6 best baby lullabies

Softly singing lullabies is a great way to help your little one nod off to sleep. The first lullaby recorded is from 2000BC, so it's safe to say parents have been using this method since the dawn of time. Some studies show that lullabies may serve an educational purpose, as they enrich child linguistic development. Long before we really talk to our babies - or they speak to us - we sing to them.

According to researchers, regardless of a lullaby's meaning, most of them possess a peaceful hypnotic quality. Others are mournful or dark, like a lament. 

When singing lullabies for kids, don't worry if you're not exactly pitch perfect - your voice is the most soothing sound in the world to your baby, so they won't notice or care if you're off-key. Your baby may even start to respond to you with coos or gestures as you sing, as if he wants to join in.

From Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star to Brahms Lullaby lyrics, we've shared some of our favourite lullaby songs for babies below. 

Baa-baa black sheep

Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full!
One for the master,
And one for the dame,
One for the little boy
Who lives down the lane

Are you sleeping?

Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John?
Morning bells are ringing, Morning bells are ringing,
Ding Ding Dong, Ding Ding Dong.

[French]
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez vous? Dormez vous?
Sonnez les matines, Sonnez les matines
Ding Ding Dong, Ding Ding Dong

Rock-a-bye baby

Rock-a-bye, baby
In the treetop.
When the wind blows,
The cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks,
The cradle will fall.
And down will come baby,
Cradle and all.

Baby is drowsing,
Cosy and fair.
Mother sits near,
In her rocking chair.
Forward and back,
The cradle she swings.
And though baby sleeps,
He hears what she sings.

Rock-a-bye baby,
Do not you fear.
Never mind baby,
Mother is near.
Wee little fingers,
Eyes are shut tight.
Now sound asleep,
Until morning light.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!

When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!

Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark;
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!

In the dark blue sky you keep,
While you thro' my window peep,
And you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!

Hush little baby

Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Papa's/Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird don't sing,
Papa's/Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring.

And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Papa's/Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass.

And if that looking glass gets broke,
Papa's/Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat.

And if that billy goat don't pull,
Papa's/Mama's gonna buy you a cart and bull.

And if that cart and bull turn over,
Papa's/Mama's gonna buy you a dog named Rover.

And if that dog named Rover won't bark.
Papa's/Mama's gonna to buy you and horse and cart.

And if that horse and cart fall down,
Well, you'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.

Brahm's Lullaby

Lullaby, and good night, in the skies stars are bright.
May the moon's silvery beams bring you sweet dreams.
Close your eyes now and rest, may these hours be blessed.
'Til the sky's bright with dawn, when you wake with a yawn.

Lullaby, and good night, you are mother's delight.
I'll protect you from harm, and you'll wake in my arms.

Sleepyhead, close your eyes, for I'm right beside you.
Guardian angels are near, so sleep without fear.
Lullaby, and good night, with roses bedight.
Lilies o'er head, lay thee down in thy bed.

Lullaby, and good night, you are mother's delight.
I'll protect you from harm, and you'll wake in my arms.

Lullaby, and sleep tight, my darling sleeping.
On sheets white as cream, with a head full of dreams.
Sleepyhead, close your eyes, I'm right beside you.
Lay thee down now and rest, may your slumber be blessed.

Go to sleep, little one, think of puppies and kittens.
Go to sleep, little one, think of butterflies in spring.
Go to sleep, little one, think of sunny bright mornings.
Hush, darling one, sleep through the night,
Sleep through the night,
Sleep through the night.