Songs to Support Foundation-Building Routines
- Matthew Mears
- Nov 12, 2025
- 4 min read
Diaper Change Songs
Version 1: "If You're Happy and You Know It"
If I’m changing your diaper and you know it, let's talk and smile (clap, clap)
If I’m changing your diaper and you know it, let's talk and smile (clap, clap)
I'll tell you what I know, and your brain will quickly growIf I’m changing your diaper and you know it, let's talk and smile! (clap, clap)
Now I'm wiping your legs clean, one and two (count on fingers)
Now I'm wiping your legs clean, one and two (count on fingers)
When I look into your eyes, I know that you're my prize
Now I'm wiping your legs clean, one and two! (count on fingers)
Version 2: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
Diaper, diaper, time to change
Clean and dry, we'll rearrange
One, two, wipe you clean,
Smile and giggle, my little bean.
Talk and laugh, we'll make it fun
Before you know it we’ll be done!
Version 3: "Twinkle, Twinkle" Alternative
Twinkle, twinkle, diaper change
Clean and dry, a quick exchange
Wipe and talk: 'One, two, three'
Name what's happening with you and me
Fresh and comfy, all done now,
You're my star so take a bow.
Foundation Elements Embedded:
Language-rich interactions through narration and counting
Loving attention through eye contact and warm tone
Routine and safety through predictable, gentle actions
Emotional support through reassuring, delighted words
Mealtime Songs
Version 1: "Old MacDonald Had a Farm"
Eating time is learning time, E-I-E-I-O
And at this meal we'll share and grow, E-I-E-I-O
With a "crunch crunch" here and a "yum yum" there
Here a taste, there a try, healthy food to live by"
Eating time is learning time, E-I-E-I-O!
Version 2: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"
Eat, eat, eat your food
Growing strong each day
Healthy food is what you need
So you’ll have strength to play!
Version 3: "If You're Happy and You Know It"
If you're hungry and you know it, let's eat up (clap, clap)
If you're hungry and you know it, let's eat up (clap, clap)
See the colors on your plate, they taste so good and great
If you're hungry and you know it, let's eat up! (clap, clap)
Version 4: "The Wheels on the Bus"
The food on your plate goes yum, yum, yum,
Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum!
The food on your plate goes yum, yum, yum,
Let’s taste and talk today!
What’s this color? What’s this crunch?
Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch!
What’s this color? What’s this crunch?
Each bite has something to say!
Foundation Elements Embedded:
Proper nutrition through focus on healthy foods and colors
Language-rich interactions through descriptive words and sound effects
Active play and exploration through food texture discovery
Emotional support through encouraging trying new foods
Playtime Songs
Song 1: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"
Play, play, play and learn
Exploring all around
Touch and see and hear and feel
New wonders can be found!
Song 2: "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
Playing, playing, time to grow
Stack the blocks up high and low
Try again when they fall down
Learning happens all around
Talk about what you can see
Playing builds your memory!
Song 3: "If You're Happy and You Know It"
If you're playing and you know it, explore away (clap, clap)
If you're playing and you know it, explore away (clap, clap)
Touch and taste and see what's new, I'm right here learning too
If you're playing and you know it, explore away! (clap, clap)
Song 4: "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"
Play, play, play today,
Build and stack and sing!
What’s that toy? What’s that sound?
Let’s explore everything!
Ask and talk, watch me grow,
Playtime makes us shine!
Back and forth, we learn so much,
Singing is divine!
Foundation Elements Embedded:
Active play and exploration through sensory experiences
Language-rich interactions through describing and questioning
Emotional support through encouraging persistence and discovery
Loving attention through engaged participation
Naptime Songs
Song 1: "Rock-a-Bye Baby"
Rest now, baby, time to sleep
Dreams so gentle, dreams so deep
Growing stronger while you rest
Sleep will help you do your best
Song 2: "Brahms' Lullaby" Rhythm (hush-a-by, go to sleep)
Sleepy time is growing time
Rest your body, rest your mind
Safe and warm here in your bed
Sweet dreams dancing in your head
Song 3: "Frère Jacques"
Time for napping, time for napping,
Soft and slow, soft and slow.
Cuddle close, we’ll rest now,
Cuddle close, we’ll rest now,
To help you grow, help you grow
Hush now, baby, hush now, baby,
Safe with me, safe with me.
Quiet words and love here, quiet words and love here,
Sleep peacefully, peacefully
Foundation Elements Embedded:
Healthy sleep habits through routine establishment
Safety and routine through predictable, soothing patterns
Emotional support through calm, reassuring presence
Loving attention through gentle, focused care
Usage Tips for Parents:
Make It Natural: These songs work best when sung conversationally rather than performed. The melody provides structure, but focus on the interaction with your child.
Adapt the Words: Change verses to match what you're actually doing. If you're putting on a blue diaper, sing about the blue diaper. If lunch is pasta, make it about pasta.
Don't Worry About Perfect Singing: Your child benefits from hearing your voice and feeling your attention, not from perfect pitch or remembering every word.
Use the Embedded Cues: Each song includes reminders of the eight essentials. Let these guide your actions - make eye contact during "loving attention" moments, use descriptive language during "language-rich" moments.
Start Small: Pick one routine and one song. Once it feels natural, add another. The goal is sustainable practice, not overwhelming yourself.
Watch Your Child's Response: Notice how your child reacts to the increased engagement. Most children show immediate positive responses to this kind of intentional attention during routine care.
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