Your Baby’s Perfect New Playlist

When I had my first baby, one of the nicest gifts we received was a two-disc mix of fantastic songs compiled by our music maven pal. While all the tracks were great—and safe for tiny ears—not a one was marketed as a “baby” song.

It was inspiring, to say the least. And no offense to the powerhouses of kid-friendly compilations, but you’ve probably got everything your musically advanced offspring needs in terms of a “primer.” (You know, in those gigantic CD wallets you keep moving from house to house?)

To start you off, here are 17 picks, ranging from classic favorites to surprisingly ideal new jams; pitch-perfect for quiet time, nap time and every gentle time in between. (Listen at your own risk, exhausted parents.)

All My Days, Alexi Murdoch

Stick With Me Baby, Robert Plant& Alison Krauss

Only You, Joshua Radin

If I Needed You, Lyle Lovett

Corinna, Taj Mahal

The Long Way Home, Norah Jones

Lullabye, Ben Folds Five

Pretty Ballerina, The Left Banke

Just You and Me, Zee Avi

Caledonia, Dougie MacLean

Wading in the Velvet Sea, Phish

Alright For Now, Tom Petty

Dream a Little Dream of Me, The Mamas & The Papas

Half Acre, Hem

In My Room, The Beach Boys

Trust In Me, Etta James

Pink Moon, Nick Drake

New parents need all the extra help they can get, right? We’ve done you a solid and already compiled this mix onto Spotify! They’ve got a nifty “repeat” button, too, so go ahead and stretch out on that play mat for a bit.


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This article originally published on Nov. 2, 2016. It has been updated with the most recent information. 

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