The first year with your little one is full of giggles, coos, and precious bonding moments. One of the best ways to engage with your baby is through simple, rhythmic poems and rhymes. These not only entertain but also help with language development, sensory awareness, and emotional connection.

Here are some sweet and easy poems to recite with your baby throughout their first 12 months:

1. “Peek-a-Boo” (0-3 Months)

You may cover your face with your hands, then reveal yourself with a smile! Your baby will explore winning spirit when she finds you back uncovering your hands.
Peek-a-boo, I see you!
Hiding there behind my hands.
Peek-a-boo, I love you!
Now you laugh and clap your hands!
(Babies love the surprise element—great for visual tracking and social interaction.)

2. “This Little Piggy” (3-6 Months)

Gently wiggle each toe while reciting like she or he is the one in the poem and win the moment with lots of laughter.
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy went…
“Wee wee wee!” all the way home! (Tickle their foot!)
(A classic toe-tickling rhyme that encourages touch and laughter.)

3. “Pat-a-Cake” (6-9 Months)

Clap your baby’s hands together gently and the exploration begin with a cute hands wonder the sound of clap and the joy like he or she has made a cake in real.
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man!
Bake me a cake as fast as you can!
Roll it, pat it, mark it with a “B”,
And put it in the oven for baby and me!
(Helps with motor skills and rhythm recognition.)

4. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” (9-12 Months)

Hold your baby’s hands and sway gently back and forth giving a vibe of how the boat functions and your baby will swing with you on the same imagination then you make her sign in cute mumbling words:
Row, row, row your boat,
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream!
(A soothing rhyme that can be sung slowly or sped up for giggles.)

5. “Two Little Eyes” (12 Months+)

Point to each body part as you say the words.
Two little eyes to look around,
Two little ears to hear each sound,
One little nose to smell what’s sweet,
One little mouth that loves to eat!
(Great for teaching body parts and encouraging interaction.)

6. Johny Johny” (With Actions!)

Hold baby’s hands or wiggle their toes as you recite—add exaggerated facial expressions!
Johny, Johny! (Tap baby’s tummy)
Yes, Papa? (Tilt head like asking a question)
Eating sugar? (Rub belly or pretend to munch)
No, Papa! (Shake head ‘no’ together)
Telling lies? (Wag finger playfully)
No, Papa! (Big eyes, innocent look!)
Open wide— (Point to mouth)
“Ah-ah-ah!” (Peek inside, then tickle!)

7. “Round and Round the Garden” (6-12 Months)

Trace a gentle circle on your baby’s palm, then tickle under their arm!
Round and round the garden,
Goes the teddy bear.
One step, two steps…
Tickle you under there!
Babies love anticipation and touch—this rhyme is perfect for giggles and sensory play!

While these poems will not only introduce the rhythm and expressions, bonding with your baby will help you win her or him over. Out of the endless nights, she will know that the learning is fun and just begun. You can be the guide for the path that will go along for life ahead. 🙂