25th April 2020

Singing with Babies

Singing and talking with your baby from the very beginning aids bonding, speech and language skills and it can have a  calming effect for you and baby. It could be part of a calming bedtime routine or a fun activity any where, any time.  Using songs and rhymes as part of your routine can help babies feel safe and secure.

Here are some of our favourite songs for you to try out with your little one

Incy Wincy Spider

Incy Wincy spider climbed up the water spout
Down came the rain and washed the spider out
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
So, Incy Wincy spider climbed up the spout again.

I love doing this one with some wiggly finger actions as the spider. You can even walk our hands up and down baby’s body as the spider climbs up and down.

Row Row Your Boat

Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream

Row, row, row your boat
Gently to the shore, if you see a lion don’t forget to roar

Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream, if you see a crocodile don’t forget to scream

Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the river, if you see a polar bear don’t forget to shiver

Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the creak, if you see a mouse don’t forget to sqeak

Rock rock, rock your boat gently to and fro, merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily into the water you go!

This is such a fun on to do with little Ines or older children. It helps strengthen the back and neck muscles as well as their core. For young babies you can cradle them in front of you and sway and rock with them.if they require neck support ensure you cradle them with support. As they get bigger you can set them in front of you and hold their shoulders or arms depending on their strength. Adding in the noises and actions can make this a super fun song for everyone.

Wheels on the Bus

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

A lovely calming one, great for bedtime. You could use your hands to mimic the twinkly stars or use some lights on the roof. We one this one;

This Little Piggy

This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy cried “wee wee wee” all the way home.

A cute one to get some little giggles as the little piggy run home. A nice way to massage their toes and hands too whilst singing and enjoying some close interaction.

Round and round the garden

Round and round the garden
Like a teddy bear.
One step, two step,
Tickle you under there

Round and round the haystack
Like a little mouse.
One step, two step,
Right inside his house

You can do this one in a number of ways. You can use their hands, knees or even tummies. Its again a great way to have some close and intimate contact and add some massage too. Run your finger around their palm, bottom of their foot, around their knee or around their tummy then step, walk your fingers to their tummy, underarm or chin to tickle.

Finally, don’t worry wether you have a beautiful singing voice or not. Your baby will love the interaction and soothing melodies regardless. Good luck and feel free to let us know how you get on on our Facebook page.