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

Lullaby

Cradle Song [With Vocals] Children's Song / Lullaby

Since its birth in the Taisho era as a lullaby, it has been beloved up to the present day.

In recent years, singer Rimi Natsukawa covered it, bringing it back into the spotlight.

Its soothing and calming melody makes it perfect for holding your baby and gently patting their back to the rhythm of the music.

Listening to this song while feeling the warmth and comfort of being held will surely make your baby feel happy.

Lalalala Cleaning Cloth

Rarara Cleaning Rag (The Cleaning Rag Song) [JCCRA]

“La La La Zokin” is a gentle baby massage you can do with baby-touch movements set to a song.

Pretending your little one is a cleaning cloth (zokin), you ‘sew’ it, wring it out, and hang it to dry—just like in the lyrics.

In time with the song, you can lightly poke your baby’s body, wiggle their arms and legs, and pat with your palms.

It’s great to try when they’re a bit fussy; it can help them settle down.

Perfect for a tender bonding time between parent and child!

Let's clap our hands

Let's Clap Our Hands

“Let’s Clap Our Hands” is a song where you can enjoy various movements and expressions that match the lyrics.

Because it includes expressions of feelings like laughing and getting angry, it brings out a wide range of emotions in children.

If the teacher expresses themselves boldly and even a bit theatrically, the children will feel free to join in enthusiastically.

Watching their earnest efforts with such cute expressions is sure to be heartwarming.

Since it involves full-body movement, please move chairs and desks to make enough space.

Cute Hide and SeekLyrics by Hachirō Satō / Music by Yoshinao Nakata

Nursery Rhyme / Cute Hide-and-Seek / 36th Children’s Song Contest, Children’s Division

This is a gentle children’s song about a game of hide-and-seek played by adorable animals.

Hatchlings, sparrows, and puppies try their best to conceal themselves, warmly portrayed in the words of Hachirō Satō, with Yoshinao Nakada’s melody enhancing its charm even further.

First released in 1951, the piece has inspired children’s playfulness and curiosity toward animals.

The thrilling hide-and-seek unfolds in everyday scenes—gardens, rooftops, and meadows.

It’s perfect for singing with your child in fresh, green May, while thinking of the animals you might meet on a walk.

The rhythm of the lyrics and the friendly melody truly seem to express the joy of spring.

Abuku-tatta

@rittle0601

It's fun even if you change the speed!#BabyMassage#InteractivePlay#LifeWithABaby#LifeWithABabyAbukutatta

♪ Original song – Baby Yoga Channel 💌 Anyone can do it ^^ – Baby Yoga Channel 💌 Anyone can do it ^^

The “Abukutatta Nietatta” singing game always brings out such delighted expressions in your child, doesn’t it? While singing, gently hold your child’s feet and move them, watching how they respond to left, right, up, and down.

When moving the feet, don’t shake them strongly—move them gently and slowly.

For the “musha-musha-musha” part, lightly touch their tummy as if you’re “eating” it; your child will love it.

For older babies, it’s also fun to increase the speed!

Tickle Tickle Train

Do you know the song “Tickle Tickle Train”? While gently touching your child’s tummy, the adult moves their hands up and down.

For the “Is it this way? Or that way?” part, move the child’s arms slightly to the left and right.

The key moment is at the final stop.

Gently tickle their tummy or sides.

You might see your child’s smile overflow.

At the final stop, it’s recommended to change the tickle spot—feet, cheeks, back—depending on how your child is positioned at that moment.

The Chocolate Song

@rittle0601

Valentine’s Day is coming up, so we tried a bonding/play activity with a chocolate song 🍫🩷 They just won’t sit still 😂😂#InteractivePlay#BabyMassage#LifeWithABaby#LifeWithABabyChocolate

♪ Original song – Baby Yoga Channel 💌 Anyone can do it ^^ – Baby Yoga Channel 💌 Anyone can do it ^^

By gently incorporating the song “Chocolate” and singing softly, it seems your child will enjoy joining in.

During the “chocolate” part, lightly touch your child’s face with your fingertips.

The warmth of your hands will help them feel at ease.

At the end, while naming the shapes of chocolate, touch their tummy as if drawing those shapes.

You can draw any shapes you like—squares, triangles, double circles, and so on.

It’s recommended to speed up or slow down the song while watching how your child responds.