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

a round eggLyrics and music by Hiroshi Machida

Round Little Egg [Fingerplay Song]

“Maarui Tamago” is a hand-play song themed around eggs, and the hand movements that match the onomatopoeia and mimetic words give a delightfully fun impression.

First, you put your hands together to represent a round egg.

Then you act out the egg cracking and a chick emerging from inside.

Since it features many onomatopoeic and mimetic expressions that children tend to love, it’s likely to capture their interest even more.

Another fun point is that sometimes a creature that doesn’t exist in real life hatches from the egg.

strollLyrics by Rieko Nakagawa / Music by Joe Hisaishi

♪ Stroll – Let’s walk, let’s walk, I’m feeling great~ ♪ <with choreography> [Studio Ghibli film “My Neighbor Totoro” opening theme]

This bright, cheerful march-style song is perfect for connecting with your child.

It was included on the album “My Neighbor Totoro Image Song Collection” released in November 1987, and is also well known as the opening theme song of Studio Ghibli’s animated film “My Neighbor Totoro.” The lyrics were written by children’s author Rieko Nakagawa, with music composed by Joe Hisaishi.

Its appeal lies in a simple melody that conveys a positive feeling and warm, heartfelt lyrics.

Because it’s easy to sing while moving energetically, it’s also recommended for musical play in preschools and kindergartens.

It’s a wonderful piece you can enjoy together—holding hands, interacting, and facing your child as you share the experience.

Pop goes the egg.Lyrics by Tomoko Sakura / Music by Natsue Washizu

Hand-play and touch interaction song “Tamago o Pon” [Shufunotomo Co., Ltd.]

Hold the baby’s hands and bring them together as if cracking an egg.

From there, to the rhythm of the song, gently touch their face, neck, and body—this interactive play is called “Tamagowo Pon.” Raw egg, fried egg, boiled egg… the cute lyrics are delightful, aren’t they? And of course, zero-year-olds are as adorable as little jewels.

If you see a smile during this touch-time, it will make you happy too.

Talking to the baby while touching their body supports their emotional development and helps with stress care.

It’s also known as “touch care.”

Rolling EggsLyrics by: Michio Mado / Composer: Unknown

[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.

aye-ayeLyrics by Hiromi Aida / Music by Seiichirō Uno

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.

Knock knock knock knock, Grandpa with a beardLyrics: Unknown / Music: Hidemitsu Tamayama

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!

Under the big chestnut treeLyrics/Music: Unknown

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.