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

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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Rolling EggsSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Fushou

[Hand Play Song] An active nursery teacher demonstrates “Korokoro Tamago”! [With singing and gestures]

The hand-play song “Korokoro Tamago,” which repeats the same motions, is also recommended.

It depicts an egg rolling, a chick that hatches and walks, and a grown chicken crowing.

You show the egg by making a fist and rolling your arms, the chick by moving your index finger up and down, and the chicken by flapping your hands.

All the motions are simple, so it’s considered easy for children to imitate from an early stage.

Another appeal is that kids can enjoy moving their bodies in big, dynamic ways.

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yamamoto

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Knock knock knock knock, Grandpa with a beardSakushi: Fushō / Sakkyoku: Tamayama Hidenobu

Tap tap tap tap, Grandpa with a beard

It’s a hand-clapping song that’s super popular with kids.

Even tiny babies will laugh out loud when you sing it with big, exaggerated facial expressions and hand movements! It’s perfect for caregivers trying hand-play songs for the first time.

You can have fun by changing things up—try making a deliberately sad face with a lower tone of voice, or sing it faster or slower.

There are lots of ways to play with it.

Since you can move your body together while you play, it’s perfect for enjoying at home on a rainy day!

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Maron

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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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