Lovely childcare

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

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherDr. Chick
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherRisa Shibata
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

Music has a mysterious power: when you sing, a baby may suddenly stop crying, drift off to sleep, or show you a lovely smile.

It’s said that listening to music from a young age can boost concentration and support language development.

Let’s incorporate plenty of soothing music into daily life for your baby and actively stimulate their five senses.

This time, we’ll introduce recommended songs, interactive play, and traditional nursery rhymes for 0-year-olds.

We’ve gathered many warm and cheerful songs.

Gaze into your baby’s eyes, show hand and mouth movements, and gently touch their body as you enjoy the music together.

[Age 0] Recommended Songs for Babies: A Special Feature on Interactive Play and Traditional Nursery Rhymes (51–60)

The flower smiled.

The Flower Smiled – The Flower Smiled, The Flower Smiled~ (with choreography) [Children’s Song, Piano Accompaniment]

The flower smiled.

How about enjoying a hand play game with the nursery rhyme “Ohanaga Waratta,” perfect for spring? You can make a flower with your hands and open them wide—it’s a very simple and cute choreography.

Playing it together with children who are nervous in a new environment, or having teachers perform it, might help ease their anxiety a little.

This song may also convey that kindergarten and daycare are fun places.

Please consider giving it a try.

Raise the rankinglower

Tanuki of Fist Mountain

Tanuki of Fist Mountain

Tanuki of Fist Mountain

“Gonkotsuyama no Tanuki-san” is a traditional children’s song loved by people of all ages.

It’s themed around everyday experiences everyone can relate to, like being held or falling asleep.

Learn the cute choreography—such as drinking motions and sleepy gestures—and have fun playing along.

You can also add your own twist at the end of the chorus, like striking a pose or playing rock-paper-scissors.

With phrases that evoke a parent–child relationship and a cheerful melody, it’s a song that resonates with joy.

Give it a try as a hand-play song to liven up Children’s Day!

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

We introduced some recommended songs for 0-year-olds.

There were many songs that let you enjoy bonding while singing together.

Close contact with familiar adults can help stabilize a baby’s emotions, enrich their feelings, and positively support their development.

Through singing and interactive play, we hope you enjoy lots of smiles and happy times together!