Ever since Surya’s birth, we’ve used lullabies and nursery rhymes to soothe her to sleep. When she was younger, we’d sing them to her, but now, she requests that we play the songs for her. I guess she figured out her parents aren’t such great singers after all! We don’t take it personally and love playing her favourite nursery rhymes on low volume and on repeat so we can also take a few minutes to enjoy the peaceful bedtime routine as we gently pat her back to sleep. Today, we share with you five short French lullabies for newborns and young infants that will not only promote a restful evening routine but will also help you and your child learn French in a tranquil and musical way.
You’ll notice that many of these French lullabies use the word dodo. Dodo means sleep in French and is often used with babies instead of the word dormir. Many of these songs have extended versions, but I prefer the shorter ones for bedtime because of their repetitive nature and simplicity for bedtime.
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Dodo, l’enfant do, with lyrics
If you’re a new parent or aren’t familiar with many French lullabies, Dodo, l’enfant do is the perfect beginner nursery rhyme that is sure to induce sleep in a newborn (or sleep-deprived parent)!
| Dodo, l’enfant do, L’enfant dormira bien vite Dodo, l’enfant do, L’enfant dormira bientôt | Sleep, sleep, the child will sleep, The child will sleep quickly Sleep, sleep, the child will sleep, The child will sleep soon |
Fais dodo, Colas mon p’tit frère, with lyrics
Fais dodo, Colas mon p’tit frère is a lovely lullaby sung by a sibling to their little bother, Colas. It’s very soothing and is perfect for gently rocking your little one to sleep.
| Fais dodo, Colas mon p’tit frère Fais dodo, t’auras du lolo Maman est en haut Qui fait des gateaux Papa est en bas Qui fait du chocolat Fais dodo, Colas mon ‘ptit frère Fais dodo, t’auras du lolo | Go to sleep, Colas my little brother Go to sleep, you will get milk Mom is upstairs Making cakes Daddy is downstairs Making hot chocolate Go to sleep, Colas my little brother Go to sleep, you will get milk |
Brille, brille petite étoile, with lyrics
This familiar melody will remind you of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star because it’s the French version of the world-famous song.
| Brille, brille petite étoile Dans la nuit qui se dévoile Tout là-haut au firmament Tu scintilles comme un diamant Brille, brille petite étoile Veille sur ceux qui dorment en bas | Twinkle, twinkle little star In the night that unfolds Up there in the sky You sparkle like a diamond Twinkle, twinkle little star Watch over those who sleep underneath |
Ferme tes jolis yeux, with lyrics
Here’s another calming song that is easy for parents to learn and sing to their child.
| Ferme tes jolis yeux Car les heures sont brèves Au pays merveilleux Au doux pays des rêves Ferme tes jolis yeux Car tout n’est que mensonge Le bonheur est un songe Ferme tes jolis yeux | Close your pretty eyes Because the hours are short In the wonderful land In the sweet land of dreams Close your pretty eyes Because it’s all a lie Happiness is a dream Close your pretty eyes |
Chut, plus de bruit
This is another great French lullaby for bedtime and the hushing sound is a great indicator to your child that quiet time is about to begin.
| Chut! Plus de bruit c’est la ronde de nuit Chut! Plus de bruit c’est la ronde de nuit En diligence, faisons silence Marchons sans bruit, c’est la ronde de nuit | Hush! No more noise, it’s the night watch Hush! No more noise, it’s the night watch In diligence, let’s be silent Let’s walk quietly, it’s the night watch |
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