Baby Storytime
Everything you need to host fun and memorable
early literacy-based storytimes for the littlest library users.
Pick and choose your favorite books and elements from the lists below. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Weekly Outline
- Favorite Baby Storytime Books
- Choral Reading Books
- Opening & Closing Songs
- Rhymes & Tickles
- Bounces
- Movement & Prop Songs
- More Resources
Overview
On Mondays at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 11:30 am, I have had the pleasure of leading Baby Storytimes for ages 3-23 months. Over the years, the number of sessions, day of the week, and group size have fluctuated, but what’s remained consistent are the rich developmental milestones and sparks of library joy ignited in both caregivers and babies. Below, you will find best practices, tips for developing and running baby storytimes, and my favorite books, songs, rhymes, and more.
If you’re familiar with the Babygarten Curriculum created by Kristin Nilsen and Shannan Carrell, Every Child Ready to Read, and the teachings of Saroj Ghoting, then you’ll feel right at home. Those exceptional sources have been the foundation of my storytime development for all ages and stages.
Group Size & Ages
If possible, limit attendance to twelve babies and their families. Twelve is a successful number as too many participants will impact the experience for both caregiver and child. However, larger groups are just fine if you have the space to accommodate them or do not have time to provide multiple sessions. Separate sessions for ages 3-12 months (non-walkers) and 12-23 months (walkers) would be preferable, but have confidence in whatever you can manage for your community. Siblings are welcome to attend (another reason limiting attendance is encouraged), which adds an extra element of chaos but is a necessary accommodation for many parents.
How Do You Sit?
Caregivers are invited to sit with me on the ground in a circle, but chairs are available at the back of the room, and attendees are encouraged to sit however they are most comfortable. Baby will not be comfortable if the caregiver is not comfortable.
Repetition
Repeat the same songs, rhymes, and tickles for 3 weeks before swapping out a few new ones based on caregiver appeal and flow. I read a new book weekly but typically provide the same group read-aloud for a few weeks. By week 4, there will be a sense of fun and camaraderie as the content becomes familiar to all.
Repeat each song or rhyme 3 times. As one of my favorite librarians tells her Baby Storytime groups, “The first time is for you to hear the words, the second time is for you to join in, and the third time is for baby to understand what’s happening.” Babies love repetition, and it’s imperative for their development!
Name Tags
When babies AND caregivers wear nametags, they are more likely to interact and get to know one another, which makes the experience more engaging and memorable. Babies can’t drive themselves to the library, so creating another reason for caregivers to attend (to meet up with new friends!) is a win. I prefer sticky nametags as caregivers can stick them on baby’s back where baby is least likely to grab and play with it.
Weekly Outline
Use this basic outline or mix things up each week based on the group:
Opening Song
2-3 Tickles/Rhymes
Book
2-3 Bounces/Songs
Choral Reading or Individual Reading
1-2 Prop Songs
Closing Song
Playtime
Collecting & Distributing Books or Props
Avoid tears when collecting books or props by trading little ones for something new. This is why I try to hand out props after books or books after props.
For the littlest ones (non-walkers), pass out or collect items. The walkers may enjoy bringing you their items. It’s a great opportunity for walkers to practice listening to directions and approaching non-family members, something they will need to do in daycare or preschool.
Choral Reading
For the “Choral Reading” portion, pass out the same board book to each family so they can read the book aloud with you. However, this means your library must own multiple copies of the same book. Alternatively, you could fill a basket with various board books and let the caregivers pick. This encourages them to read independently and observe others doing the same. After a few minutes of private reading time, announce, “If you are finished with your book, I will trade you the book for a scarf to use in our next song,” or let them keep the books and quietly collect them during playtime.
Playtime!
Ending with playtime is a great way for babies and caregivers to socialize and observe others. As soon as I reach for the bucket of toys following the closing song, the little ones know what’s next and take it from there. You don’t need anything fancy. Children are often intrigued by things presented to them in a new environment. We frequently hear, “I have this toy at home, but my kid only plays with yours here!”
Don’t forget to relax and have fun!!
Favorite Baby Storytime Books
More Baby Storytime Books From the Blog
Choral Reading Books
Opening & Closing Songs
We open Baby Storytime with Choo Choo and close with Baby Shark every week, no matter what. I learned these songs from the Babygarten curriculum. It’s a joy to sit down and see little ones start rubbing their hands together in anticipation of Choo Choo and then quiet down after rambunctious props the moment they hear Baby Shark begin.
Choo Choo
Choo, choo, choo choo
Choo, choo, choo
Up the railroad track
Choo, choo, choo, choo
Choo, choo, choo
Then we come right back
First we go to _____’s house
Then we go to _____’s house…
And then we come right back!
Baby Shark
Baby Shark doot doot, doot da doot (Make shark mouth “snaps” with index finger and thumb)
Baby Shark doot doot, doot da doot
Brother Shark doot doot, doot da doot (Shark mouth with whole hand)
Brother Shark doot doot, doot da doot
Mama Shark doot doot, doot da doot (Shark mouth with both hands connected at wrist)
Mama Shark doot doot, doot da doot
Daddy Shark doot doot, doot da doot (Shark mouth with whole arms)
Daddy Shark doot doot, doot da doot
Now we swim doot doot, doot da doot (Swim arms)
Now we swim doot doot, doot da doot
From the shark doot doot, doot da doot (Swim arms again or make shark fin on head with hand)
From the shark doot doot, doot da doot
GOCTHYA! (Wrap baby in a big hug)
*Dana and Lindsay over at Jbrary have an excellent post with more Welcoming Activities and song ideas.
Rhymes & Tickles
Words of Wisdom to share with caregivers: “Many children like this kind of play on their bodies, but others may find it too sensitive and do not enjoy it. If your child doesn’t enjoy the tickles, feel free to recite or sing the rhymes without those movements.”
Please note that many of the songs and rhymes found below have been shared widely or adapted countless times, so tracking sources for all is difficult. That said, if you do not see a source listed and know it, please share it in the comments so I can give credit where credit is due!
Baby, Baby Dumpling
Baby, Baby Dumpling
Put him in a pot (Wrap baby in a hug)
Butter him and sugar him (Rub hands over tummy and back)
And eat him while he’s hot!
Nom nom nom nom nom (Make “nom nom” noises into baby’s neck or tummy)
Here Is My Nose
Here is my nose (Touch your nose)
Here is your nose (Touch baby’s nose])
Nuzzle nuzzle noses. (Eskimo kiss noses or tickle baby’s nose)
Here are my toes (Touch your toes)
Here are your toes (Touch baby’s toes)
Nuzzle Nuzzle toeses. (Tickle baby’s toes)
Here are my hands (Show your hands)
Here are your hands (Touch baby’s hands)
Give a little clap.
You can cuddle (Hug baby)
I can cuddle (Hug baby)
Curl up in my lap! (Put baby in lap or give great big hug)
One To Five
One little nose, two little feet
Three little tickles on your tummy sweet!
Four little kisses on five little toes
Then one more kiss for your sweet little nose!
Pat A Cake
Pat a cake, pat a cake, baker’s man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can
Roll it, and pat it, and mark it with a B
And put it in the oven for baby and me
Pizza Baby
Knead the dough
Pizza baby, pizza baby, pizza baby (Knead baby’s tummy)
Spread the sauce
Pizza baby, pizza baby, pizza baby
(Smooth hands on baby’s tummy)
Sprinkle the cheese
Pizza baby, pizza baby, pizza baby (Tap fingers on baby’s tummy)
Eat it up
Nom, nom, nom, nom, nom! (Put face by baby’s neck or tummy and make nom nom noises)
Pizza Pizza Pumpernickel
Pizza pizza pumpernickel
Baby girl shall have a tickle (Tickle baby)
One for her nose (Touch baby’s nose)
One for her toes (Touch baby’s toes)
And one for her tummy where the hot dog goes (Tickle tummy)
Round and Round the Garden
Round and round the garden (Draw circles on baby’s palm or tummy)
Goes the teddy bear
One step, two steps (Crawl fingers up baby’s arm)
Tickle you there! (Tickle under baby’s chin, arm, or tummy)
Round and round the garden
Goes the little deer
One step, two steps
Tickle you here!
Slowly, Slowly
Slowly, slowly, very slowly
(Walk fingers up baby’s leg)
Creeps the little snail
Slowly, slowly, very slowly
(Walk fingers up baby’s arm)
Up the wooden rail
Quickly, Quickly, very quickly
(Quickly tickle fingers all over baby’s body)
Runs the little mouse
Quickly, quickly, very quickly
(Quickly dance fingers around baby’s head)
All around the house
Tick Tock
Tick tock, tick tock
I’m a little cuckoo clock (Rock baby side to side)
Tick tock, tick tock
Now I’m striking one o’clock
CUCKOO! (Lift baby high)
*Continue with two o’clock and three o’clock.
Up The Ladder
Up, up the ladder (Walk fingers up baby’s arm)
Hurry to the slide
Sit at the top (Rest fingers on baby’s head)
Then down you slide! (Slide fingers down baby’s arm)
Where Do They Go?
Where do your shoes go?
There, there, there. (Tap bottoms of baby’s feet)
Where does your hat go?
Hair, hair, hair
Where does the food go?
In your tum
Where does your diaper go?
On your bum!
Where Are Baby’s Fingers?
Where are baby’s fingers?
Where are baby’s toes?
Where is baby’s belly button?
Round and round it goes.
Where are baby’s ears?
Where is baby’s nose?
Where is baby’s belly button?
Round and round it goes.
Bounces
Bounces have more energy and movement than the rhymes and tickles found above. They’re perfect for grabbing baby’s attention for more excitement and fun. Gently bounce baby up and down in your lap, side to side, or all around with these energetic rhymes.
All the Little Babies
All the little babies love bouncing, bouncing
All the little babies love to bounce
All the little babies love bouncing, bouncing
All the little babies love to bounce
Lean to the left
Lean to the right
Hug that little baby nice and tight
*You can also swap out “All the” for “My”, Mama’s”, “Papa’s”, “Auntie’s”, “Grandma’s”, etc.
Baby Hop
Snuggle up together
Baby’s in your lap
Snuggle up together
And clap, clap, clap
Snuggle up together
Baby, don’t you nap
Snuggle up together
And tap, tap, tap (Tap baby’s feet together)
You’re working out together (Move arms)
Baby, don’t stop
You’re working out together
Now hop, hop, hop (Bounce baby up and down)
*See StoryBlocks Baby Hop to learn the tune.
A Bouncing We Will Go
A bouncing we will go
A bouncing we will go
Hi-ho the derry-o
A bouncing we will go
A rocking we will go…
A tickling we will go…
My Little Red Wagon
*Tune by Raffi from the album “The Singable Songs Collection”
Bumping up and down in my little red wagon Bumping up and down in my little red wagon Bumping up and down in my little red wagon
Won’t you be my darling
Down the hill and around the corner…(Lean baby forward and gently swing around and upright)
One wheel’s off and the axle’s broken… (Tip babies to the side)
Hippopotamus Got On a City Bus
A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus
Got on, got on, got on a city bus
And all, and all, and all the people said
“You’re squishiiiiiing us!” (Hug and squeeze baby)
A cow, a cow, a cow got on the bus
And all, and all, and all the people said
“Moooooooo over!” (Lean baby to the side)
A sheep, a sheep, a sheep got on the bus
And all, and all, and all the people said
“Baaaaaack up!” (Lean baby back)
Just Like This
Hug the baby, hug the baby
Give a little clap
Rock the baby, rock the baby
Bounce her in your lap
Tickle the baby, tickle the baby
Give a little kiss, MUAH!
Lift the baby into the air
Just like this!
The Lady Rides
This is the way the lady rides
This is the way the lady rides
Lady rides, lady rides
This is the way the lady rides
On her way to town
This is the way the gentleman rides… (Faster)
This is the way the doctor rides…(Even faster)
This is the way the cowboy rides…(Even faster and a bit clumsy)
Whooooooa! (Lean way back to end the song)
*Bounce baby throughout and end by leaning way back on “Whoa!”
The Muffin Man
Oh, do you know the muffin man
The muffin man, the muffin man?
Oh, do you know the muffin man
Who lives in Drury Lane?
Oh, yes I know the muffin man
The muffin man, the muffin man
Oh, yes I know the muffin man
Who lives in Drury Lane?
Ride Baby Ride
Ride, baby ride
Ch ch, ch ch, ch ch
Ride that horsie, ride
Ch ch, ch ch, ch ch
Ride, baby ride
Ch ch, ch ch, ch ch
Ride that horsie, ride
Ch ch, ch ch, ch ch
Whoooooa! (Lean baby way back)
*Repeat the song, whispering and again louder and faster
Toast in the Toaster
Toast in the toaster
Getting very hot
Tick tock, tick tock
Up you pop! (Raise baby)
Movement Songs
Eyes, Nose, Cheeky Chin
Eyes, nose, cheeky, cheeky, chin
Eyes, nose, cheeky, cheeky, chin
Oh Eyes, nose, cheeky, cheeky, chin
Cheeky, cheeky, cheeky, chin, eyes, nose
Head and Shoulders Baby
Head and shoulders baby 1-2-3
Head and shoulders baby 1-2-3
Head and shoulders, head and shoulders
Head and shoulders baby 1-2-3
Knees and toes baby…
Back and tummy baby…
*See the King County Library System for a video and additional verses.
Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes Eyes and ears and mouth and nose
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
My Little Baby Loves Dancing
My little baby loves dancing, dancing
My little baby loves turning around
My little baby loves dancing, dancing
My little baby loves to boogie down
Lean to the left
Lean to the right
Hug that baby nice and tight
*Encourage caretakers to stand up for this one. If you want to get fancy, try walking around the room in a big circle while dancing with it. You can also swap out “My” for “Mama’s”, “Papa’s”, “Auntie’s”, “Grandma’s”, etc.
Ten Little Fingers
1 little, 2, little, 3 little fingers
4 little, 5 little, 6 little fingers
7 little, 8 little, 9 little fingers
10 little fingers on my hands
They wiggle and wiggle and wiggle altogether
They wiggle and wiggle and wiggle altogether
They wiggle and wiggle and wiggle altogether
10 little fingers on my hands
They clap and clap and keep on clapping…
10 little fingers and one kiss, MUAH!
Row Your Boat
Row, row, row, your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream
Rock, rock, rock the boat
Over the rapids we go
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Hope we don’t need a tow
We Wiggle and Stop
We wiggle and wiggle and STOP
We wiggle and wiggle and STOP
We wiggle and wiggle and wiggle and wiggle
And wiggle and wiggle and STOP
We clap…bounce…stomp…shake…yawn…
Scarf Songs
Peek-a-Boo
Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo, I see you!
I see your little button-nose
I see your little tiny toes
Peek-a-boo, peek-a-boo, I see you!
Rain is Falling Down
Rain is falling down–splash (Slowly lower the scarf and tap toes on “splash”)
Rain is falling down–splash
Pitter patter, pitter patter (Tap scarf on each leg) Rain is falling down–splash
Sun is peeking out–peek (Peek-a-boo with scarf) Sun is peeking out–peek
Peeking here, peeking there
Sun is peeking out–peek
Rain on the Green Grass
Rain on the green grass, rain on the trees
Rain on the rooftop, but not on me!
Sun on the green grass, sun on the trees
Sun on the rooftop, but not on me!
Snow on the green grass, snow on the trees
Snow on the rooftop, but not on me!
Leaves on the green grass, leaves on the trees
Leaves on the rooftop, but not on me!
This is the Way
*Use scarf to scrub/tickle baby’s face, etc.
This is the way we wash our face,
Wash our face, wash our face.
This is the way we wash our face so early in the morning.
…knees…tummies…toes…ears…hair…
We Wave and Stop
We wave and wave and STOP
We wave and wave and STOP
We wave and wave and wave and wave
And wave and wave and STOP
We sway…shake…clap…yawn…bounce…
Where is Baby?
(Tune: Frere Jacques)
Where is baby? (Hold scarf in front of face)
Where is baby?
There he is! There he is! (Lift scarf to reveal face) I’m so glad to see you! I’m so glad to see you! (Smile and point at baby)
Peek-a-boo! Peek-a-boo!
“Shake Your Scarves” from The Second Line: Scarf Activity Songs by Johnette Downing Encourage caregivers and babies to follow along with the movements or dance around. You may want to sing this song A Capella. As with most recorded music, the tempo tends to be too fast for babies.
“Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from Disney’s Mary Poppins Soundtrack
Encourage caregivers and babies to wave scarves and dance around.
Shaker Egg Songs
If You’re Happy and You Know It
Shaker Version
If you’re happy and you know it give a shake
If you’re happy and you know it give a shake
If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it give a shake
Tap your toe…Shake up high…
Shakers Up
Shakers up, shakers down
Shakers shaking all around
Shakers up, shakers down
Shakers all around
Shakers in, shakers out
Shakers shaking all about
Shakers in, shakers out
Shakers all about
We Shake and Stop
We shake and shake and STOP
We shake and shake and STOP
We shake and shake and shake and shake
And shake and shake and STOP
We tap…yawn…
“Rockin’ Robin” from Songs for Wiggleworms by Old Town School of Folk Music
Encourage caregivers and babies to shake and dance along. The tune is too fast for babies, but parents will enjoy the excitement.
“Shake My Sillies Out” from The Singable Songs Collection by Raffi
Encourage caregivers and babies to shake and dance along. I would suggest singing A Capella to slow it down for babies.
I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
And wiggle my waggles away
I’ve gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out…
I’ve gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out…
I’ve gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out…
Puppet Songs
Put Your Puppet On Your Heart
(Tune: If you’re happy and you know it)
Put your puppet on your heart, on your heart
Put your puppet on your heart, on your heart
Put your puppet on your heart,
What a lovely way to start!
Puppet your puppet on your heart, on your heart
Knee…You’ll both be filled with glee Toes…
Now move it to your nose Head…
Put your puppet straight to bed
The Animals at the Zoo
(Tune: Wheels on the Bus)
The animals at the zoo jump up and down
(Move hands, baby, or puppet up and down)
Up and down, up and down
The animals at the zoo jump up and down
All day long
The animals at the zoo might eat your toes…(Tickle baby’s toes or “bite” with puppet)
The animals at the zoo might tickle your tummy…
The animals in the zoo stretch and yawn…(Stretch arms out wide and yawn big)
And mine says __! (Make your animal’s sound)
*Before starting the song, ask caregivers and babies which puppet they were given and what sound their puppet would make.
There’s Something in My Garden
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime
*Hide puppets of each creature in a bin, behind a board, etc., and reveal each when appropriate.
There’s something in my garden,
Now what can it be?
There’s something in my garden I can’t really see.
Hear its funny sound…RIBBIT – RIBBIT – RIBBIT.
A FROG is what I found!
THUMP – THUMP – THUMP…Rabbit
SQUEAK – SQUEAK – SQUEAK…Mouse
CAW – CAW – CAW…Crow
Bean Bag Songs
Froggy On Me
(Tune: London Bridge & Inspired by “Froggy Hop” found at Storytime Stuff )
*Give a bean bag to caregivers and have them hop it on baby’s toes, knees, etc. as described in song.
There’s a froggy on my toes
On my toes, on my toes
There’s a froggy on my toes
And he’s hop, hop, hopping on me!
There’s a froggy on my knee…tummy…shoulder…head…
And now he’s hopped away! (make bean bag hop away on the floor)
Hop Little Bunny
(Tune: Skip To My Lou)
*Lift bean bags up and down or side to side based on lyrics. It’s a great song for scarves or shakers, too!
Hop little bunny hop, hop, hop
Hop little bunny hop, hop, hop
Hop little bunny hop, hop, hop
Hop my little bunny
Sway little bunny sway, sway, sway…
Shake little bunny shake, shake, shake…
Bells or Instruments Song
Tap Your Instruments
(Tune: London Bridge)
Tap your instrument on your toes
On your toes, on your toes
Tap your instruments on your toes
And make some music with me
Tap your instrument on your hand…
Shake your instrument to and fro…
More Resources
Whether you’re looking for fresh songs and rhymes or general advice, I can’t recommend the following websites and blogs enough. Enjoy!
- Bayviews ACL Storytimes – Full storytime outlines by theme you can pick through for fun rhyme ideas.
- Jbrary Storytime Resources – Excellent collection of storytime ideas and tips for baby and beyond.
- KCLS Tell Me A Story – Hundreds of rhymes and songs organized by theme. Many include videos to learn the motions, too.
- Saroj Ghoting’s Storytime Resources – Saroj, in my humble opinion, is the Godmother of early literacy-based storytimes. I purchased her book Early Literacy Storytimes @ your library for a class while in library school and still thumb through that well-worn copy to this day.