20 Modern-Day Lullabies You Can Sing to Your Newborn

20 Modern-Day Lullabies You Can Sing to Your Newborn

Lullabies have been around as long as there have been babies and singing. Chances are, you probably don’t consciously remember your mother coddling you to her chest and singing Rockabye Baby, but something deep inside of you carries that feeling with you always. Lullabies are a great way to calm a baby into rest and, ideally, a deep sleep.

But when it comes to content, some of the old classics have either lost their luster over the ages, or you have looked into the lyrics and realized they are all about horrible events like babies getting stuck in trees and falling out, child abuse, or the Black Death that plagued Europe so many years ago. There is nothing that says we can’t sing modern songs to our children, or even make a few up! So, here is a list of 20 songs that work very well as modern-day lullabies that you can sing to your newborn.

First of all, what makes a good lullaby?

The answer is, simplicity. Simple lyrics, simple melody, and a pitch that is easy to carry. Your baby isn’t going to care if you have a horrible singing voice or if you carry perfect pitch.

Simple lyrics will be easier to remember and keep your rhythm steady. The more you stutter or stumble, the more interruptions will occur, and the baby will have a harder time falling asleep.

The lyrics must be calming in nature, and repetition is KEY. It is the repetition that creates the hypnotic calming effect. And a simple calming melody will be the road that will take your child straight into dreamland.

Write your own lullaby

Of course, the most ideal option is to write your own, if you have the means. If you consider yourself a wordsmith or a songwriter, this should be easy! If you’re like the rest of us, you can take a shortcut and incorporate your own lyrics into an already existing song.

This is probably the easiest option, as the melody, pitch, and most of the lyrics are already taken care of, and you just need to add in words that fit for you and your baby. Make them personal, make them loving, and make sure you have a connection to the words. Intention is a big part of lulling your baby to sleep.

20 modern-day songs to use as lullabies

• Redemption Song – Bob Marley

The classic heartfelt jam is one of Bob Marley’s most famous works.

• Your Song – Elton John

His timeless love ballad works for all types of love, including that of a parent.

• Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Judy Garland

Who doesn’t already love this song and know it by heart?

• Lean On Me – Bill Withers

“I’ll help you carry on”… to sleep.

• Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

Whether sharing your first middle school dance or singing your baby asleep, this one is perfect.

• I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Death Cab For Cutie

Ominous in title, heavenly in lyrics.

• When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio

Makes no difference who you are, this is another timeless lullaby.

• Piano Man – Billy Joel

Just don’t scare the baby awake when you accidentally yell, “Man, what are you doin’ here!”

• Blackbird – The Beatles

Short. Simple. Wonderful.

• Just the Two of Us – Bill Withers

The Will Smith version is also an adequate replacement.

• A Whole New World – Aladdin

Try not to get wrapped up in the excitement of the magic carpet ride.

• Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen

The first verse, a few verses and some choruses, the whole thing. It doesn’t matter how much you do, this song fires on all cylinders.

• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Who doesn’t like to acknowledge all the little wonders of the world?

• Three Little Birds – Bob Marley

Sweet lyrics, plus anything by Mr. Marley and the Wailers could fit on this list and both parent and baby would be pretty excited about it.

• Let it Be – The Beatles

Whether you’re one day or one century old, McCartney’s classic will calm your soul.

• Feeling Good – Nina Simone

This song will put your baby to sleep and have you feeling good while you sing it.

• Part of Your World – The Little Mermaid

It’s okay to cry during this one. Everyone does.

• Juicy – Notorious BIG

If you replace some of the parts about drugs with bits about cookies, your baby won’t know the difference.

• Danny’s Song – Loggins and Messina

“Even though we ain’t got money, I’m so in love with you honey.” Bring tissues for this one.

• You Are My Sunshine – Nat King Cole

If you just keep repeating the chorus and never get into the horrible story that this song is actually about, this will be one of the sweetest lullabies you’ll find.

Sleep tight

Singing to your baby is amazing for their development and your peace of mind. They don’t even need to be born yet. It’s said that you can begin singing modern-day lullabies to the baby when they’re still in utero! If the bun is still in the oven and you haven’t started planning the baby shower yet, check out some baby shower venues near you.

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