27 Popular Nursery Rhymes and Songs for Babies With Lyrics

Looking for fun, easy ways to boost your baby’s early development? Nursery rhyme songs are more than catchy tunes—they’re powerful learning tools that support your child’s language, memory, and emotional growth from day one.

Here’s why baby and children’s nursery songs belong in your daily routine:

• Help your baby recognize patterns in sound and language

• Strengthen emotional bonding through soothing repetition

• Encourage motor skills with movement-based nursery rhymes

• Support early literacy and vocabulary development

• Requires no tools, just your voice and a moment of connection.

From calming baby rhymes at bedtime to silly group favorites for preschoolers, this guide offers a curated list of nursery rhymes with lyrics and tips to help you share them meaningfully anytime, anywhere.

What Is a Nursery Rhyme?

Nursery rhymes are short, rhyming poems or songs meant to engage and comfort young children. Their simple words and repetition make them easy for babies and toddlers to follow.

Many baby nursery rhymes tell short stories or include gentle rhythms that help soothe little ones. Some, like lullabies, are specifically used at bedtime to help babies fall asleep. Whether you’re exploring a list of nursery rhymes or singing your childhood favorites, these verses can be a simple way to bond, calm, and connect through language and rhythm.

What are the Benefits of Nursery Rhymes for Babies and Kids?

A simple rhyme and melody can do more than bring a smile to your baby’s face—they can support key areas of early development in ways that feel like play. Whether you’re singing, swaying, or clapping along, baby nursery rhymes offer a meaningful way to connect and grow together.

Here are just a few ways these little verses help:

• Boost language and early literacy. Singing rhymes helps your baby recognize the sounds and rhythm of speech, building blocks for learning to talk and eventually read.

• Support cognitive growth. The repetitive patterns in baby rhymes help babies anticipate what comes next, which strengthens memory and attention.

• Create an emotional connection. Singing nursery rhymes and children’s songs is a simple, joyful way to bond, especially during one-on-one moments like diaper changes or winding down for naps.

• Encourage motor skills. When paired with gestures or movement, rhymes help babies coordinate actions with words, supporting both fine and gross motor development.

• Easy and always available. No tools or toys required—nursery rhyme songs are something you can share anytime, anywhere, even while traveling.

• Promote social learning. Joining in group songs or games with children’s nursery rhymes helps kids practice turn-taking, listening, and feeling part of a group.

Whether you’re going through a list of nursery rhymes or just humming a tune from memory, these little moments add up to something big in your child’s development.

Exploring the Types of Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhyme songs come in many forms with their own purpose and charm. Some are gentle baby rhymes like lullabies, meant to soothe babies and help them sleep. Others are more playful or rhythmic, encouraging movement, memory, or everyday interactions.

You’ll also find children’s nursery rhymes that tell simple stories, teach numbers, or explore routines—helping babies and toddlers connect sounds with meaning through repetition and rhyme.

Classic Nursery Rhymes

Some nursery rhyme songs are instantly recognizable across generations. These five classics have lasted through time thanks to their catchy rhythms, simple lyrics, and timeless charm. They’re often among the first children’s nursery rhymes passed from parent to child.

1. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

This gentle baby nursery rhyme dates back to a poem written by Jane Taylor in the early nineteenth century. Its soothing melody and universal theme make it a bedtime favorite around the world to help your baby fall asleep.

Lyrics:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, (Open and close your hands to imitate the twinkling of a star) How I wonder what you are. (Shrug your shoulders and open your hands) Up above the world so high, (Point up to the sky) Like a diamond in the sky. (Make a diamond shape with your fingers) Twinkle, twinkle, little star, (Repeat the opening hand gesture) How I wonder what you are. (Shrug your shoulders and open your hands)

2. “Rock-a-Bye Baby”

A lullaby with English origins, first published in print in the late 1700s. Though the lyrics sound dramatic, it's often used to soothe babies to sleep with its gentle rocking rhythm.

Lyrics: 

Rock a bye baby, on the tree top,

When the wind blows the cradle will rock.

When the bough breaks the cradle will fall,

And down will come baby, cradle and all.

3. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”

This traditional English nursery rhyme song first appeared in print in 1852. Known for its soothing rhythm and use in musical rounds, it’s popular with babies and older children alike.

Lyrics:

Row, row, row your boat (rock back and forth) Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily Life is but a dream.

4. “London Bridge Is Falling Down”

Dating back to at least the 17th century, this children’s nursery song may refer to the many rebuildings of London Bridge over time. It’s often played with a partner game involving hand arches.

Lyrics: 

London Bridge is falling down,

Falling down,

Falling down.

London Bridge is falling down,

My fair lady! …

5. “Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Published in 1830, this children’s nursery rhyme song was written by Sarah Josepha Hale. It was inspired by a real girl named Mary Sawyer who brought her lamb to school.

Lyrics:

Mary had a little lamb,

His fleece was white as snow.

And everywhere that Mary went,

The lamb was sure to go.

Popular Nursery Rhymes

Thanks to books, streaming playlists, and animated videos, some children’s nursery rhyme songs have become favorites in many modern households. These songs often include actions, making them extra engaging for babies and toddlers.

The following are 10 popular nursery rhymes and children’s songs you might already know—or will love discovering.

6. “The Wheels on the Bus”

This upbeat rhyme is a go-to for playgroups and car rides. With fun hand motions and changing verses, it’s great for practicing sounds, sequencing, and imitation.

Lyrics:

The wheels on the bus go round and round,

Round and round, round and round,

The wheels on the bus go round and round,

All through the town.

7. “Old McDonald Had a Farm”

This classic nursery rhyme song is perfect for teaching animal names and sounds. Repeating the structure with different animals helps build memory and word association.

Lyrics:

Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O

And on that farm he had a cow, E-I-E-I-O

With a moo moo here and a moo moo there

Here a moo, there a moo

Everywhere a moo-moo

Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O

8. “If You’re Happy and You Know It”

Interactive and full of movement, this nursery rhyme encourages babies and toddlers to listen and follow directions while having fun.

Lyrics:

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)

If you're happy and you know it

Then your face will surely show it

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.

9. “Baby Shark”

Catchy and energizing, this viral hit is a favorite for toddlers. It helps with motor skills through hand movements and introduces family vocabulary.

Lyrics (short version):

Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo

Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo...

10. “Five Little Monkeys”

This silly counting children’s rhyme song helps reinforce numbers and rhythm. It also introduces the idea of consequences in a fun, playful way.

Lyrics:

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,

One fell off and bumped his head.

Mama called the doctor, and the doctor said,

“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”

Four little monkeys jumping on the bed

… 

(lyrics continue until no more monkeys are jumping on the bed)

11. “Itsy Bitsy Spider”

With fun hand motions and a simple melody, this rhyme helps build fine motor coordination and introduces cause and effect.

Lyrics:

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the waterspout. (Use your hands to mimic a spider climbing up a waterspout)

Down came the rain and washed the spider out. (Flutter your hands downwards like falling rain)

Out came the sun, And dried up all the rain. (Make a circle with your arms to represent the sun)

And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again. (Repeat the climbing motion with your hands)

12. “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”

Perfect for movement and body part identification, this children’s nursery rhyme song gets little ones moving and learning through repetition.

Lyrics:

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes,

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes

And eyes and ears and mouth and nose.

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes

....

13. “ABC Song”

A popular rhyme song for teaching the alphabet, this song is a great first step toward early literacy and phonemic awareness.

Lyrics:

A-B-C-D-E-F-G,

H-I-J-K-LMNOP,

Q-R-S,

TUV,

WX, 

Y and Z, 

Now I know my ABCs,

Next time, won’t you sing with me?

14. “This Little Piggy Went to Market”

Chant this playful nursery rhyme song while changing your newborn’s diaper. Touch each toe as you go, starting with the biggest and moving down the row. When you get to the word “home,” tickle your baby all over, and watch them squeal with delight.

Lyrics:

This little piggy went to market. (touch big toe)

This little piggy stayed home. (touch next biggest toe, and so on)

This little piggy had roast beef.

This little piggy had none.

And this little piggy cried, "Wee, wee, wee!"

All the way home. (tickle them all over)

15. “Ring Around the Rosie”

This playful group rhyme song introduces rhythm, cooperation, and body awareness. It’s a favorite for dancing and circle games.

Lyrics:

Ring around the rosie,

A pocket full of posies,

Ashes, ashes,

We all fall down!

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Nursery Rhymes for Preschoolers and Older Kids

Check out our charming list of nursery rhymes, carefully curated for both preschoolers and older children. These timeless tunes, including the rhythmic tune to  Hey Diddle, Diddle, and the warm melody of You Are My Sunshine, are more than just a joy to listen to. They play a crucial role in your child’s cognitive and emotional development. So, let’s embark on this whimsical musical journey, fostering a love for rhymes and songs in your kids while creating unforgettable moments together.

16. “Pat-a-Cake”

This chant-like rhyme not only teaches hand-eye coordination but also introduces children to basic vocabulary words like “cake” and “bake.”

Lyrics: 

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man (Clap your hands together)

Bake me a cake as fast as you can. (Pretend to mix ingredients in a bowl)

Roll it, and pat it, (Roll your hands together and then clap them)

And mark it with B, (Make the letter “B” with your fingers)

And put it in the oven for baby and me. (Pretend to put a cake in an oven)

17. “BINGO”

This fun and interactive rhyme teaches children about spelling, phonetics, and animal names. It’s also a great way to practice counting and learning numbers.

Lyrics: 

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O. 

B-I-N-G-O! 

B-I-N-G-O! 

B-I-N-G-O! 

And Bingo was his name-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O. (Clap)-I-N-G-O! (Clap)-I-N-G-O! (Clap)-I-N-G-O! And Bingo was his name-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O! (Clap x2)-N-G-O! (Clap x2)-N-G-O! (Clap x2)-N-G-O! And Bingo was his name-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O. (Clap x3)-G-O! (Clap x3)-G-O! (Clap x3)-G-O! And Bingo was his name-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O. (Clap x4)-O! (Clap x4)-O! (Clap x4)-O! And Bingo was his name-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O. (Clap x5) (Clap x5) (Clap x5) And Bingo was his name-O!

18. “You Are My Sunshine”

This sweet and sentimental rhyme is perfect for singing to your child as a lullaby (because even older kids need soothing to sleep sometimes) or during quiet time. It’s also a great way to express your love and affection towards them. You can also try singing this song in different tempos and volumes or using funny voices to make it fun and interactive.

Lyrics:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,

You make me happy when skies are gray.

You'll never know dear, how much I love you.

Please don't take my sunshine away.

19. “This Is the Way”

Repeat with more of your morning routine activities, for example, combing your hair, getting dressed, and eating breakfast.

This fun and catchy nursery rhyme teaches children about daily routines and personal hygiene. It’s also a great way to introduce them to the importance of taking care of their teeth.

Lyrics:

This is the way we brush our teeth,

Brush our teeth, brush our teeth.

This is the way we brush our teeth,

Early in the morning.

This is the way we wash our face,

Wash our face, wash our face. 

This is the way we wash our face, 

Early in the morning.

20. “Down by the Bay”

This playful and silly rhyme is full of unexpected rhyming pairs that spark creativity and laughter. It’s great for older toddlers and preschoolers learning about wordplay and sounds.

Lyrics: 

Down by the bay,

Where the watermelons grow,

Back to my home,

I dare not go.

For if I do,

My mother will say:

"Did you ever see a goose

Kissing a moose

Down by the bay?"

Repeat this as many times as you like, but replace “cat” and “hat” with other fun rhyming words. For example, “Did you ever see a bear combing his hair?” or “a snake eating a cake?” Encourage your little one to come up with their own silly combinations.

21. “Hey Diddle Diddle”

This funny and popular nursery rhyme for children is perfect for introducing them to the concept of imagination and creativity.

Lyrics:

Hey diddle diddle,

The cat and the fiddle,

The cow jumped over the moon;

The little dog laughed

To see such fun,

And the dish ran away with the spoon.

Spanish Nursery Rhymes

Whether your child is a native Spanish speaker, bilingual, or just starting to learn the language, introducing nursery rhyme songs in Spanish can be a fun and engaging way to explore a new culture. These traditional tunes are playful, musical, and often passed down through generations, just like English children’s nursery rhymes.

22. “Cucú Cantaba la Rana”

This catchy Spanish nursery rhyme is about a little frog and the people that pass by each day. This will not only make learning fun but also help with their language development.

Lyrics:

Cucú, cantaba la rana,

Cucú, debajo del agua.

Cucú, pasó un caballero,

Cucú, con capa y sombrero.

Cucú, pasó una señora,

Cucú, con traje de cola.

Cucú, pasó un marinero,

Cucú, vendiendo romero.

Cúcú, le pidió un ramito,

Cúcú, no le quiso dar

Cúcú y se echó a llorar.

23. “A Mi Burro”

You can continue with more verses as shown in the video below. This song about a sick donkey teaches children about different body parts and the importance of looking after yourself when you’re not well.

Lyrics:

A mi burro, a mi burro  le duele la cabeza;  y el médico le ha dado  una gorrita gruesa. 

Una gorrita gruesa,  mi burro enfermo está mi burro enfermo esta.

A mi burro, a mi burro  le duelen las orejas;  y el médico le ha dado  jarabe de frambuesa jarabe de frambuesa

Una gorrita gruesa,  mi burro enfermo está.  Mi burro enfermo esta

A mi burro, a mi burro le duele la garganta;  y el médico le manda una bufanda blanca. 

Una bufanda blanca Jarabe de frambuesa Una gorrita gruesa mi burro enfermo está Mi burro enfermo esta.

24. “Un Elefante Se Balanceaba”

This counting rhyme gets sillier as it goes, encouraging memory, anticipation, and numbers in Spanish.

Lyrics:

Un elefante se balanceaba

sobre la tela de una araña.

Como veía que resistía,

fue a llamar a otro elefante.

Dos elefantes se balanceaban…

25. “Pin Pon es un Muñeco”

This catchy and structured Spanish nursery rhyme introduces routines like washing hands and combing hair, helping kids learn about self-care through song. It’s also a great way to encourage gentle play and following instructions.

Lyrics:

Pin Pon es un muñeco muy guapo y de cartón. Se lava la carita con agua y con jabón.

Se desenreda el pelo con peine de marfil. Y aunque se da tirones no llora ni hace así.

Pin Pon dame la mano con un fuerte apretón. Que quiero ser tu amigo Pin Pon, Pin Pon, Pin Pon.

26. “Sol, solecito”

This lovely Spanish nursery rhyme song teaches children about the days of the week and also encourages them to embrace each day with excitement. Sing this children’s rhyme and encourage your child to act out the movements of a warm sun, a playful moon, and yourself flying.

Lyrics:

Sol Solecito Sol solecito caliéntame un poquito. Por hoy, por mañana, por toda la semana. Lunes Martes Miércoles Jueves Viernes Sábado Domingo Luna lunera cascabelera, mañana volaré porque el mundo me espera.

27. “La Vaca Lola”

A favorite among toddlers for its rhythm and repetition. It introduces animals and sounds while being easy to sing along with.

Lyrics:

La vaca Lola, la vaca Lola, tiene cabeza y tiene cola. La vaca Lola, la vaca Lola, tiene cabeza y tiene cola.

Y hace “muuu”, y hace “muuu”.

Our Favorite Nursery Rhyme

We've picked one of our favorites from our list of classic and popular nursery rhymes: Itsy Bitsy Spider. This easy, short, and cute nursery rhyme is perfect for babies, toddlers, and older kids, and even has some fun actions.

The Bottom Line

From lullabies to silly sing-alongs, nursery rhyme songs play a big role in your little one’s growth and your bonding time together. Whether you're building early language skills, introducing new vocabulary, or simply sharing a joyful moment, these timeless tunes can be both fun and foundational.

And as you enjoy these little everyday rituals, don’t forget to check out the Pampers Rewards App—a simple way to earn digital offers on the Pampers products you already use. Because making memories shouldn’t mean spending more.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}