12 Beautiful Lullabies to Sing [How to Calm Down Kids with Music]
My toddler was crying and had wound herself into a fit. It was bedtime at a family reunion not too long ago, but with 45 people in attendance, a flu bug going around, and tons of fun activities to choose from, it was no surprise that she did not want to go to sleep. I snuggled up next to her and began to sing some of the most beautiful lullabies for kids. And although she had seemed inconsolable, it wasn’t long before her breathing slowed, her eyes fluttered, and she said, “Just one more sleepy song please, Mom.”
I have found time and again that music can calm us and our children.
Today I’m sharing twelve of our favorite songs to sing with kids before bed or anytime they need some more peace. This is not your average “Best Lullabies” list. You won’t find any nursery rhymes or meaningless ditties. Rather, the melodies and messages of these songs will leave your kids feeling calm, inspired, and loved. In every way, they are truly beautiful lullabies.
The Power of Music
Music is a powerful and unique way for humans to connect.
I will always remember singing at the Alzheimer unit of a nursing home on Christmas Eve as a kid. Every year, I was amazed that these individuals who couldn’t remember their children’s names or how to get dressed properly on their own could still dance and sing along to their favorite Christmas carols.
Music goes deep down into our bones. The message received through both melody and lyrics reaches a subconscious place that stays with us.
Music also evokes strong memories. Don’t you have one of those songs that every time it comes on the radio you are brought back to a specific person or place in time? In this way, music has the power to connect us with other people and ideas.
Lastly, music evokes powerful emotion. During the next movie you watch, pay attention to the score. From fear or suspense to peace and love, emotions are brought forward by music. Music can redirect our children from frustration, uplift them when feeling sad, and calm them when needed.
When we realize and remember the really powerful place music can play in our lives, we will be aware of and intentional about the music we bring into our homes.
We will want that music to be uplifting, send a positive message to our children, and evoke beneficial emotions. I feel that these beautiful lullabies I have chosen for this list all fit that description.
You CAN Sing to Your Kids (Even If You Have a “Bad” Voice)
When we were dating, I found out that my husband had an incredible singing voice. Unfortunately and simultaneously, he learned that I am pretty much tone deaf. For the hundreds of other reasons we wanted to be together, we decided we could live with this difference.
However, when we had children, I sincerely worried that my singing to them might destroy any chance they inherited from their father of developing a good singing voice. Yet, I wanted to sing to my kids. I love music and desired that connection with them.
Thus it was with joy that I learned something from an aunt who is an excellent singer and a voice teacher. She assured that singing to my kids, even if my voice wasn’t beautiful, was still good for them. As long as my voice has variation, meaning it went up and down some, it would sound like music.
And so, I went ahead with singing to my children all the time.
We sing during Mommy Preschool, family scripture time, and road trips. When a child is flustered at the grocery store or ends up in the emergency room, I usually find myself singing a song that is fun and distracting or calm and peaceful. Singing is also an integral part of our bedtime routine.
Related: The Best Bedtime Routine for Kids
Music is an irreplaceable piece of my parenting tool belt. Whether it’s during a dance and singing party, with a religious piece that teaches important truths, or following an energetic day, we feel the music together.
And gratefully, although it doesn’t really matter, most of my kids are showing positive signs of taking after their Dad’s singing talent. That’s a little cherry on top for me.
12 Beautiful Lullabies for Kids (Our Favorite Bedtime Songs)
As I mentioned, I turn to music A LOT to help my kids emotionally. The songs on this list are ones we love for when we need a calming effect. My toddler calls them “Sleepy Songs.” They each have a tune and message that evoke peaceful emotions. They’re not in any particular order on this list, but rather, we love all of them.
While you can play the music on your phone or otherwise, there is something very intimate and connecting about singing them. I’ve included links for both the tune and lyrics, but kids are very forgiving if you don’t know the actual words and have to make up even a good portion of them.
Additionally, children will love if you occasionally slip their name into a song or change the lyrics to fit their personal situation. These songs can help send your kiddo to sleep feeling calm, secure, and loved.
1. Baby of Mine
- This song from Disney’s Dumbo is one of my husband’s specialties, but any parent will appreciate the message: no matter what others think of you, I know who you really are, and I love you. This message paired with the simple tune make “Baby of Mine” one of the best lullabies for kids.
- Tune: Bette Midler’s version of “Baby of Mine“
- Lyrics: “Baby of Mine“
2. Homeward Bound
- While I love Simon and Garfunkel’s song by the same title, here I’m talking about the one by Marta Keen Thompson, (slightly more calming music). When I heard my daughter practice this song for choir, it left an imprint on my heart. The tune is enchanting. In her own words, Marta Keen Thompson said the song is about “Finding your true calling in life; knowing that those who love you trust that you will return.” I want my kids to feel as if they could sing these lyrics…I will go, live, explore, find my true calling, and I’ll be home.
- Tune: Beautiful version of “Homeward Bound” sung a capella by Peter Hollins and 300 kids
- Lyrics: “Homeward Bound“
3. Mother, Tell Me the Story
- This song says just what I want to say before my kids go to bed. “Sleep, I am here. Can you feel that Heaven is near?”
- Tune: Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square Rendition of “Mother, Tell Me the Story“
- Lyrics: “Mother, Tell Me the Story“
4. You’ll Be in My Heart
- Disney’s Tarzan came out when I was about fifteen years old. I remember hearing “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins and knowing that I would one day sing it to my children. How true it is that our children, whether adopted or biological, are always in our heart.
- Tune: You’ll Be in My Heart from Tarzan Soundtrack
- Lyrics: You’ll Be in My Heart
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5. You Raise Me Up
- With this song, I hope to tell my kids, “I’m there for you. I hope I raise you up.” I can’t really pull off the strong ballad repeat of the chorus, but the words and tune of this song make it one of the beautiful lullabies for kids.
- Tune: Official Music Video of “You Raise Me Up” from Josh Groban
- Lyrics: You Raise Me Up
6. Castle on a Cloud
- I used to sing this song to my little brother, and now I sing it to my kiddos. From one of the greatest musicals of all time, Les Miserables, “Castle on a Cloud” is a hopeful song. Someday when my kids are old enough to understand the song’s background, I hope they also see the story as one of the most magnificent tales about humanity’s ability to be good amidst all the difficulties.
- Tune: “Castle on a Cloud” (Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert) -Hannah Chick
- Lyrics: “Castle on a Cloud“
7. The Prayer
- I could listen to Celine Dion all day. Unfortunately for my kids, my versions of her songs sound nothing like the original. Fortunately for all of us, the plea for guidance and safety in “The Prayer” still holds power. And I believe God “delighteth in the song of the heart.” And no, I haven’t learned the Italian yet. 🙂
- Tune: Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli sing “The Prayer“
- Lyrics: “The Prayer“
8. I Am a Child of God
- “I Am a Child of God” is a staple in our household for the simple yet profound truths it teaches. Our one-year-old has started singing parts of it on his own, and it makes me smile. I know this song in three languages and often sing the different versions. Choosing a language that is meaningful to your family and learning any of these songs in that language can be really meaningful.
- Tune: “I Am a Child of God“
- Lyrics: “I Am a Child of God“
9. Candle on the Water
- This beautiful song from Pete’s Dragon tells our kids that we will be there for them during their hard times.
- Tune: “Candle on the Water” from Pete’s Dragon Soundtrack
- Lyrics: “Candle on the Water“
10. My Heavenly Father Loves Me
- Whenever my kids experience the grandeur of nature, I hope they feel the love of the Divine, and that is the message of this song.
- Tune: Rexburg Children’s Choir sings “My Heavenly Father Loves Me”
- Lyrics: “My Heavenly Father Loves Me”
11. Danny Boy
- This song set to a famous, ancient Irish tune is beloved across Ireland, America, and elsewhere. It was one of my Grandpa’s favorites, so this lullaby turns my heart to a man I love. Is there a calming song that connects you to a loved one? I often switch the name from Danny to my child’s when I sing this message of eternal love.
- Tune: Celtic Woman sings “Danny Boy”
- Lyrics: “Danny Boy“
12. River Lullaby
- This lullaby from The Prince of Egypt feels like a peaceful river rocking us to sleep. It expresses love and calm. Additionally, the background story is one of faith and miracles.
- Tune: “River Lullaby” from The Prince of Egypt Soundtrack
- Lyrics: “River Lullaby”
Music is a powerful tool that can be used for both the good or the detriment of our families. It is my hope that we as parents can be intentional about the music we invite into our homes. This list can serve as a starting place for songs that are wholesome and bring positive emotions to our children.
While these are some of the best lullabies to sing to kids, there are countless others.
Pay attention to how tunes and lyrics affect you and your children. Develop your own “list” of music that helps your kids feel calm, secure, and loved. Then you will have a go-to tool of music to turn to in moments when you need a calming influence, whether that is before bed or during difficult moments. Music like this truly can work wonders.
Do you have any favorite bedtime songs? What would you add to this Best Lullabies list to help our kids feel calm and loved? Please share in the comments. I always love to add to our favorites!
Does your life feel chaotic right now? Could your home use a little more calm and peace in general? A Parent’s Guide to Peace amidst the Mayhem is here to help.
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