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

Panda, rabbit, koalaLyrics by Hiroo Takada / Music by Yuki Inui

Panda, Bunny, Koala ♪

How about “Panda, Rabbit, Koala,” a hand-play song that became widely popular thanks to the NHK educational program Okaasan to Issho (With Mother)? The song is known for having lyrics written by Hiroo Takada.

It invites children to imitate the movements of the panda, rabbit, and koala that appear in the lyrics.

Its appeal also lies in the built-in variations and game-like elements, such as the tempo gradually speeding up.

Adding brief explanations between verses—like “Let’s line them up!”—might make it even more enjoyable.

Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-catLyrics/Music: Naosumi Yamamoto

Piglet, raccoon dog, fox, cat

The children’s song “Kobuta, Tanuki, Kitsune, Neko” is a nursery rhyme sung while playing a word-chain game with animal names.

It was written and composed by Naotsumi Yamamoto, who created many pieces of music for nursery rhymes, TV dramas, and films, including “Ichinensei ni Nattara.” Because the song repeats the names of the animals that appear in the title, it’s easy to remember, and children who are just starting to talk may be able to mimic the lyrics and sing along.

In the second verse, you imitate each animal’s call.

The quirky onomatopoeic words are likely a curious and amusing highlight for kids.

Be sure to add hand motions to match the animals as you sing!

Mr. ElephantLyrics: Michio Mado / Music: Ikuma Dan

“Elephant – Zou San | Elephant, elephant, your nose is so long, isn’t it? [Japanese Song / Children’s Song]”

The children’s song “Zō-san,” featuring an adorable elephant parent and child.

Babies might not understand the lyrics yet, but the gentle, leisurely melody will likely feel soothing to them.

If you sing it softly, it could even work as a lullaby.

When Mom or Dad sings, using your arms to show the elephant’s long trunk will catch the baby’s eye.

Someday, go to the zoo together and sing while looking forward to the day you’ll see a real elephant.

Close It, Open ItLyrics: Unknown / Music: Rousseau

♪Close Them, Open Them

Musunde Hiraite, which also helps with a baby’s development, is a nursery rhyme loved across generations and is popular as a hand-play song.

While your baby is lying on their back, gently help them open and close their hands.

Movements like raising the hands up or spreading them to the sides become full-body exercise.

When the lyrics mention stars, airplanes, or frogs, parents can act them out to make it even more fun! Above all, it lets parents touch their baby with love, so it’s recommended for those who value close, affectionate interaction.

Head, Shoulders, Knees—pon!Lyrics: Unknown / Music: Traditional English folk song

Head, shoulders, knees, pat (with actions)

Have fun touching your own body with “Head, Shoulders, Knees—Clap.” It’s sung to the melody of the English nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down.” As you sing, do hand motions by touching the body parts mentioned in the lyrics.

If it’s “head,” touch your head; for eyes or nose, pointing is fine too.

After touching your knees, clap once.

First, let your child watch the moves, then have them imitate you, or gently guide their hands and move together.

It’s also a great chance for them to learn the names of their body parts and discover what each place is called.

If you're happy and you know it, clap your handsLyrics: Toshihito Kimura / Music: American folk song

[Hand Play Song] If You're Happy and You Know It — A nursery rhyme that makes babies smile and rejoice

The children’s song “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” which is also sung at kindergartens and daycare centers, is perfect for interactive play with your baby! Gently hold their hands and clap together, or while seated, hold their feet and tap-tap to bring both feet together—enjoy your time by touching their whole body.

As you keep moving while letting them hear the song over and over, they may start wiggling their hands and feet on their own.

Once they can move spontaneously, be sure to praise them lots!

Shopping at the bakery

Shopping at the bakery (interactive play) Nap time Ages 0+

This is a baby massage song with distinctive lyrics that imagine a baby’s face as different kinds of bread.

Gently cup your baby’s face with your hands like a sandwich, plump cheeks become melon bread, the tiny nose is a twisted doughnut, and the cute ears are bread crusts—touch each part in time with the lyrics.

Occasionally give the body light, playful pokes to stimulate and help the baby sense where they’re being touched.

Some babies may dislike having their faces touched at first, but as they get used to it, they’ll gradually start to smile.