27 Nursery Rhymes and Songs for Babies, Toddlers and Children

Fancy some quick, easy ways to give your baby a head start in development? Nursery rhymes aren't just catchy; they're powerful learning tools that help your child develop language, memory and emotional development from day one.

Here’s why babies’ and children’s nursery songs belong in your daily routine:

• Help your baby recognise patterns in sound and language

• Strengthen emotional bonding through soothing repetition

• Encourage motor skills with movement-based nursery rhymes

• Support early literacy and vocabulary development

• Requires no tools, just your voice and a moment of connection.

From soothing lullabies at bedtime to lively group favourites for little ones, this guide showcases a carefully chosen collection of nursery rhymes, complete with lyrics and practical tips to share them meaningfully in everyday moments.

What Is a Nursery Rhyme?

Nursery rhymes for babies and older children have long been popular in the U. K. and across the globe. Nursery rhymes are short, rhymed poems, songs or tales that are primarily used for entertaining and educating children.

These rhymes are usually filled with simple, expressive language and often feature repetitive structures, making them easy for little minds to absorb and remember. They have been an important part of children’s literature for centuries. They often tell a story or teach a moral lesson and can serve as a tool to teach children about rhythm, rhyme, history and tradition.

Some, like lullabies, are specifically used at bedtime to help babies drift off to sleep. Whether you’re exploring a list of nursery rhymes or singing your childhood favourites, these verses can be a simple way to bond, calm, and connect through language and rhythm.

The Benefits of Nursery Rhymes for Babies and Kids

A quick rhyme and a lilting melody can do more than simply bring a smile to your little one’s face; they nurture key areas of early development, making play feel natural. From singing and swaying to a few claps, nursery rhymes create moments that help you connect with your baby and grow together.

Here are just a few ways these little verses help:

• Boost language and early literacy. Singing rhymes helps your baby recognise the sounds and rhythm of speech, building blocks for learning to talk and eventually read.

• Support cognitive development. The repetitive patterns in baby rhymes help babies anticipate what comes next, which strengthens memory and attention.

• Create an emotional bond. Singing nursery rhymes and children’s songs is a simple, joyful way to bond, especially during one-on-one moments like nappy changes or winding down for naps.

• Encourage motor skills. When paired with gestures or movement, rhymes help babies coordinate actions with words, supporting both fine and gross motor development.

• Easy and always available. No tools or toys required. Nursery rhyme songs are something you can share anytime, anywhere, even while travelling.

• Promote social learning. Joining in with group songs or games with children’s nursery rhymes helps kids practice turn-taking, listening and feeling part of a group.

Whether you’re going through a list of nursery rhymes or just humming a tune from memory, these small moments can add up to a big impact on your child’s development.

Exploring the Types of Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes span a wide range of styles, each with its own charm and purpose. Some are gentle, lullaby-like tunes designed to soothe babies and help them drift off. Others are livelier and more rhythmic, inviting children to move, remember, and take part in everyday moments.

You’ll also find children’s nursery rhymes that tell simple stories, teach numbers or explore routines—helping babies and toddlers connect sounds with meaning through repetition and rhyme.

Classic Nursery Rhymes

Some nursery rhymes resonate across generations, instantly recognisable to families old and young. Five timeless favourites, celebrated for their catchy rhythms, straightforward lyrics and enduring charm. They're often among the first nursery rhymes handed down from parent to child.

1. ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’

This gentle lullaby dates back to a poem by Jane Taylor from the early nineteenth century. Its soothing melody and universal theme make it a bedtime favourite around the world to drift off to sleep.

Lyrics:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, (Open and close your hands to imitate the twinkling of a star) How I wonder what you are. (Shrug your shoulders and open your hands) Up above the world so high, (Point up to the sky) Like a diamond in the sky. (Make a diamond shape with your fingers) Twinkle, twinkle, little star, (Repeat the opening hand gesture) How I wonder what you are. (Shrug your shoulders and open your hands)

2. ‘Rock-a-Bye Baby’

A traditional English lullaby, traced back to the late eighteenth century and first printed back then. Its seemingly dramatic verses hide a comforting, cradle-like rhythm that helps soothe little ones to sleep.

Lyrics:

Rock a bye baby, on the tree top, When the wind blows the cradle will rock. When the bough breaks the cradle will fall, And down will come baby, cradle and all.

3. ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’

This classic English nursery rhyme first appeared in print in 1852. Renowned for its gentle rhythm, yet fun actions, it remains popular with babies and older children alike.

Lyrics:

Row, row, row your boat (rock back and forth)

Gently down the stream.

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily

Life is but a dream.

4. 'London Bridge Is Falling Down'

Dating back to the 17th century, this children's nursery rhyme is thought to reflect the many rebuilds of London Bridge over the years. It's usually played as a partner game, with two players forming an arch with their arms while the others pass underneath.

Lyrics:

London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, Falling down. London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady!…

5. ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’

First published in 1830, this well-known children's rhyme was penned by Sarah Josepha Hale. Its inspiration came from Mary Sawyer, a girl who famously brought her lamb to school.

Lyrics:

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

Popular Nursery Rhymes

In today’s homes, a blend of picture books, streaming playlists, and bright animated clips has helped many nursery rhymes become firm favourites among children. These songs usually include simple actions to copy, which keeps little ones entertained and moving.

The following are 10 popular nursery rhymes and children’s songs you might already know, or will love discovering.

6. 'The Wheels on the Bus'

A bright, catchy chant that kids love in playgroups and during car journeys. Brisk actions and changing verses keep little learners engaged, helping them pick up sounds, sequence events, and imitate what they hear.

Lyrics:

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.

7. ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm’

This timeless nursery rhyme is ideal for introducing children to animal names and the sounds they make. Using the same pattern with a variety of animals helps children remember more easily and link words together.

Lyrics:

Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O And on that 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 MacDonald 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’).

8. ‘If you’re happy and you know it’

This engaging, movement-filled nursery rhyme invites babies and toddlers to listen, follow instructions and have fun.

Lyrics:

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap) If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)

If you're happy and you know it

And you really want to show it

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.

9. 'Baby Shark'

This lively online sensation has toddlers hooked, a staple favourite among little ones. Its playful hand actions boost motor skills while familiarising youngsters with everyday family vocabulary.

Lyrics (short version):

Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

10. ‘Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed’

This playful counting rhyme helps children learn numbers and rhythm. It also introduces the idea that actions have consequences in a lively, engaging way.

Lyrics:

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed, One fell off and bumped his head. Mummy called the doctor, and the doctor said, 'No more monkeys jumping on the bed!'

Four little monkeys jumping on the bed

…

(lyrics continue until there are no more monkeys jumping on the bed)

11. ‘Incy Wincy Spider’

A lively routine of simple hand moves and a sunny rhythm helps youngsters boost fine motor skills and grasp how one action leads to another.

Lyrics:

Incy Wincy spider climbed up the waterspout. (Use your hands to mimic a spider climbing up a waterspout)

Down came the rain and washed the spider out. (Flutter your hands downwards like falling rain)

Out came the sunshine, and dried up all the rain. (Make a circle with your arms to represent the sun)

And Incy Wincy spider climbed up the spout again. (Repeat the climbing motion with your hands)

12. 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes'

Perfect for getting little ones moving and naming body parts, this nursery rhyme keeps children active while reinforcing learning through repetition.

Lyrics:

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes, Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes

And eyes and ears and mouth and nose.

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes

. . . .

13. 'ABC Song'

A much-loved ABC rhyme makes the alphabet easy to grasp and gives young readers a firm footing in early literacy and phonemic awareness.

Lyrics:

A-B-C-D-E-F-G, H-I-J-K-LMNOP,

Q-R-S,

TUV,

WX,

Y and Z,

Now I know my ABCs,

Next time, won’t you sing with me?

14. 'This Little Piggy'

Sing along to this playful nursery rhyme while changing your newborn’s nappy. Gently trace each toe as you go, starting with the biggest and working down the line. When you reach the word 'home', tickle your baby all over and watch them squeal with delight.

Lyrics:

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 them all over)

15. 'Ring-a-Ring-a-Roses'

An energetic group rhyme that builds rhythm, fosters teamwork, and helps children become aware of their bodies. Kids really enjoy moving to the beat and joining in with circle games.

Lyrics:

Ring-a-ring-a-roses A pocket full of posies A-tishoo, a-tishoo We all fall down.

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Nursery Rhymes for Nursery Children and Older Kids

Explore our charming nursery rhyme collection. curated for both nursery-age children and older. Timeless tunes abound, from the lively rhythm of Hey Diddle, Diddle, to the warm melody of You Are My Sunshine, offering more than simple listening pleasure. These songs support your child’s cognitive and emotional growth. Join us on a playful musical journey, building a love of rhymes and songs in your family as you create precious memories together.

16. ‘Pat-a-Cake’

This chant-like rhyme not only teaches hand-eye coordination but also introduces children to basic vocabulary words like 'cake' and 'bake'.

Lyrics:

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man (Clap your hands together)

Bake me a cake as fast as you can. (Pretend to mix ingredients in a bowl)

Roll it, and pat it, (Roll your hands together and then clap them)

And mark it with B, (Make the letter 'B' with your fingers)

And put it in the oven for baby and me. (Pretend to put a cake in an oven)

17. ‘BINGO’

This fun and interactive rhyme teaches children about spelling, phonetics, and animal names. It’s also a great way to practise counting and learning numbers.

Lyrics:

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O.

B-I-N-G-O!

B-I-N-G-O!

B-I-N-G-O!

And Bingo was his name-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O. (Clap)-I-N-G-O! (Clap)-I-N-G-O! (Clap)-I-N-G-O! And Bingo was his name-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O. (Clap x2)-N-G-O! (Clap x2)-N-G-O! (Clap x2)-N-G-O! And Bingo was his name-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O. (Clap x4)-O! (Clap x4)-O! (Clap x4)-O! And Bingo was his name-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O. (Clap x4)

18. ‘You Are My Sunshine’

This gentle, sentimental lullaby is perfect for singing your little one to sleep, or for those quiet moments when you simply want a moment of calm together. It's also a wonderful way to show your love and affection for them. Try singing it at different speeds and volumes, or with silly voices to keep things lively and interactive.

Lyrics:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,

You make me happy when skies are gray.

You’ll never know dear, how much I love you.

Please don’t take my sunshine away.

19. ‘This Is the Way’

This lively nursery rhyme helps children get to grips with daily routines and personal hygiene. It's also a great way to show them why looking after their teeth matters.

Add a few more morning routine steps, such as brushing your hair, getting dressed, and having breakfast.

Lyrics:

This is the way we brush our teeth,

Brush our teeth, brush our teeth.

This is the way we brush our teeth,

Early in the morning.

This is the way we wash our face,

Wash our face, wash our face.

This is the way we wash our face,

Early in the morning.

20. 'Down by the Bay'

This lively verse bursts with unexpected rhymes that ignite imagination and big, infectious giggles. Perfect for nursery-age children and primary school children as they discover wordplay and the rhythm of sounds.

Lyrics:

Down by the bay,

Where the watermelons grow,

Back to my home,

I dare not go.

For if I do,

My mother will say:

'Did you ever see a goose

Kissing a moose

Down by the bay?'

Repeat this as many times as you like, but replace 'cat' and 'hat' with other fun rhyming words. For example, 'Did you ever see a bear combing his hair'? or 'a snake eating a cake'? Encourage your little one to come up with their own silly combinations.

21. ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’

This light-hearted, widely cherished nursery rhyme for young children serves as a delightful doorway to imagination and creative thinking.

Lyrics:

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.

Spanish Nursery Rhymes

Whatever your child's level, native Spanish speaker, bilingual, or a beginner, introducing Spanish nursery rhymes is a fun and engaging way to discover a new culture. These timeless tunes are playful and melodic, handed down through generations, much like English children's nursery rhymes.

22. “Cucú Cantaba la Rana”

This catchy Spanish nursery rhyme is about a little frog and the people who pass by each day. This will not only make learning fun but also help with their language development.

Lyrics:

Cucú, cantaba la rana,

Cucú, debajo del agua.

Cucú, pasó un caballero,

Cucú, con capa y sombrero.

Cucú, pasó una señora,

Cucú, con traje de cola.

Cucú, pasó un marinero,

Cucú, vendiendo romero.

Cúcú, le pidió un ramito,

Cúcú, no le quiso dar

Cúcú y se echó a llorar.

23. “A Mi Burro”

This song about a sick donkey teaches children about different body parts and why it's important to look after themselves when they're not feeling well. Feel free to continue with more verses as demonstrated in the video below.

Lyrics:

A mi burro, a mi burro  le duele la cabeza;  y el médico le ha dado  una gorrita gruesa. 

Una gorrita gruesa,  mi burro enfermo está mi burro enfermo esta.

A mi burro, a mi burro  le duelen las orejas;  y el médico le ha dado  jarabe de frambuesa jarabe de frambuesa

Una gorrita gruesa,  mi burro enfermo está.  Mi burro enfermo esta

A mi burro, a mi burro le duele la garganta;  y el médico le manda una bufanda blanca. 

Una bufanda blanca Jarabe de frambuesa Una gorrita gruesa mi burro enfermo está Mi burro enfermo esta.

24. “Un Elefante Se Balanceaba”

This counting rhyme gets sillier as it goes, encouraging memory, anticipation and numbers in Spanish.

Lyrics:

Un elefante se balanceaba

sobre la tela de una araña.

Como veía que resistía,

fue a llamar a otro elefante.

Dos elefantes se balanceaban…

25. “Pin Pon es un Muñeco”

This lively, well-structured Spanish nursery rhyme introduces routines such as washing hands and combing hair, helping children learn about self-care through song. It's also a fantastic way to foster gentle play and the habit of following instructions.

Lyrics:

Pin Pon es un muñeco muy guapo y de cartón. Se lava la carita con agua y con jabón.

Se desenreda el pelo con peine de marfil. Y aunque se da tirones no llora ni hace así.

Pin Pon dame la mano con un fuerte apretón. Que quiero ser tu amigo Pin Pon, Pin Pon, Pin Pon.

26. “Sol, solecito”

This gentle Spanish nursery rhyme helps children learn the days of the week and inspires them to greet each day with enthusiasm. Sing along with this cheerful children's rhyme and invite your child to mime the warm sun, a playful moon, and yourself taking flight.

Lyrics:

Sol Solecito Sol solecito caliéntame un poquito. Por hoy, por mañana, por toda la semana. Lunes Martes Miércoles Jueves Viernes Sábado Domingo Luna lunera cascabelera, mañana volaré porque el mundo me espera.

27. “La Vaca Lola”

A favourite among toddlers for its rhythm and repetition. It introduces animals and sounds while being easy to sing along with.

Lyrics:

La vaca Lola, la vaca Lola, tiene cabeza y tiene cola. La vaca Lola, la vaca Lola, tiene cabeza y tiene cola.

Y hace “muuu”, y hace “muuu”.

Our Favourite Nursery Rhyme

We've picked one of our favourites from our collection of classic and popular nursery rhymes: Incy Wincy Spider. This short, simple and sweet nursery rhyme is perfect for babies, toddlers and older children, and even includes some fun actions.

The Bottom Line

From lullabies to silly sing-alongs, nursery rhyme songs play a big role in your little one’s growth and your bonding time together. Whether you're building early language skills, introducing new vocabulary or simply sharing a joyful moment, these timeless tunes can be both fun and foundational.

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