Short French lullabies and nursery rhymes for bedtime

Lullabies and nursery rhymes have long been a gentle way to soothe little ones to sleep. While singing can be lovely, sometimes playing the songs is just as effective, especially when the focus is on creating a calm and peaceful bedtime routine. Playing favourite nursery rhymes softly and on repeat allows everyone to enjoy a few quiet minutes together as the evening winds down.

Here are four short French lullabies for newborns and young infants. They can help establish a restful bedtime ritual while introducing French in a serene 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 dormir. Many of these songs have longer versions, but shorter ones work particularly well at bedtime due to their simple, repetitive melodies.

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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

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