33 Best Nursery Rhymes Songs for Children and Babies (with Lyrics)

There’s something special about nursery rhymes and baby songs. For ages, they have been used to teach children the basics of language and communication. But more than that, nursery rhymes songs are just plain fun. They help kids learn about rhythm and melody and provide a relaxed and enjoyable way for parents to spend time with their children.

Look no further if you’re looking for some great nursery rhyme songs to sing with your little one! We’ve collected 33 of the best ones here for you. So put on your singing voice, get ready to have some fun, and enjoy!

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Baby Songs, Nursery Rhymes Songs, Children Songs, and Baby Nursery Rhyme Lyrics.

The melodious notes of preschool songs and nursery rhymes songs have been echoing through the corridors of time, serving as a delightful backdrop to childhood memories. These songs, rich with nursery rhyme lyrics, play a pivotal role in the cognitive and emotional development of our little ones. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of baby nursery rhymes makes them catchy and easier for babies and toddlers to remember. This aids in enhancing their auditory memory and linguistic skills, forming a strong foundation for language acquisition.

Diving into kids songs lyrics and nursery rhymes songs lyrics, we uncover a world of creativity, imagination, and culture. These tunes not only narrate stories that instill moral values but also introduce children to various rhythms, tones, and patterns, which can be instrumental in building their auditory discrimination abilities. Kids nursery rhymes songs and kids nursery songs often come embedded with actions, encouraging physical movement and coordination, vital for motor skills development.

The beauty of children’s songs lyrics and nursery rhymes songs is that they transcend mere entertainment. They provide a platform for bonding and interaction between the child and the caregiver. Singing together, enacting the lyrics, or merely swaying to the tunes creates moments of connection, laughter, and love. In essence, these timeless treasures cater to a child’s cognitive growth, nurture their emotional well-being, and foster deep-rooted connections.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

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.

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Couldn’t put Humpty together again!

Hey Diddle Diddle

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.

Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water.
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.
Water, water, everywhere,
Nor any drop to drink.

This Old Man

This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack on my thumb.
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

The Impact of Nursery Rhyme Songs on Child Development

Engaging your little ones with nursery rhyme songs can do wonders for their early development. As they listen to and recite nursery rhymes lyrics, they not only improve their language skills but also enhance their cognitive abilities.

Research shows that these seemingly simple baby songs or childrens songs can assist children in recognizing sound patterns and developing their phonemic awareness, a key skill for reading readiness.

So next time you sing “Humpty Dumpty” or “Jack and Jill” with your child, remember that you’re not just entertaining them but contributing to their overall development.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Old MacDonald had a farm,
E-I-E-I-O,
And on that farm he had some sheep,
E-I-E-I-O,
With a baa baa here,
And a baa baa there,
Here a baa, there a baa,
Everywhere a baa baa,
Old MacDonald had a farm,
E-I-E-I-O.

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow;
And everywhere that Mary went,
The lamb was sure to go.

Hot Cross Buns

One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns.
If you have no daughters,
Give them to your sons.
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot cross buns!

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I’m a Little Teapot

I’m a little teapot,
Short and stout.
Here is my handle,
Here is my spout.
When I get all steamed up,
Hear me shout,
Just tip me over and pour me out!

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

We’re going on a bear hunt.
We’re going to catch a big one.
I’m not afraid.
What a beautiful day!
We see a cave.
Let’s go in!
Oh, no! A bear!
Quick, go back!
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
Oh, no! We have to go through it!
Yippee! We did it!

The Wheels on the Bus

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.

Are you sleeping?

Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John,
Morning bells are ringing!
Morning bells are ringing!
Ding ding dong, ding ding dong.

The Timeless Appeal of Nursery Songs for Kids

Generations have grown up singing the same nursery songs for kids. Whether it’s “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” these baby songs continue to engage children with their catchy tunes and memorable lyrics.

But what makes these kids nursery rhyme songs so timeless? Perhaps it’s their ability to tell a story in a simple, rhythmic manner, or maybe it’s the bond these songs create as they’re passed down from one generation to the next.

No matter the reason, the appeal of nursery songs lyrics endures, reminding us that some things never change.

Muffin Man

Do you know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
Do you know the muffin man,
Who lives on Drury Lane?
Yes, I know the muffin man,
The muffin man, the muffin man,
Yes, I know the muffin man,
Who lives on Drury Lane.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

The itsy bitsy 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,
And the itsy bitsy spider
Climbed up the spout again.

Pop! Goes the Weasel

Up and down the city streets,
In and out of the shops,
This is the way the ladies go,
Pop! goes the weasel.
A halfpennyworth of cheese,
A pennyworth of bread,
Is all that I can afford,
Pop! goes the weasel.
Round and round the cobbler’s bench,
The monkey chased the weasel;
The penny dropped and away went the weasel,
Pop! goes the weasel.

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 boy
Who lives down the lane.

The Farmer in the Dell

The farmer in the dell,
The farmer in the dell,
Hi ho the derry-o,
The farmer in the dell.

This is the way we ride our bike,
Ride our bike, ride our bike,
This is the way we ride our bike,
On a hot and sunny day.

This is the way we brush our teeth,
Brush our teeth, brush our teeth,
This is the way we brush our teeth,
On a hot and sunny day.

This is the way we eat our lunch,
Eat our lunch, eat our lunch,
This is the way we eat our lunch,
On a hot and sunny day.

This is the way we take a nap,
Take a nap, take a nap,
This is the way we take a nap,
On a hot and sunny day.

This is the way we play outside,
Play outside, play outside,
This is the way we play outside,
On a hot and sunny day.

This is the way we clean up our toys,
Clean up our toys, clean up our toys,
This is the way we clean up our toys,
On a hot and sunny day.

This is the way we wash our hands,
Wash our hands, wash our hands,
This is the way we wash our hands,
On a hot and sunny day.

This is the way we say goodbye,
Say goodbye, say goodbye,
This is the way we say goodbye,
On a hot and sunny day.

The Role of Repetition in Nursery Rhymes Songs

One key feature of nursery rhymes songs is repetition. Take a moment to notice how often a phrase, line, or even an entire verse is repeated in your favorite nursery rhyme songs.

This repetition does more than just make the baby songs catchy. It plays a crucial role in helping children retain information, improve memory, and develop rhythm.

As they listen to and repeat nursery rhymes lyrics, kids are actually learning how language works and building their vocabularies.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

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

Hokey Pokey

You put your right hand in,
You put your right hand out,
You put your right hand in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your left hand in,
You put your left hand out,
You put your left hand in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your right foot in,
You put your right foot out,
You put your right foot in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your left foot in,
You put your left foot out,
You put your left foot in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your head in,
You put your head out,
You put your head in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your hips in,
You put your hips out,
You put your hips in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your right arm in,
You put your right arm out,
You put your right arm in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your left arm in,
You put your left arm out,
You put your left arm in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your right leg in,
You put your right leg out,
You put your right leg in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your left leg in,
You put your left leg out,
You put your left leg in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

Hickory Dickory Dock

Hickory dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory dickory dock.

The Joy of Sharing Kids Nursery Rhyme Songs

Sharing kids nursery rhyme songs is a beautiful way to bond with your child. Whether it’s during playtime, bedtime, or on a long car ride, these songs offer a fun and interactive way to spend quality time together.

They also present a wonderful opportunity for children to learn, sing, and dance in a joyful environment. With nursery songs lyrics easy to remember and tunes hard to forget, these moments create lasting memories that both you and your child will cherish.

This Old Man

This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack on my thumb;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

This old man, he played two,
He played knick-knack on my shoe;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

This old man, he played three,
He played knick-knack on my knee;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

This old man, he played four,
He played knick-knack on my door;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

This old man, he played five,
He played knick-knack on my hive;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

This old man, he played six,
He played knick-knack on my sticks;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

This old man, he played seven,
He played knick-knack up to heaven;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

This old man, he played eight,
He played knick-knack on my gate;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

This old man, he played nine,
He played knick-knack on my spine;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

This old man, he played ten,
He played knick-knack once again;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.

Little Bunny Foo Foo

Little bunny foo foo
Hoppin’ through the forest
Scoopin’ up the field mice
And boppin’ ’em on the head.

Down came the good fairy,
And she said, “Little bunny foo foo,
I don’t wanna see you
Scoopin’ up the field mice
And boppin’ ’em on the head.
I’ll give you three chances,
And if you don’t behave,
I’ll turn you into a goon.”

Little bunny foo foo
Hoppin’ through the forest
Scoopin’ up the field mice
And boppin’ ’em on the head.

Down came the good fairy,
And she said, “Little bunny foo foo,
I don’t wanna see you
Scoopin’ up the field mice
And boppin’ ’em on the head.
I’ll give you two more chances,
And if you don’t behave,
I’ll turn you into a goon.”

Little Peter Rabbit

Little Peter Rabbit
Had a fly upon his nose,
His father spanked him
For picking flowers
From Farmer Brown’s garden.
Now he has to stay in bed,
Oh what a naughty bunny!

This Little Piggy

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

Where is Thumbkin?

Where is Thumbkin?
Where is Thumbkin?
Here I am, here I am.
How are you today, sir?
Very well, I thank you.
Run away, run away.

Shake My Wiggles Out

Shake my wiggles out,
Wiggle my giggle out,
Fold my giggles in half,
Now I’m a little pig.
Oink Oink!

I Had a Little Turtle

I had a little turtle,
His name was Tiny Tim.
I put him in the bathtub,
To see if he could swim.
He drank up all the water,
He ate up all the soap.
He tried to eat the bathtub,
But it wouldn’t fit down his throat.
So I took my little turtle,
And put him in a box.
I put some dirt and rocks in it,
And he slept all day long.

There Were Ten in the Bed

There were ten in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
There were nine in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
There were eight in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
There were seven in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
There were six in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
There were five in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
There were four in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
There were three in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
There were two in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.
There was one in the bed
And the little one said,
“Roll over, roll over.”
So they all rolled over
And one fell out.

Five Little Ducks

Five little ducks went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The mother duck said “Quack quack quack,”
But only four little ducks came back.

Four little ducks went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The mother duck said “Quack quack quack,”
But only three little ducks came back.

Three little ducks went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The mother duck said “Quack quack quack,”
But only two little ducks came back.

Two little ducks went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The mother duck said “Quack quack quack,”
But only one little duck came back.

One little duck went out to play,
Over the hill and far away.
The mother duck said “Quack quack quack,”
But no little ducks came back.

The mother duck went out to look,
Over the hill and far away.
She said “Quack quack quack,”
But no little ducks came back.

Five Little Monkeys

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,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”

Three 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!”

Two 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!”

One little monkey jumping on the bed,
He fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”

Five Little Speckled Frogs

Five little speckled frogs
Sitting on a hollow log,
Eating some most delicious bugs.
Yum yum!
One jumped into the pool,
Where it was nice and cool,
Now there are four green speckled frogs.

Four little speckled frogs
Sitting on a hollow log,
Eating some most delicious bugs.
Yum yum!
One jumped into the pool,
Where it was nice and cool,
Now there are three green speckled frogs.

Three little speckled frogs
Sitting on a hollow log,
Eating some most delicious bugs.
Yum yum!
One jumped into the pool,
Where it was nice and cool,
Now there are two green speckled frogs.

Two little speckled frogs
Sitting on a hollow log,
Eating some most delicious bugs.
Yum yum!
One jumped into the pool,
Where it was nice and cool,
Now there is one green speckled frog.

One little speckled frog
Sitting on a hollow log,
Eating some most delicious bugs.
Yum yum!
He jumped into the pool,
Where it was nice and cool,
Now there are no green speckled frogs.

Five Little Birds

Five little birds sitting in a tree,
Tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet.
One flew away and then there were four,
Tweet tweet tweet tweet.
Four little birds sitting in a tree,
Tweet tweet tweet tweet.
One flew away and then there were three,
Tweet tweet tweet.
Three little birds sitting in a tree,
Tweet tweet tweet.
One flew away and then there were two,
Tweet tweet.
Two little birds sitting in a tree,
Tweet tweet.
One flew away and then there was one,
Tweet.
One little bird sitting in a tree,
Tweet.
He flew away and then there were none,
Silence.

Miss Mary Mack

Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack
All dressed in black, black, black
With silver buttons, buttons, buttons
All down her back, back, back.
She asked her mother, mother, mother
For fifty cents, cents, cents
To see the elephants, elephants, elephants
Jump over the fence, fence, fence.
They jumped so high, high, high
They touched the sky, sky, sky
And didn’t come back, back, back
Till the Fourth of July, ly, ly!

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

One, two, buckle my shoe.
Three, four, shut the door.
Five, six, pick up sticks.
Seven, eight, lay them straight.
Nine, ten, a big fat hen.
Eleven, twelve, dig and delve.
Thirteen, fourteen, maids a-courting.
Fifteen, sixteen, maids in the kitchen.
Seventeen, eighteen, maids a-waiting.
Nineteen, twenty, my plate’s empty.

Miss Lucy Had a Baby

Miss Lucy had a baby,
She named him Tiny Tim.
She put him in the bathtub,
To see if he could swim.
He drank up all the water,
He ate up all the soap.
He tried to eat the bathtub,
But it wouldn’t fit down his throat.

Miss Lucy called the doctor,
Miss Lucy called the nurse.
Miss Lucy called the lady,
With the alligator purse.

In came the doctor.
In came the nurse.
In came the lady,
With the alligator purse.

Mumps said the doctor.
Measles said the nurse.
Hiccups said the lady,
With the alligator purse.

Miss Lucy punched the doctor.
Miss Lucy kicked the nurse.
Miss Lucy thanked the lady,
With the alligator purse.

Conclusion.

Nursery rhymes are invaluable for young children’s learning and development. By providing opportunities for language development, literacy skills, cognitive development, social and emotional development, and cultural awareness and understanding, nursery rhymes offer a fun and effective way to support children’s growth and learning.

By incorporating nursery rhymes and baby songs into daily life, contextualizing and addressing any problematic aspects, and exploring different types of nursery rhymes from other languages and cultures, parents and caregivers can help their children reap the many benefits of these beloved songs and poems.

Whether singing traditional nursery rhymes before bed or creating personalized rhymes during playtime, parents and caregivers can use nursery rhymes to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences for their children. So the next time you hear a nursery rhyme, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and valuable benefits these beloved songs and poems offer young children worldwide.