We’ve gathered music you’ll want to play for your baby.
We’ll introduce a variety of options: sleep music perfect for bedtime, classical music that supports brain development, Japanese children’s songs, and background music that makes time with your baby more enjoyable.
Life with a baby can be more challenging than you expect.
Many moms and dads may find they barely have time to sleep and can’t catch a break.
In those moments, try relying on music that can ease the burden of putting your baby to sleep or make little pockets of time more enjoyable.
- [Baby Sleep Music] Soothing music/BGM that lulls your baby to sleep
- Nursery rhymes to sing to your baby! Recommended songs enjoyable from 0 months
- [Lullabies] Classical music you’ll want your baby to hear: Sleep music
- Lullabies of the World: Beloved and Popular International Songs That Soothe Children
- Music That Soothes a Crying Baby | Recommended Songs to Lull Them into a Comfortable Sleep
- Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
- Music that’s good for prenatal care: classic masterpieces and popular recommended songs to help mom and baby relax
- [Lullabies] Gentle songs to help babies sleep — soothing lullabies for your little one
- [Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
- Recommended classical masterpieces for BGM. Soothing classical music.
- A highly popular sound used in baby posts on TikTok
- [Lullaby] Gentle masterpieces that soothe the heart—music box melodies to help your baby sleep soundly
- Lullabies: children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes. Nostalgic songs for putting children to sleep.
Music to play for babies: classical, sleep music, nursery rhymes, and BGM (1–10)
Ave MariaFurantsu Shūberuto
Often called the “King of Song,” Austrian composer Franz Schubert wrote this piece that many people encountered in elementary school.
Officially titled “Ellen’s Gesang III,” it is commonly known as “Schubert’s Ave Maria.” However, it does not carry the original religious meaning of the words; rather, it is known as music set to Walter Scott’s narrative poem “The Lady of the Lake.” Though not sacred music, its grand, hymn-like, enveloping vocals can soothe a baby’s anxiety.
It’s a highly popular classical number among Schubert’s songs—one you’ll want to play for restless babies or those who have trouble falling asleep.
Celtic Music CollectionBGM
Known as commercial music derived from traditional music rooted in the Nordic region, it has a distinctive style: within the rustic atmosphere typical of folk music, you can feel catchy phrases that also connect to popular music, which makes it very pleasant.
In Japan, it’s often used in games with strong fantasy elements, so many people may find the style familiar.
The melodies are lively yet tinged with melancholy and somehow calming, gently lulling babies to sleep while keeping a cheerful mood.
It’s recommended as a unique type of lullaby BGM.
My Neighbor TotoroJiburi
The ending theme of the feature-length animated film My Neighbor Totoro, released in 1988 and undeniably one of Studio Ghibli’s signature works.
It’s a single by Azumi Inoue, a female singer known for performing many Ghibli songs, and alongside the opening theme “Sanpo,” it perfectly captures the film’s atmosphere.
The lyrics trace the story of the movie, and the bright, cheerful melody is sure to bring a smile to any baby’s face.
It’s a song that lifts your spirits just by listening, and it’s perfect as background music when playing with a baby.
Wish Upon a StarDizunī
A song that became globally famous as the theme of Disney’s 1940 film Pinocchio.
It was the first Disney song to win an Oscar, and many people know the tune even if they haven’t seen the movie.
Covered by artists around the world across genres, it’s clear that the song has been loved across generations.
With its simple and gentle melody that soothes babies, it’s a perfect number for bedtime.
Lullabydōyō
This piece, often heard in music boxes and the like, was released in 1921 with lyrics by Hakushū Kitahara and music by Shin Kusakawa.
As you’d expect from artists who left behind so many masterpieces in children’s songs, it’s a simple yet wonderful composition.
In 2007, it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and it’s a piece that evokes a sense of the Japanese spiritual hometown.
If you listen while picturing the succession of colors that appear in the lyrics, it feels soothing not only for children but for adults as well.
It’s a song I hope will continue to be sung for generations.
JogaBjörk
Opening in a solemn atmosphere, this song is “Jóga,” released in 1997 by the Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk.
It’s a beautiful piece where her vocals and the strings harmonize exquisitely.
While not a bright song, Björk’s expansive voice, like gentle waves, is soothing.
She wrote it inspired by her own experience of being deeply moved by human vitality.
It’s a song that conveys the strength of life—one you’d want to play for a baby.
Hawaiian musicBGM
Hawaiian music, beloved in Hawaii, is said to have a healing effect on listeners.
Many songs are slow to medium tempo and mostly in major keys, which may help promote relaxation.
It’s also good for babies to listen to various genres with minimal stimulation, so instead of deliberately choosing children’s songs, it might be nice to play music like this.
Background tracks that include the sound of waves are also recommended.