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

nursery rhyme massage

Babies“R”Us – Nursery Rhyme Baby Massage Trial Session

The nursery rhyme known for “Ippon bashi ko-cho ko-cho.” It’s a traditional bonding game passed down through generations, where you trace the sole of the foot with your fingers and give various sensations like tickling, tapping, and pinching.

Most people are familiar with it, so you should be able to do it with no trouble.

At the end, after the part that goes “climb the stairs…,” the tickle that follows will surely make the baby giggle.

This song lets you both bond with your baby and pass down an old song, preserving culture—so please give it a try and sing it together.

To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

Hands to the Sun — Vocals: AI Kiritan (with lyrics)

It’s a classic children’s song brimming with the joy and hope of living.

Through the sight of blood glowing red when you hold your palm up to the sun, it gently conveys the preciousness of life.

With earthworms, dragonflies, frogs, and other creatures appearing, its warm melody teaches the wonder of living together.

The lyrics, imbued with Takashi Yanase’s deep sentiments, harmonize beautifully with the bright tune crafted by Izumi Taku.

First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962, it was performed by the Boys’ Jacks on the 1965 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It was later included in elementary school music textbooks and has continued to be cherished by many.

Spring came pop-pop-popLyrics by: Hikaru Kozue / Music by: Shinichiro Sako

♪ Pon pon pon, spring has come ♪

Why not sing together a refreshing song that evokes the arrival of spring? Created by Mr.

Komichi Hikari and Mr.

Shinichiro Sako, this piece features lyrics that make rhythmic hand-play fun.

The spring-themed lyrics spark children’s imaginations, and the bright melody naturally makes you want to hum along.

Since it incorporates clapping motions, it’s perfect for developing a sense of rhythm and teamwork.

Singing it at entrance ceremonies or spring events can help ease the nerves of children who are anxious about a new environment.

Be sure to sing it with your child and enjoy the coming of spring!

Tickle on the narrow bridge

Ipponbashi Tickle Tickle [With Singing] Hand Play Song for Babies

A playful bonding activity for babies, tickling and gentle pinching—‘Ipponbashi Kochokochō.

’ Many parents probably feel nostalgic when they hear the song itself.

It’s a classic traditional children’s song that’s been sung for generations.

In the featured video, they demonstrate by touching the child’s arm, but you can also have the baby lie on their back and gently touch their whole body.

The arm-touch version might be nice because you can do it while standing.

Give it a try and enjoy it together as a parent and child.

butterfly

[Children's Song] Butterfly / Daisuke Yokoyama

We’d like to introduce “Chōchō,” a hand-play song with delightfully gentle, floating hand movements.

Based on a Spanish folk tune and arranged by Akiashi Nomura, this song has long been beloved by many children.

The lyrics depict a butterfly fluttering about, moving from flower to flower.

Matching the words, you form a butterfly shape with both hands to express it dancing.

The mesmerizing motions and soothing melody are sure to comfort babies.

Toy Cha-Cha-Cha

“Toy Cha-Cha-Cha” (with choreography) [Japanese song / shoka]

While you sleep at night, the toys jump out of the toy box and play! “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha” sings about that wondrous scene, just like a famous animated film.

Its rhythmic melody alone can put your baby in a happy mood.

It’s also recommended to move the toys you actually have in front of your baby and add a little twist as you sing! There’s a hand-play version that matches the lyrics, so be sure to give that a try too.

This is Dad's territory.

Here Is Daddy’s Place [With Song] – Baby Hand-Play Song

The hand play song “Koko wa Tō-chan nin-dokoro” is a great activity for babies.

It’s something we’d love for dads and moms to sing together while playing with their baby.

As you touch your baby and sing about the parts that resemble the two of you, they’ll surely smile with delight.