How to Establish a Bedtime Routine for Your Baby Tender lyrics (like “now the sun turns out his light” and “dream sweet dreams for me”) are perfect for parents to sing to little ones.

This classic Beatles song (written by John Lennon for his son Julian) is peaceful and soothing. Listen to “Rock-a-Bye Baby.” “Rock-a-Bye Baby” Lyrics And while the notion of a falling cradle may not seem very restful, this melody has lulled babies to sleep and weathered the test of time. Theories abound as to the meaning of the mysterious (and ominous!) lyrics, which have changed a bit over time. This classic nursery rhyme is believed to date back to 18th-century England (though it may have originated in America).

Here are some of our favorite lullabies for babies - a mix of popular, modern-day hits and songs sung for centuries by parents eager for their little ones to get some shut-eye. Still, some songs seem to particularly lend themselves to sending baby off to dreamland. Nearly any song - regardless of lyrics and melody - can be re-imagined as a lullaby.

Soft bedtime music