Nursery Rhymes · A gentle bedtime adaptation of the traditional nursery rhyme
Rock-a-bye Baby
A cradle rocks softly beneath a moonlit tree while a parent keeps watch nearby. This gentle bedtime version keeps the familiar opening and gives the baby a safe, sleepy landing.
The familiar bedtime rhyme
Rock-a-bye baby,
On the tree top.
When the wind blows,
The cradle will rock.
When the bough bends,
The cradle will sway;
Moonlight will guide you
Till morning and day.
More verses for bedtime
Stars in the branches
Shimmer and gleam;
Softly the night bird
Sings through your dream.
Rock-a-bye baby,
Safe through the night;
Love keeps you cosy
Till morning is bright.
About this story
Use the same slow rocking pace on every line; this version keeps the music toddlers know and removes the frightening fall.
Read this next
-
Jack and Jill 1 min · Ages 1–3Another genuine one-minute rhyme for ages 1–3.
-
Little Miss Muffet 1 min · Ages 1–3Another genuine one-minute rhyme for ages 1–3.
Talk about it
You can rest when someone loving is close by.
Questions to ask
- What is rocking in the tree?
- What makes the cradle sway?
- Who helps you feel safe at bedtime?
Words to know
- cradle
- A small rocking bed for a baby.
- bough
- A strong branch of a tree.
- sway
- Move slowly from side to side.
More stories like this
1 min
Ages 1–3 · Nursery Rhymes
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
A little star shines above the sleeping world, guiding travellers with its tiny light. This familiar, slow rhyme is…
1 min
Ages 1–3 · Nursery Rhymes
Hey Diddle Diddle
A fiddling cat, a moon-jumping cow and runaway crockery begin the familiar nonsense, followed by new verses that yawn…
1 min
Ages 1–3 · Nursery Rhymes
Incy Wincy Spider
A tiny spider climbs, gets washed down by rain and starts all over when the sunshine returns. The hand actions and…
1 min
Ages 1–3 · Nursery Rhymes
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
A little boat drifts down a stream in the familiar round, then continues beneath stars and past the willows in two new…
4 min
Ages 3–7 · Classic Tales
Goldilocks and The Three Bears
Curious Goldilocks wanders into a magical forest and discovers a charming cottage. When she finds nobody home, her…
10 min
Ages 3–7 · Nursery Rhymes
Goody Two Shoes
Goody Two Shoes is a kind girl who loves helping everyone in her village. With her mischievous friends, she learns to…