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

Close It, Open ItSakushi: Fushō / Sakkyoku: Rusō

♪Close Them, Open Them

Musunde Hiraite, which also helps with a baby’s development, is a nursery rhyme loved across generations and is popular as a hand-play song.

While your baby is lying on their back, gently help them open and close their hands.

Movements like raising the hands up or spreading them to the sides become full-body exercise.

When the lyrics mention stars, airplanes, or frogs, parents can act them out to make it even more fun! Above all, it lets parents touch their baby with love, so it’s recommended for those who value close, affectionate interaction.

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miyabi

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aye-ayeSakushi: Aida Hiromi / Sakkyoku: Uno Seiichirō

Baby Exercises with Mom ≪3≫ [Ai-Ai♪]: Loosen the shoulders, elbows, and wrists for a more mobile upper body

This is a children’s song about the aye-aye, which lives on a southern island and has big round eyes and a long tail.

With its bright, lively rhythm, it’s perfect for baby exercises! Singing while gently loosening your baby’s shoulders, elbows, and wrists will surely make them feel good and cheerful.

When you sing, try soothing your baby by mimicking the aye-aye’s round eyes and long tail with gestures.

It’s fun for both parents and babies, so give it a try.

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miyabi

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Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-catSakushi/Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naozumi

Piglet, raccoon dog, fox, cat

The children’s song “Kobuta, Tanuki, Kitsune, Neko” is a nursery rhyme sung while playing a word-chain game with animal names.

It was written and composed by Naotsumi Yamamoto, who created many pieces of music for nursery rhymes, TV dramas, and films, including “Ichinensei ni Nattara.” Because the song repeats the names of the animals that appear in the title, it’s easy to remember, and children who are just starting to talk may be able to mimic the lyrics and sing along.

In the second verse, you imitate each animal’s call.

The quirky onomatopoeic words are likely a curious and amusing highlight for kids.

Be sure to add hand motions to match the animals as you sing!

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SAKI

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Head, Shoulders, Knees—pon!Sakushi: Fushō / Sakkyoku: Igirisu minyō

Head, shoulders, knees, pat (with actions)

Have fun touching your own body with “Head, Shoulders, Knees—Clap.” It’s sung to the melody of the English nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down.” As you sing, do hand motions by touching the body parts mentioned in the lyrics.

If it’s “head,” touch your head; for eyes or nose, pointing is fine too.

After touching your knees, clap once.

First, let your child watch the moves, then have them imitate you, or gently guide their hands and move together.

It’s also a great chance for them to learn the names of their body parts and discover what each place is called.

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SAKI

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Under the big chestnut treeSakushi / Sakkyoku: Fushou

Under the Big Chestnut Tree | Song & Dance | For Ages 2–3 | Kodomo Challenge Pocket [Shimajiro Channel Official]

A classic song at daycares and kindergartens, “Under the Big Chestnut Tree.” It’s often included in baby toys that play music, so most people have probably heard it at least once.

The simple yet large gestures that match the cute melody are likely to delight even babies whose vision isn’t fully developed yet.

After they turn one, it becomes a fun children’s song you can enjoy together.

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sasashina

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Mr. ElephantSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma

“Elephant – Zou San | Elephant, elephant, your nose is so long, isn’t it? [Japanese Song / Children’s Song]”

The children’s song “Zō-san,” featuring an adorable elephant parent and child.

Babies might not understand the lyrics yet, but the gentle, leisurely melody will likely feel soothing to them.

If you sing it softly, it could even work as a lullaby.

When Mom or Dad sings, using your arms to show the elephant’s long trunk will catch the baby’s eye.

Someday, go to the zoo together and sing while looking forward to the day you’ll see a real elephant.

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SAKI

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Shopping at the bakery

Shopping at the bakery (interactive play) Nap time Ages 0+

This is a baby massage song with distinctive lyrics that imagine a baby’s face as different kinds of bread.

Gently cup your baby’s face with your hands like a sandwich, plump cheeks become melon bread, the tiny nose is a twisted doughnut, and the cute ears are bread crusts—touch each part in time with the lyrics.

Occasionally give the body light, playful pokes to stimulate and help the baby sense where they’re being touched.

Some babies may dislike having their faces touched at first, but as they get used to it, they’ll gradually start to smile.

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kojifumi

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