Regardless of the time of year, the moment during the day, or the place you are in, music, whether we like it or not, has an effect on each and every one of us. This effect will depend on the rhythm and type of sounds that we hear and will cause our bodies to become more alert, or more relaxed or more emotional.

It is the great mystery of sound. As with everyone else, sounds and noises will have a special effect on babies as well. As a consequence, certain melodies, songs, and specific tones have been used to promote sleepiness in the calmest ways possible.

What Makes Lullabies So Effective?

The reason is a combination of two factors. Firstly you find that special, slow rhythm, that’s repetitive and that makes a baby’s brain start to disconnect with the reality that surrounds them. Secondly, a parent’s tone of voice. A familiar tone is proven to have a calming effect on babies.

What are the best lullabies to help your baby fall asleep?

This could be, without any doubt, the million-dollar question. This is what we must all bear in mind as there are so many to chose from. There lullabies that are more well known and others that are improvised at the moment so here we have listed a few to start you off with.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

The most well known and most popular one of them all. Everyone will have heard this as a baby and will have sung this to their newborn.

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” lyrics:

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

Rock A Bye Baby

Another very well known lullaby that’s melody is heard on many baby toys.

“Rock A Bye Baby” Lyrics

Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetop
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock
When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
but daddy will catch it and baby won’t fall

Baby is drowsing, cozy 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

From the high rooftops, down to the sea
No one’s as dear, a baby to me
Wee little fingers, eyes wide and bright
Now sound asleep, until morning light.

Hush Little Baby

This is a very popular lullaby as it is easy to remember and is also very easy for parents to improvise and adapt the lyrics to things that are more recognizable for their own babies.

“Hush Little Baby” lyrics:

Hush, little baby, don’t say a word.
Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird
If that mockingbird won’t sing,
Mama’s gonna buy you a diamond ring

If that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama’s gonna buy you a looking glass
If that looking glass gets broke,
Mama’s gonna buy you a billy goat

If that billy goat won’t pull,
Mama’s gonna buy you a cart and bull
If that cart and bull turn over,
Mama’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover

if that dog named Rover won’t bark
Mama’s gonna buy you a horse and cart
if that horse and cart fall down,
You’ll be the sweetest little baby in town.

Silent Night

Silent night is originally a Christmas carol but its simple melody makes this a perfect lullaby for your baby to fall asleep to.

“Silent Night” lyrics:

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.

Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

To finish with, as we have already suggested, you can always come up with your own lyrics to accompany popular melodies. All you need to do is take notice of what grabs your baby’s attention and you will be able to come up with a short song that fits around it.

The sun, the moon, or the stars, everything and anything can be an excuse to write a few simple verses that combine with a popular melody.

As your baby gets older, you will notice which ones they prefer and you will be able to continue a routine that makes going to sleep less of a hassle and more enjoyable.

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