century. The simple, repetitive tune and playful story of Mary and her lamb have made this song a beloved sing-along for children worldwide. The imagery of a loyal lamb following Mary everywhere also invokes a sense of safety and companionship, ideal for helping little ones feel secure as they fall asleep.
Mary Had a Little Lamb Lyrics
Mary had a little lamb
His fleece was white as snow, yeah
Everywhere the child went
Your little lamb was sure to go now
He followed her to school one day
And broke the teachers cool
What a time did they have
That day at school
17. When You Wish Upon a Star
Singing "When You Wish Upon a Star", the timeless song from Disney's 1940 animated classic "Pinocchio”, can fill a baby's bedtime with a sense of wonder and calm. The lullaby lyrics send your baby the. Message that their wishes, no matter how big, can one day come true.
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
18. Auld Lang Syne
Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish song that’s traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Many believes it means “for the sake ofold times.” For a baby lullaby, it is about reflecting on the past, connection and comradery, which can make for a sweet, soothing song to fall asleep to.
Auld Lang Syne Lyrics
Shouldauld acquaintance be forgot
And never broughtto mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And the days of auld lang syne?
For auldlang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll drink a cup of kindness yet
For the sake of auld lang syne
19. Golden Slumbers
“Golden Slumbers” is a song that originated from a 17th-century poem by Thomas Dekker. It was adapted by Paul McCartney’s for the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” album. McCartney’s rendition was inspired by part of Dekker's poem and craftedinto a soothing, melodious bedtime song.
Golden Slumbers Lyrics
Once there was a way to get back homeward
Once there was a way to get back home
Sleep, prettydarling, do not cry
And I will sing a lullaby
20. Moon River
"Moon River" was originally performed by Aubrey Hepburn inthe 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and its lyrical portrayal of a dreamy, hopeful journey along a moonlit river has captivated audiences for decades.
Moon River Lyrics
Moonriver, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
21. Goodnight, My Angel
Billy Joel wrote “Goodnight, My Angel”, also referred to as “Lullabye”, as a baby lullaby for his daughter, Alexa Ray. It’s a deeply personal reflection on parenthood, love, and a bond with your child.
Goodnight, My Ange Lyrics
Goodnight, my angel
Time to close your eyes
And save these questions for another day
I think I know what
You've been asking me
I think you know
What I've been trying to say
I promised I would never leave you
And you should always know
Wherever you may go
No matter where you are
I never will be far away
Someday we'll all be gone
But lullabies go on and on
They never die
That's how you
And I will be
22. Dream a Little Dream of Me
This classic love song was first recorded in 1931 and has since been made popular through many different renditions. The soothing lullaby lyrics are said to havebeen a distraction to people during a difficult time in America. It has since becomea popular bedtime song to help children relax and drift off to sleep.
Dream a Little Dream of Me Lyrics
Stars shinin' bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper, "I love you"
Birds singin' in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me
Sweetdreams 'til sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you
But in your dreams, whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me
23. Kumbaya
"Kumbaya," also spelled "Kum Ba Yah," is a spiritual song of African Americanorigin. The phrase "Kumbaya" translates to "come by here"in English, with the lyrics calling for divine intervention and a sense of communal hope and healing. This song's repetitive, soothing melody and heartfelt pleafor comfort make it a profound choice for a bedtime lullaby.
Kumbaya Lyrics
Kumbayamy Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbaya
Someone'ssinging Lord, kumbaya
Someone's singing Lord, kumbaya
Someone's singing Lord, kumbaya
Oh Lord, kumbayah
24. All Through the Night (Ar Hyd y Nos)
"All Through the Night" (Ar Hyd y Nos) is a traditional Welsh folk song dating back to the 18th century. The English lyrics were written by Harold Boulton in the 19th century. The refrain,"Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee, all through the night" reinforces a sense of security and calmness, ideal for lulling a baby to sleep if your baby wakes in the middle of the night during a period of sleep regression.
All Through the Night Lyrics
Sleep awhile and peace attend thee,
All through the night
Guardian angels God will lend thee,
All through the night
Soft the dreamy hours are creeping
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping
God alone his watch is keeping,
All through the night
25. Danny Boy
"Danny Boy" is one of the most cherished songs in the Irish musical tradition, often considered an unofficial anthem of Ireland. The lyrics were written by English songwriter Frederic Weatherly in 1910 and later set to the traditional Irish melody of "LondonderryAir" in 1913. While its themes are bittersweet, the flowing, lyricalquality of "Danny Boy" can provide a soothing backdrop that helps calm a baby so they drift off to sleep.
Danny Boy Lyrics
Oh,Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side.
The summer's gone, and all the roses falling,
It's you, it's you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow,
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow,
It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so!
26. Ninna Nanna
“Ninna Nanna” is an Italian lullaby with a gentle melody and comforting lyrics. The song was released in 1998 by artist Coccole Sonore. The title of the song is translated to lullaby in English, meaning it’s main purpose is to help your little one fall asleep.
Ninna Nanna Lyrics
Ninna nanna, ninna oh
Questo bimbo a chi lo do?
Ninna nanna, ninna oh
Questo bimbo a chi lo do?
Se lo do alla Befana
Me lo tiene una settimana
Se lo do al al Bove Nero
Me lo tiene un anno intero
Se lo do al Lupo Bianco
Me lo tiene tanto, tanto
Ninna nanna, nanna fate
Il mio bimbo addormentate
27. Butterfield’s Lullaby (Taps)
"Butterfield's Lullaby," more commonly known as "Taps," has an interesting backstory rooted in American military history. It originated during the American Civil War in July 1862 when Union General Daniel Butterfield modified an existing bugle call, as he wanted a more emotive signal to end the day.
Butterfield’s Lullaby Lyrics
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
28. Frère Jacques (Brother John)
“Frère Jacques” is a French nursery rhyme and lullaby that is a nice way to get your baby to calm at night. The lyrics reference the morning, so you can remind your little one the sun will come again soon. The earliest known version of the song is from 1780.
Frère Jacques Lyrics
Frère Jacques
Dormez vous?
Sonnez les matines
Ding ding dong
Are you sleeping
Brother John
Morning bells are ringing
Ding ding dong
Final Thoughts
Parents often find there’s a magical power in the melody of a lullaby to soothe their baby to sleep. Adding a lullaby to your baby’s bedtime routine, which is already proven to wind them down before bed, is both an enjoyable and beneficial way to help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
If you want to know how to best support your baby with everything sleep, such as finding the best time to put them to sleep each night or how to set up their nursery, download the Smart Sleep Coach by PampersTM app. In addition to knowing how to craft the perfect bedtime routine for your unique baby, Smart Sleep Coach has tools to optimize their sleep schedule and adjust their routine as their sleep needs change.
Also, if your baby is waking up often at night, don’t forget to try a nighttime diaper. Using an extra-absorbent diaper such as Pampers Swaddlers Overnight is another way to promote longer stretches of sleep, for both you and your little one.
