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Hand games toddlers and infants can do. Popular hand play songs in childcare

Here’s an introduction to recommended finger-play songs for babies and toddlers.

Finger-play songs are a popular way to communicate with babies who can’t speak yet and a favorite play activity for toddlers.

Once you start a finger-play song, kids get super interested—many will try to imitate you!

Beyond building a sense of rhythm, finger-play songs also help develop the body by encouraging children to move their hands and fingers as they intend.

They’re almost always incorporated in childcare settings.

We’ve gathered finger-play songs that are popular with toddlers, as well as ones that babies can enjoy just by listening, so be sure to give them a try!

Hand play activities for babies and toddlers. Popular hand-play songs in childcare (41–50)

Tick-tock Clock

Baby hand-play song “Tick-Tock, The Clock” — A class that makes childcare even more fun
Tick-tock Clock

A recommended fingerplay song for babies is “Tick-Tock, Little Clock.” You can poke your baby gently with your index finger in time with the song, rotate their arms in a circle, and more—it’s a fingerplay that helps you communicate with your baby.

Give it a try!

French bread

Babymo April 2011 issue Hand-play song “French Bread” [Shufunotomo Co., Ltd.]
French bread

The hand-play song “French Bread” is a recommended activity for babies.

As you sing along, gently squeeze-massage the baby’s arms and tickle their body while you play.

When you tickle their body, smiles naturally appear, so be sure to give it a try.

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands

[Hand Play Song] If You're Happy and You Know It — A nursery rhyme that makes babies smile and rejoice
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands

The hand-play song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” is more suited for toddlers who’ve grown a bit, rather than for infants.

It’s a game where everyone sings together and uses their hands and feet to make sounds in time with the music.

Since lots of children can do it together, please give it a try!

In conclusion

How did you like the hand games I introduced? Since there are many traditional hand-game songs that have been passed down for generations, your parents might have found a nostalgic one, too.

As mentioned at the beginning, hand games and hand-game songs are a fun way to support children’s development.

Try enjoying them together—even with a newborn during the lying-down stage—perhaps while giving a baby massage.