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!
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Hand games toddlers and babies can do: Popular hand-play songs in childcare (1–10)
swirl washing machine
This song, where you can play by imagining how clothes feel inside a washing machine, is called “Swirly Washing Machine.” Place your baby on your legs and, in time with the lyrics, gently stroke or move their body, legs, and cheeks in circular motions.
At the end, hold your baby securely in your arms and spin your whole body together.
Not only does the gentle touch feel good, but the slightly more dynamic motion at the end is sure to delight your baby.
Have fun, and be careful so your baby doesn’t slip or fall!
Tottoko Stroll
This lively, active, and fun song for going on walks to all sorts of places is called “Tottoko Sampo.” Hold your baby close and gently sway to the rhythm.
When you reach a destination, all kinds of little accidents happen—like suddenly dropping down into a hole or getting whooshed by the wind! Match those moments by lowering your baby downward while holding them, or moving them in a soft, floating motion.
Your baby is sure to love those big movements! Sing it while looking forward to the day you can go on a real walk together.
Row the boat
A song that depicts going out on a boat to catch fish, “Ofune o Koide.” You play in a baby-massage style by moving the baby’s legs.
A small boat moves across the water using oars, right? Imitate that motion by pretending the baby’s legs are the oars and gently rotating them.
When the fish appear, imagine the legs are fish fins and wiggle them with a lively flapping motion.
Since you move the legs thoroughly, it becomes excellent exercise for the baby!
Rolling Eggs
Korokoro Tamago is a song about the journey from a round egg to a chick and then a full-grown chicken.
Imagining the egg rolling, you start by rotating your arms in circles.
Next, you make stroking motions as if gently rubbing the egg, in time with the lyrics.
As you go on, a chick hatches from the egg and grows into a chicken.
Since the chick and the chicken’s calls appear in the lyrics, match your movements to their sounds.
In the end, the chicken crows and morning arrives.
It’s a song that not only lets you enjoy a hand-play activity but also teaches about the egg’s growth.
Mickey Mouse March
When it comes to characters loved by children all over the world, Mickey Mouse is the first that comes to mind! Let’s try a fun hand-play song set to “Mickey Mouse March.” The melody stays the same, but the lyrics are different from the ones you usually hear and feature many Disney characters.
It also includes number play, so kids can enjoy learning numbers too.
You’ll use finger-counting to represent Mickey’s friends like Donald and Dumbo.
And of course, Mickey himself appears at the end! Have fun playing as if you’re making friends with Disney’s adorable characters.