Songs for the Sandman

Lullaby CDs Can Be a Godsend for New Parents

By John Wood

Just how important is music to the mental health of new parents? Priceless! As they say, music can soothe the savage beast, and I say, a good lullaby album or two or three can quiet even the hardiest of little tots and send them happily off to dreamland.

Webster's description of a lullaby is a song used to lull a child to sleep or a cradlesong. The ideal lullaby is a parent singing to his or her child regardless of the quality of the voice or song, but sometimes you need a little help from the pros, so we've selected a few different lullaby angles and artists to see you through.

Let's start with Amazon.com and type in lullaby. Yikes, only 1,431 choices! The one at the top of the list is a pretty good place to start our trek: Lullaby: A Collection (various artists, Music for Little People. This multiethnic compilation of reflective songs brings together such renowned singers and musicians as Bobby McFerrin, Judy Collins, Loreena McKennitt, Take 6 and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The lullabies, culled from the four corners of the globe, weave a musical thread that lingers long with listeners of all ages. Another good one from the same label is A Child's Celebration of Lullaby. It features an eclectic mix of artists, from Raffi and Harry Nilssen to Kathie Lee Gifford and Brian Wilson, and includes a sterling version of "Summertime" by Lena Horn.