Music: First year to toddler

Here are our favorite songs for baby’s first year to toddler years. We are particularly drawn to music that is not only wonderful for the child, but in some cases can also be calming to the mother. We do not focus on whether the artist is atheist, but rather the emotion of the music.

If you have a song you greatly like that is geared towards first year to toddler, please let us know by emailing info(at)atheist moms.com.

Elizabeth Mitchell

We love many songs from Elizabeth Mitchell, an American singer, songwriter and musician based in New York. Her songs have a sweet and sympathetic tone that appeals to children, and also can be calming to parents. Learn more about Elizabeth Mitchell here.

“Little Bird, Little Bird”

Other noted songs by Elizabeth Mitchell: “Who’s My Pretty Baby,” “Little Liza Jane,” “Little Sugar“

Raffi

If you have been searching Youtube for children’s music, there is a good chance you have come across Raffi. He is one of the most iconic children’s music performers of all time, with his popular song “Baby Beluga” still drawing young little ears to this day. Even adults love him! Learn more about Raffi here.

“Baby Beluga”

Other noted songs by Raffi: “Down by the Bay,” “Five Little Ducks,” “Everything Grows,” “Thanks A Lot”

The Wiggles

The Wiggles is a children’s performance band from Australia that has captured the attention of children all over the world. They do traditional children’s music and also their own unique songs. Not to mention the quality of their videos is amazing! Learn more about The Wiggles here.

“We’re All Fruit Salad”

Other noted songs by The Wiggles: “Emma’s Yellow Bow,” “Rattlin’ Bog,” “Say the Dance,” “Do the Pretzel“

Special mentions:

Betty Noyes – “Baby Mine” (from Disney’s original film Dumbo)
A wonderful lullaby song children will fall in love with, and something sentimental for parents to listen to.

“Rock and Read” (1989)
Length: 30 minutes

I remember being mesmerized by the visuals in this movie when I was a child. I loved the whole movie! Now I show it to my daughter and she enjoys it too.

I also love the versions of the children’s classic songs in this movie. Many of the songs were produced by fairly recognized musicians at the time. I particularly like the version of “Row Row Row Your Boat,” it is the best version I have ever heard. To this day I bob my head to it.

The movie stars recognized comedian Pauly Shore, who was very popular in the late ’80s and into the ’90s. – Lauren