Making safe, comfortable sleep easier is what we’re all about at HALO. One of the best, scientifically proven* ways to help your little sleep better is to establish a bedtime routine. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, just a few steps repeated nightly, that cue it’s time to start winding down.
Music can be a wonderful part of the bedtime routine. Try turning on some soft tunes during the last feed of the night or while dressing your baby in their SleepSack. Sharing favorite songs can also be an opportunity for bonding - babies love hearing you sing (even if you’re not quite Beyonce, they’ll still enjoy it!)
To make it easy, we’ve created this playlist as an ideal bedtime routine soundtrack. A soft blend of classic and indie rock signals “sleepytime” and will have your little snoozing sweetly in no time.
Playing calming songs (soothing and gentle melodies) for your babe before bedtime can offer several benefits:
- Soothing Effect: Calming songs help create a peaceful and soothing environment for the baby. The gentle melodies and rhythms can help the baby relax and unwind, making it easier for them to transition from an active state to a calm state before sleep.
- Sleep Association: Babies are highly responsive to routines and associations. By consistently playing calming songs before bed, you establish a predictable pattern that signals to the baby that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Over time, the baby will associate the music with bedtime and find it easier to fall asleep.
- Stress Reduction: Calming music has the power to reduce stress and anxiety, not only for adults but also for babies. Soft melodies and lullabies can help lower the baby's heart rate and promote a sense of tranquility, making it easier for them to let go of any tension or restlessness they may be experiencing.
- Cognitive Stimulation: Music can be a form of cognitive stimulation for babies. It helps develop their auditory senses, promotes language development, and improves their ability to perceive different sounds and rhythms. By exposing babies to a variety of calming songs, you provide them with an enriching and stimulating experience.
- Bonding and Comfort: Listening to calming songs together can be a bonding experience between parents and babies. Holding the baby, singing along, or simply being present while the music plays creates a nurturing and comforting atmosphere. This shared experience promotes feelings of security and closeness, which can further enhance the baby's ability to relax and fall asleep.
Lindsay Grodin, Global Marketing & Creative Director
selected “Lullaby” by Billy Joel
“My father and I used to sing this together in the early 90’s. It’s such a sweet father-daughter song that always makes me think of him.”
Featuring Halo 100% Cotton Wearable Blanket in Blue Woodland Etch
It's important to choose songs for bedtime that promote relaxation, preferably without sudden loud or jarring sounds. The playlist below is perfect for bedtime-ready babies (and their caregivers who can sing along!) - babies love hearing you sing to them.
- 1. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
2. Mystery of Love - Sufjan Stevens
3. Love on the Weekend - John Mayer
4. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
5. River - Leon Bridges
6. Into the Mystic - Van Morrison
7. Strange - Celeste
8. I’m on Fire - Bruce Springsteen
9. Acoustic #3 - Goo Goo Dolls
10. Lullaby - Lord Huron
11. Elliot’s Song - Dominic Fike, Zendaya
12. Imagine - John Lennon
13. Skinny Love - Bon Iver
14. To Build a Home - The Cinematic Orchestra, Patrick Watson
15. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - Sleeping at Last
16. Champagne Supernova - Oasis
17. Wild Horses - The Rolling Stones
18. Fire and Rain - James Taylor
19. Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
20. Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
21. Have A Little Faith In Me - John Hiatt
22. Lullaby - Billy Joel
And to make it even easier, you can play the music from this post below or find and save the playlist on spotify.