[For 0-year-olds] Recommended songs for babies: A special feature on bonding play and traditional nursery rhymes

Tickle Tickle Train

Do you know the song “Tickle Tickle Train”? While gently touching your child’s tummy, the adult moves their hands up and down.

For the “Is it this way? Or that way?” part, move the child’s arms slightly to the left and right.

The key moment is at the final stop.

Gently tickle their tummy or sides.

You might see your child’s smile overflow.

At the final stop, it’s recommended to change the tickle spot—feet, cheeks, back—depending on how your child is positioned at that moment.

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The Chocolate Song

By gently incorporating the song “Chocolate” and singing softly, it seems your child will enjoy joining in.

During the “chocolate” part, lightly touch your child’s face with your fingertips.

The warmth of your hands will help them feel at ease.

At the end, while naming the shapes of chocolate, touch their tummy as if drawing those shapes.

You can draw any shapes you like—squares, triangles, double circles, and so on.

It’s recommended to speed up or slow down the song while watching how your child responds.

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Toy Cha-Cha-Cha

“Toy Cha-Cha-Cha” (with choreography) [Japanese song / shoka]

While you sleep at night, the toys jump out of the toy box and play! “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha” sings about that wondrous scene, just like a famous animated film.

Its rhythmic melody alone can put your baby in a happy mood.

It’s also recommended to move the toys you actually have in front of your baby and add a little twist as you sing! There’s a hand-play version that matches the lyrics, so be sure to give that a try too.

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SAKI

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somen (thin Japanese wheat noodles)

[Baby 👶 Delighted] “Somen (cold noodles)” Summer bonding play 💓 0-year-olds 😻 So fun! They laugh 😽 ♪ Let’s enjoy playing with baby! [Parent-child, nursery, kindergarten] Stops crying

This is a baby massage song performed by stroking the body in time with the lyrics “Somen somen tsuru-tsuru.” By varying the sensations—like flowing somen, three-color somen, poured-over somen, and chilled somen—you’ll likely bring out your baby’s smiles.

Because there are no big movements and it involves gentle strokes while the baby lies down, it can be done safely from the newborn stage.

By adjusting the intensity of stimulation, toddlers can enjoy it too.

Look closely at your child’s face and touch them gently.

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kojifumi

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To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

Hands to the Sun — Vocals: AI Kiritan (with lyrics)

It’s a classic children’s song brimming with the joy and hope of living.

Through the sight of blood glowing red when you hold your palm up to the sun, it gently conveys the preciousness of life.

With earthworms, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures appearing, its warm melody teaches the wonder of living together.

The lyrics, imbued with Takashi Yanase’s deep sentiments, harmonize beautifully with the bright tune crafted by Izumi Taku.

First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it was performed by the Boys’ Jacks on the 1965 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It was later included in elementary school music textbooks and has continued to be cherished by many.