As a new mom, I know how important it is to share music with my newborn. Studies show that when babies listen to music, it encourages their development by stimulating their senses and aiding the formation of neural connections in their brains. Here are five songs my family and I love to share with baby!
“Really Rosie”
Who can resist Rosie, the star and narrator of this kid-oriented musical, composed and performed by Carole King. She kicks it off with a song about herself, which I jammed to as a kid. And guess what? My son loves to jam to it too!
“Don’t You Cry”
Perhaps this ballad from a fave heavy metal band isn’t what comes to mind when you think of songs for your baby, but my son loves this song! It was quite a random discovery: my son was making the sad pre-cry face, and I told him “Don’t you cry.” Next thing I knew I was doing my best Axl Rose imitation and he was smiling and dancing. I think it may be the lyrics… “Don’t you cry tonight, I still love you baby…” Who ever thought Guns N’ Roses would be the key to soothing baby?
“Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts”
In my house, we don’t wait for Christmas to sing this merry jingle. This is a wonderful song that my baby absolutely adores. I think it’s because of the fun, baby-friendly lyric “goody goody, yum yum yum!” So glad I found this gem again on YouTube to share with my little one!
“Loving You”
This is Auntie’s fave song to play for her nephew. She loves the sentiment of the lyrics (loving you is easy ’cause you’re beautifulΓǪ) And the “la la la la la” part always seems to lull him right to sleep.
“Wheels On The Bus”
This is what my son’s grandmother loves to play for Baby Chase. It’s the classic children’s hit with a twist: Chiku Awali African Dance, Arts & Culture, a non profit dance organization out of Rockland County, N.Y., play African drumbeats in this rendition of the kids’ fave. She’s already ordering my son his own little jembe so he can play along in tune. Pick up a copy of this and other famous kids songs that have the added flair of Cajun, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Jazz, Irish, Roots, African Drumming, Cuban, Soul, Funk and Folk music at 15songseverykidshouldknow.com.
