Sing to your baby!

When I was 10 my youngest sister was born. As the oldest child, I was the designated babysitter in a house full of children. I was always able to calm my little sister by singing, "Hush Little Baby." I have good memories of that early "mothering" experience and I sang again to my own children. They all loved it.

Trust me, your baby doesn't care if you have a great voice or even if you can carry a tune at all, but the soothing sound of song is very calming to a small child. Rock your baby and sing to your heart's content - it's better than singing in the shower! Oh, by the way, you don't have to wait until the baby is born. Studies have shown babies can hear while in the womb and they recognize their parents' voices after they arrive. So, sing now - it might just make your chosen lullaby a special favorite she already recognizes!

If you don't recall the lyrics to this traditional American lullaby, here they are, though there are other variations. I have not been able to determine the author, so for now it's "anonymous."

Hush Little Baby (AKA Mockingbird)

Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird.

If that mockingbird won't sing,
Mama's going to buy you a diamond ring.

If that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama's going to buy you a looking glass.

If that looking glass gets broke,
Mama's going to buy you a billy goat.

If that billy goat won't pull,
Mama's going to buy you a cart and bull.

If that cart and bull turn over,
Mama's going to buy you a dog named Rover.

If that dog named Rover won't bark,
Mama's going to buy you a horse and cart.

If that horse and cart fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.

If you don't know the tune, you can hear it on YouTube here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySFmgEBC-tg

"Mockingbird" has been recorded by several artists in various genres; most recently by Toby Keith and his daughter, Krystal. (This one is on the WeeCare playlist on the left - a very upbeat version arranged and previously recorded by the brother and sister team Inez and Charlie Foxx in 1963, then Carly Simon and James Taylor did it in 1974)

If you want something truly unique, I can refer you to a local musician/compser, Russ Whitlock (Just My Lullaby), who creates an individual lullaby (music; not lyrics), recorded on CD for each baby. It comes with a certificate of authenticity - no other like it in the world. What to give the mother/baby who has everything...