Kids Make Music Series: Babies Make Music!: Book & CD

Kleiner brings decades of classroom experience directly into the home, offering parents and caregivers a structured yet playful path to musical engagement with infants and toddlers. The inclusion of a CD makes this resource immediately usable; families aren't left wondering what the songs sound like or how to approach unfamiliar material. This book respects both the developmental capacities of very young children and the genuine desire parents have to nurture their children's growth through music.

Warm, accessible, and unhurried. These songs and activities celebrate the joy of connection between caregiver and child, using music as a vehicle for bonding rather than performance. The collection feels grounded in real parenting and teaching moments, not overly polished or prescriptive.

Parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators working with infants and toddlers who want to introduce music naturally into daily routines. This book is also valuable for music specialists teaching in preschool and day care settings who need songs and activities designed specifically for very young learners.

• Follow your baby's lead. If a song or activity captures attention, repeat it often; repetition builds musical memory and confidence in the youngest learners.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to establish a steady pulse while you sing or move with your child, creating a secure foundation for rhythm awareness.
• Adapt activities to your setting. The 30 songs work in living rooms, classrooms, and group care environments; choose ones that fit your space and your family's or group's energy level.
• Pair singing with simple movement or object exploration. Babies and toddlers understand music through their whole bodies, not just their ears.

Integrate specific songs into circle time or transitions in an early childhood classroom, using the CD to model tempo and style while you guide the children. For parents, work through the book over time as part of daily routines; the songs pair naturally with feeding, diaper changes, bedtime, and playtime. Early childhood music specialists can use the activities to train parents and caregivers on how to extend musical learning beyond the classroom into family life.

• Listening and responding to music
• Singing simple melodies with caregivers
• Rhythm awareness through movement and play
• Bonding and communication through musical interaction
• Exploration of sound and objects in musical contexts