Nursery Rhymes and Songs for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Is your little one born to be a rock star? Well, in that case, getting started with some fun nursery rhymes seems like an ideal plan. As your little one grows, his appetite for learning and getting engaged in fun, entertaining activity also grows. One such fun activity is singing nursery rhymes. It makes up to be the best bonding and learning session. So, buckle up, here’s a nursery rhymes list with simple actions that you and your little one can enjoy.

6 Baby Nursery Rhymes

• "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star"

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, (open and close fingers with each word) How I wonder what you are. (look up) Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky. (make a diamond shape with your hands) Twinkle, twinkle, little star How I wonder what you are. (look up)

Isn’t this nursery rhyme perfect for the star of your universe? Then let’s make your little one sing this classic baby rhyme by acting it out. The goal is to make this process as engaging and fun as possible.

• "Johnny Johnny"

Johnny Johnny! Yes, Papa? Eating sugar? No, Papa. Telling lies? No, Papa. Open your mouth O Ha! Ha! Ha!

Another fun nursery rhyme for your baby that teaches him the value of honesty. Sing this rhyme as a two-way conversation, you being the dad and your kid being johnny. Through this rhyme you can even teach him how to nod for saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’.

• "Old McDonald Had a Farm"

Old McDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O! And on this 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 McDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O!

You can continue with whatever animals you like, such as duck ("quack, quack"), dog ("woof, woof"), cat ("meow, meow"), sheep ("baa, baa"), and horse("neigh, neigh").

This song is so engaging it can make a baby feel as if she's actually singing the words. The sounds are fun to make, and the words help your baby learn the names of many animals. Sing it on the way to the zoo or to a farm, or when you read a picture book that features animals, and then make the sounds when you see the animals. Your child will be thrilled to find it all so familiar.

• "Humpty Dumpty"

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. (tip baby back slightly) All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again.

What could be better than a knee-bouncing action rhyme? Sit your baby on your lap so she's facing you. Hold her under her arms, lift your heels, and let the gentle bouncing begin. This game is best for older babies whose neck muscles are strong enough to support their head.

• "Baa Baa Black Sheep"

Baa, baa, black sheep

Have you any wool?

Yes sir, yes sir

Three bags full

One for the master

One for the dame

And one for the little girl

Who lives down the lane

We are quite sure that your toddler would find it entertaining if you enacted the song while singing it. Also, make sure to lay emphasis on words like ‘baa, baa’, as it can help your baby learn how a sheep sounds. In the end, it’s all about teaching young minds the fun way, right?

• "This Little Piggy Went to Market"

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 him all over)

Chant this classic nursery rhyme 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 him squeal with delight.

• "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"

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

Your baby loves doing as much as possible with you, including riding in a boat. Sit down on the floor and settle your baby in your lap so she's facing you. Be sure her neck and head are supported. Hold both her hands with yours and rock back and forth in time to the song. Vary the tempo for a fast boat ride or a slow one. Take advantage of the easy rhythm by substituting some of your own words (wash, wash, wash your face; roll, roll, roll the ball...). You'll both end up giggling.

Learning And Growing

Singing nursery rhymes helps your baby develop his auditory discrimination skills and enables him to attach words and meanings to actions. This is quite important for language development and later for reading. It also helps him to identify and respond to the sounds, pitches and patterns of language. Furthermore, due to this activity, there’s a strong emotional and social bond that is formed between you and your child. So, what are you waiting for? Sing nursery rhymes along with your precious little one and grow your bond stronger than ever!