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.
