Countless parents have used music as a soothing method to lull their little ones to sleep. Even the most fitful anti-snoozer will eventually succumb to slumber if the right tune is played. When it comes to the perfect sleeping songs, these 21 top picks will have babies dreaming peacefully in no time.
Sleeping Songs by Popular Musicians
These well-known musicians know how to top the music charts and put babies to sleep with some sweet sounds. Parents and infants alike can relax to these catchy lullabies performed by popular music artists.
Goodnight My Angel
Written by the legendary Billy Joel for his then seven year-old daughter Alexa, Goodnight My Angel will ease little ones to sleep while tugging at a parent's heartstrings. They are little for such a short time!
Baby Mine
Performed by country crooner Allison Krauss, Baby Mine will make you want to rock your sleeping sweet angel deep into the night. It's songs like this that make parents want another baby! There is nothing sweeter than a little snoozing angel. (Sidenote: If this song sounds familiar to you, but you can't put your finger on where you heard it, thank Disney productions. It was the song sung by Dumbo the Elephant's mom in the 1941 classic Disney movie, Dumbo.)
What a Wonderful World
This classic tune, written in 1967 by George David Weiss and George Douglas was performed by the great Louis Armstrong. It eases babies to sleep, reminding them that the universe has been made better all because they were born.
Brahms' Lullaby
Jewel's sweet cover of the well-noted song, Brahms' Lullaby, is precisely that: so sweet! (Like dripping with honey and fluffy kitties sweet). The folksy pop artist lends her ever-recognizable voice to the tune, creating a musical trance that will have babies slumbering in no time. This track should find its way onto every nighttime playlist.
Beautiful Boy
Beatles great John Lennon wrote Beautiful Boy for his son Sean. It was later redone by Ben Harper, and is now a staple lullaby that parents turn to when they need baby to go to sleep. This sweet sleeping song hits moms and dads in the feels for sure. You might want to keep a box of tissues next to the glider chair.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Somewhere Over the Rainbow is the heartfelt tune from the movie The Wizard and Oz. It's about hopes and dreams, perfect for any parent wishing their baby the very best in life as they fall into a deep sleep for the evening. It was remade by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, who pours his Hawaiian heritage into the melody, making it even more soothing than the original version.
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
There have probably been a few vivid moments of pure awe that are forever sealed in your memory, and one of these is the moment you laid eyes on your child for the first time. Celine Dion's cover of Roberta Flack's The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face really drives home that overwhelming feeling of love that overcomes a parent when they meet their baby.
Classic Bedtime Lullabies for Babies
These classic lullabies are ones that parents likely heard in their own childhood, making them all the more special when they are played for the next generation. These sweet tunes are perfect accompaniments for an evening cuddle with your baby.
You Are My Sunshine
Just about everyone is familiar with this popular children's song, but most people don't know that You Are My Sunshine was actually a country song first, not a lullaby. Performed by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1940, the original version was a bit peppy for naptime, but over time, the song has transformed into the perfect sleeping song for kids. To date, it has been recorded in 30 languages by more than 350 different artists and used by parents everywhere to help get kids to sleep. Jasmine Thompson's version of this beloved song is beyond beautiful.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is an old Christian hymn that was published in 1779. No need to follow the faith to enjoy this soothing tune, however. Its melody is beautiful, the lyrics are relatable, and it is a perfect tune to add to your evening routine with your baby. So many talented artists have done Amazing Grace over the years, but this version by Pentatonix is captivating.
When You Wish Upon a Star
When You Wish Upon a Star was written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington in 1940 for the Disney adaptation of Pinocchio. It's all about wishes and dreams, and no place on earth does wishes and dreams like Disney. It's a sweet tune that parents can easily hum along to if they don't know the full lyrics.
All The Pretty Little Horses
You'll get your baby to sleep with the gorgeous tune, All The Pretty Little Horses. The American classic has been done in numerous variations, and was even the inspiration behind the 1992 novel, All the Pretty Horses, by Cormac McCarthy.
Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is one of the most recognizable children's songs in the world. It has a rich history and background that babies won't care about, but parents might. Because of its familiarity, it is a soothing tune that easily lulls little ones to sleep. This song has many variations, ranging from upbeat children's versions to perfect-for-evening versions by current artists like Jewel and Lisa Loeb.
Modern Songs That Make Great Lullabies
These songs might not have been written with babies in mind, but when hearing them, you'll agree they make a great addition to an infant bedtime routine. Work them into the evening playlist for a non-traditional sleeping song.
Halo by Beyonce Knowles
Beyonce Knowles is known for her peppy R & B tunes, but Halo, while clearly written with a lover in mind and not a child, sounds like a perfect fit for an evening playlist. Your little lamb is your living angel on earth, and they might as well have a halo encircling their precious head. It's a great wind-down song and a tribute to the one you love the most, which is clearly your baby!
Blackbird by The Beatles
Blackbird is a quiet tribute to your child, who will someday spread their tiny wings, leave your nest and go do great things in the world. Hold them close while you play this song, because they won't be little forever.
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
You waited for your baby for what seemed like a thousand years. Artist Christina Perri knows the feeling, as she expresses it in her hit song, A Thousand Years. Sure, the tune was written for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, but it can definitely be added to a lullaby list. You will love your baby for eternity, so send them to sleep knowing exactly that with this sweet sleeping song.
We're Gonna Be Friends by The White Stripes
You wouldn't think anything written or performed by The White Stripes would make it into an infant nursery at night, but We're Gonna Be Friends is actually a great evening tune for parents and babies. Did you ever think in your wildest dreams that you would give birth to your little bestie? Probably not, but here you both are! Jamming to The White Stripes before turning in for the night.
My Wish by Rascal Flatts
You likely already have a closet full of wishes for your baby, so My Wish, by country group, Rascal Flatts, is the perfect song to sing to them as you rock them to sleep. It does a great job at capturing all that you imagine for your child as they grow up.
Peaceful Classical Music for Babies
These classical melodies could not have been easy to compose, but they sure are easy on the ears. Try not to nod off to them with your baby, as they are guaranteed to mellow everyone out, parents included!
Satie's Gymnopédie No.1
If you both aren't asleep halfway through composer Erik Satie's musical masterpiece Satie's Gymnopédie No. 1, then something might be amiss! The instrumental slow-moving musical piece will make both you and baby feel as if you are drifting off to sleep on a sea of musical waves. So peaceful.
Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9, No.2
Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2 in all its piano perfection was made for evenings in a rocking chair with your baby. It might also make you want to waltz about the nursery for a moment, but nevertheless, it's an absolute must when it comes to a classic for bedtime.
Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata
It's haunting, serene, and beautiful enough to bring tears to your eyes. Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata fits perfectly into a night cloaked in darkness. Hold your infant snugly and let the music carry them away to slumberland.
Debussy - Rêverie
Rêverie means "dream," so there is no discussion regarding whether or not it fits the bill when it comes to sleeping songs. It's a lovely choice to help tots nod off to sleep.
Setting the Stage for Sleep
Regardless of what music you work into your baby's nighttime routine, you'll want to set the stage for sleep in other ways as well. Be sure to turn the lights low, removing excess sensory stimulation. Turn your temperature controls to a number between 68 degrees and 72 degrees, and place your baby in a safe sleep sack instead of a blanket. With a carefully set serene environment and the perfect sleeping songs on repeat, there is no way your little one won't be soundly sleeping in no time flat.
