Night time nursery rhyme

9 Nursery Rhymes About Sleep for Toddlers and Preschoolers

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Here are some great bedtime nursery rhymes with lyrics to sing with your little ones. 

Some of them have long verses with soothing words that are best read to them, if you’d like to lull them off to sleep. 

Remember that even rhymes for sleep have all the same educational benefits as singing nursery rhymes, such as developing auditory perception and other pre-reading skills.

They are also great for developing vocabulary.

1. Go To Bed Late

This tiny rhyme is a fun one to teach your toddlers and preschoolers if they are resisting going to bed. Here’s hoping it convinces them!

Go to bed late,
Stay very small

Go to bed early,
Grow very tall.

2. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

By Jane Taylor [source]

This is the first bedtime rhyme many children learn so your kids will probably already be familiar with it, but did you know there are several verses to this song?

Why not attempt the rest of this song and see if your child can sing along to another verse or two.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon.
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark.
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.

In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep.
For you never shut your eye,
‘Till the sun is in the sky.

As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveller in the dark.
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

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.
How I wonder what you are.

3. Star Light, Star Bright

Here is a song that will make your little ones sleepy, and they can sing along too.

Star light
Star bright
First star I see tonight
Wish I may
Wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight

Here is the tune by Super Simple Songs

4. Rock-a-Bye Baby

This is a classic lullaby, sung by parents all over the world.

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.

5. Hop Little Bunnies

This song might wake your kids more than put them to sleep, but it is just the cutest and your toddler will love singing it and jumping to the beat.

See the bunnies sleeping, 
Till it’s nearly noon.
Shall we wake them with a merry tune?
They’re so still,
Are they ill?
Wake up little bunnies.

Hop little bunnies,
Hop hop hop, hop hop hop,
Hop hop hop.
Hop little bunnies,
Hop hop hop hop hop hop.

See the bunnies sleeping,
Till it’s nearly noon.
Shall we wake them with a merry tune?
They’re so still, 
Are they ill?
Wake up little bunnies.

Jump little bunnies, 
Jump jump jump, jump jump jump, 
Jump jump jump.
Jump little bunnies, 
Jump jump jump jump jump jump.

In the third verse, the bunnies can skip.

Listen to the tune here

6. Bed In Summer

By Robert Louis Stevenson

This clever little poem is all about going to bed in summer, when the birds are still awake and it’s light outside, and you’d rather still be playing.

In winter I get up at night,  
And dress by yellow candle-light.  
In summer, quite the other way,  
I have to go to bed by day.  

I have to go to bed and see,         
The birds still hopping on the tree.  
Or hear the grown-up people’s feet,  
Still going past me in the street.  

And does it not seem hard to you,  
When all the sky is clear and blue,
And I should like so much to play,  
To have to go to bed by day?

Watch Mogo recite this cute rhyme.

7. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

This action song is also a cute rhyme to sing before bedtime. [source]

Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, I love you.
(Give child a hug)

Teddy bear, teddy bear, go up stairs,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, say your prayers.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn out the light,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, say good night.
(Lay head on hands)

8. The Evening is Coming

This is a beautiful lullaby to sing to your children.

The evening is coming, the sun sinks to rest,
The crows are all flying straight home to their nest.
“Caw” says the crow as she flies over head,
“It’s time little children were going to bed!”

Here comes the pony, his work is all done,
Down through the meadow, he takes a good run.
Up go his heels and down goes his head,
It’s time little children were going to bed.

Play the tune here

9. Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite

This is not really a bedtime song for kids, but it’s one of my favourites and I often just sing the first verse. It was first recorded by The Spaniels in 1953. [source]

Good night sweetheart, well it’s time to go
Good night sweetheart, well it’s time to go
I hate to leave you but I really must say
Oh good night sweetheart, good night

This is a great version

I hope you’ve enjoyed these bedtime songs for kids! Here are more preschool songs.

Source:

Parragon. 2017. A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes. Paragon Books: Bath.

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Lullabies and Bedtime Nursery Rhymes

Children love when their parents sing lullabies for them - regardless of your singing voice. It will anyway make them feel safe and relaxed! So you have no excuses - enjoy singing lullabies for your kids!

Are your baby awake? See here for perfect nursery rhymes for babies!

Did you know. .. that lullabies can be found in every human culture?

All That Pretty Horses	Beautiful lullaby that is recommended by NurseryRhymes.org.
Baa Baa Black Sheep	This lovely nursery rhyme can very well be used as a lullaby, if you sing it gently.
Brahms Lullaby	This beautiful lullaby is a true classic!
Bye Baby Bunting	Popular lullaby. Bye Baby Bunting has been used as a lullaby for generations.
Cheeks of Rose	Cheeks of Rose, Tiny Toes (also called Our Baby). Cute nursery rhyme and lullaby
Cradle Song	Lullaby published in 1603 that is used in The Beatles' song Golden Slumbers.
Early to Bed	This is not actually a lullaby, but a rhyme about going early to bed.
Hush, Little Baby	A beautiful lullaby that makes the child (and you) sleepy in no time...
Rock-a-bye Baby	Popular lullaby that is over 240 years old!
Sleep, Baby, Sleep	Beautiful, traditional lullaby that is sung in different versions. We give you the most common versions - enjoy!
To Bed, To Bed	Old nursery rhyme written in Great Britain. This rhyme is perfect singing while preparing for bed, but it can also be used as a lullaby.
Ten in a Bed	This is not a classic lullaby, but it can be used as one if you sing it gently.
Ten Little Fingers	Popular rhyme about the body. It can also be used as a lullaby.
The Skye Boat	A beautiful Scottish folk song that is used as a lullaby all over the world.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star	A beautiful lullaby that is highly recommended by NurseryRhymes.org.
Wee Willie Winkie	Why not sing the cute nursery rhyme about Willie Winkie before sleep?

Lullabies | listen online

Download or listen online the most famous and favorite lullabies for babies.

Listen online lullabies

• 1

  Sleep tired toys

  02:30

• 2

  Kalykhanka

  03:21

• 9000 3 9000 9000 9000 9000)

  4

  Sleep my joy sleep

  03:06

• 5

  Swarks Sing a cricket

  03:01

• 6

  02:54

• 7000

  :11

• 8 9000 9000 9000 03:00

• 04:34

• 10

  05:34

• 06:23

  03

  05:49

• 14

  05:58

• 15,0003

  05:28

• 16,0002 Bai Bayushki-bai

  01:19 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000:19 01:19 PM 17

  Lullaby to baby

  03:19

• 18

  Winter Tale

  02:25

• 19,0003

  :05

• 20000 9000 2:0014

• 21

  04:03

• 22

  Christmas bells

  03:32

• 23,0002

  23 9000 9000 01:11:11 9000 01:11:11 9000 01:11: The world fell asleep

  02:30

Playlists

• Banilaski lullabies
• Lullabies up to a year
• Lullabies from around the world
rock-roll style 0015

Today's mothers live according to hours, even children live according to a strict daily routine. Mothers sing lullabies for children less and less, and if they sing, then to put them to bed. Often, doubting their singing abilities, instead of children's lullabies, mothers turn on ordinary music, quiet, most often classical. In the worst case, the child falls asleep to the sound of television broadcasts.

Shops with goods for children are strewn with numerous educational toys, including musical ones, but we must not forget that children's lullabies performed by mothers are an important means of a child's development, the first communication with him and the exchange of emotions. The absence of a voice in the mother's eyes is not a reason to deprive the child of joy and moments of intimacy before bedtime. The message of tenderness sent to the child by a loving mother is very important. nine0003

When and how to sing lullabies to a baby

Lullabies are needed for babies who can not sleep during the day or evening hours. At times, mothers have to resort to all sorts of tricks, calming a naughty child with a slight swaying. Lullabies for babies often do not contain words - the child is soothed by the mere presence of the mother, her warmth. Children who are learning to speak already understand the meaning of the words, so while singing, an invisible connection is established between them and their mothers. nine0003

Sometimes it's hard to remember the words to a song - mothers don't really know that much. So that you can not only sing to your child, but also do it with benefit, we have collected only the best works. Don't know the motive? Listen in advance to an audio recording performed by famous performers on our website.

Please note that when we replace lullabies for children with fairy tales, we are often in too much of a hurry. Lullabies should continue to be sung until school years. The child is comfortable at such moments, because the mother is not only nearby, but also strokes him, which quickly calms him down. nine0003

Children's lullaby will teach not only to listen, but also to hear

It's really sad when small children fall asleep to the sound of TV, and the influence of these moments on a child's development can hardly be overestimated. Lullabies for babies are necessary for healthy sleep, like a gentle mother's kiss, mother's hugs. There are never too many lullabies, never too many. Mother's caress in these songs is needed for newborn children, preschoolers and even younger schoolchildren.

It can be difficult for parents to put their child to sleep, sometimes they just do not invent or invent. However, there is no need to reinvent the wheel - baby lullabies will be the best sleeping pill for a baby. Our ancestors even attached a mystical meaning to such songs, Buka, Drema met there ... From time immemorial, with the help of lullabies, mothers wished their babies peace and happiness. The child will not listen to any other song so attentively, even if his eyes are closed, he falls asleep, all the same, mother's love will forever be imprinted in his subconscious. Your baby will hear and remember the magic words of intimacy with the dearest person in the world - mom. nine0003

By the way, there are a lot of lullabies for babies, folk, author's, from cartoons and movies - the choice is truly huge. Your heart will tell you which one is best for your baby.

Affectionate fairy-tale songs for sleep | Samara Regional Children's Library

A lullaby is a message
in which the love of generations is encrypted

Dear mothers! And, of course, grandmothers! And maybe dads and grandpas! And all, all who are interested in learning more about wise, magical and always a little mysterious lullabies! nine0003

You probably want to sing a lullaby when you put your baby to bed. But what a shame when the words are not remembered! We will share with you some information about this amazing song genre.

We hope that our small but very significant selection of poems will save you in the future from having to hum the motive of a lullaby song without words. And your baby in such moments will feel truly protected.

Experts unanimously strongly recommend young mothers to sing lullabies to babies from birth. What about from birth? Even an unborn child reacts to a lullaby. Mom's singing is food not only for emotional, but also for intellectual development. Moreover, vocal data does not play any role at all! In addition, the mother's singing establishes a strong bond between her and the baby and contributes to the proper development of the child and successful childbirth. It is believed that mother's singing helps the baby more confidently endure the birth and prepare for life in this world. nine0003

But now the child is born, and the mother's voice is already heard over the child's cradle. It doesn’t matter what the mother sings about, and whether her song turns out to be so coherent. The main thing is that she should sing from the heart, that her lullabies should be light, and that they reflect love for the baby. A lullaby is a message in which the love of generations is encrypted. It brings joy, tenderness, peace and tranquility. This quiet song extinguishes the anxiety and excitement of the baby. And the words can be quite simple:

Bayu-by, across the river

The sun has gone to rest.

At Marusiny Gates

Bunnies lead a round dance.

Bunnies, bunnies

The soft, soothing melody of the lullaby goes well with the cooing of the doves perched on the roof. Therefore, "ghouls" often in such songs help to rock the baby.

Lyuli, lyuli, oh, lyuli,

Doves have arrived.

The ghouls began to coo,

Rock our baby.

Bye-bye, bye-bye,

Go to sleep soon.

Bye-bye, bye-bye,

Sleep, my little one, sleep.

The traditional character of lullabies is often a cat, an indispensable inhabitant of a village house. A warm, fluffy, sweetly purring creature, which the baby can not only watch, but also stroke, involuntarily evokes in him associations with a pleasant state of sleep.

You, cat-cat,

Kitten - gray pubis,

Come, kitty, spend the night,

Download my baby.

Will I tell you, cat?

You eat, don't crumble,

Lay down our baby!

But among the lullabies there are those that could be classified as horror stories: forest

Under the willow bush! nine0003

Such songs are also needed. They figuratively let the child understand: there is a world of “own” and “foreign”, they call for caution and not to go to the “border” - the edge.

Still, for the most part, lullabies are good songs that help form first impressions that will later evoke the need for spiritual words and music. The kid will grow up, and his mother will be able to introduce him to high poetry, develop his literary taste, and enrich him with new images. First, these will be lullabies of children's poets, for example, A. Barto and I. Tokmakova:

***

Time to sleep! The steer fell asleep,

He lay down in a box on a barrel.

Sleepy bear went to bed.

Only the elephant does not want to sleep.

The elephant nods his head,

He bows to the elephant.

A. Barto

***

Ding dong. Ding dong.

An elephant walks in an alley.

Old, sleepy, gray elephant.

Ding dong. Ding dong.

It became dark in the room:

Elephant blocks the window. nine0003

Or is it a dream?

Ding dong. Ding dong.

I. Tokmakova

Perhaps some time will pass and a mother will hear a lullaby performed by an already grown-up daughter or son, bending over their child's bed. This will mean that everything was done correctly at the time. Especially if the baby in the cradle falls asleep, for example, listening to a song of amazing beauty and emotional content to the verses by A. Maikov :

Sleep, my child, sleep! nine0003

Sweet dream beckon:

I took you as a babysitter

Wind, sun and an eagle.

The eagle flew home;

The sun disappeared under the water;

Wind, after three nights,

Rushing to his mother.

Vetra asks his mother:

“Where did you want to disappear?

Ali star fought?

Did Ali drive the waves?” –

“I did not drive the waves of the sea,

I did not touch the golden stars;

I protected the child,

Rocked the cradle!”

Try to learn the lyrics of the lullabies below and sing them to your child. A sound healthy sleep of the baby will be a grateful answer to you.

Texts of lullabies

Villy Vinka Broke

Willy Vinka

Walks and looks:

Who did not remove the boots?

Who is still awake?

Suddenly knocks on the window

Or blows on the door:

Willy-Winky baby

Go to bed.

Where are you, Willy Winky?

Climb into our window.

Cat on a featherbed

Has been sleeping for a long time,

Horses are sleeping in the stable,

The dog began to doze,

Only the boy Johnny

Does not go to bed.

(Scottish folk song translated by I. Tokmakova)

Lullaby

Sleep, my boy! The birds are sleeping; nine0003

The lionesses fed the cubs;

Leaning against the oaks, fell asleep

Timid roe deer in the grove;

Fish slumber under water;

Gray catfish is resting.

Only wolves, only owls

Ready to walk at night,

Prowling, looking for where to steal,

Opening their beak and mouth.

Our lamp is lit.

Sleep, my boy, peacefully, sweetly.

Sleep like fish, birds, lions,

Like bugs in grass bushes,

Like in lairs, burrows, nests

Animals lying down for rest…

Howling of wolves and cries of owls,

Do not disturb children's dreams!

V. Bryusov

A quiet song