Millennial parents don’t know the words to tons of classic lullabies

By Oliver Lewis via SWNS

Classic lullabies are at risk of falling by the wayside as nearly half of millennial moms and dads don’t know all the words to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

A poll of 2,000 parents aged between 26 and 41 revealed only one in two can recite all the lyrics to "Baa Baa Black Sheep" (53 percent), while only 51 percent can confidently sing all of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat."

Even "Humpty Dumpty" baffled half of those polled, while "Jack & Jill" is known by just 43 percent.

And three in five of these parents can’t soothe their babies to sleep with a complete rendition of "Rock a Bye Baby."

In fact, a tenth of millennial moms and dads do not sing lullabies at all to their little ones – because they have a "terrible" singing voice or feel awkward. And one stated they have rapped Kanye West songs, while another has channeled their inner Mick Jagger to perform The Rolling Stones classics at bedtime.

Yet despite this, 83 percent agree the bedtime routine is a key bonding experience for parent and baby.

The research was commissioned by MAM, a leading manufacturer of baby products, to debunk myths about soothers and highlight how they can enhance the bedtime experience.

Lisa Parkhill, managing director of MAM, said: “Getting a little one off to sleep is a special, soothing time spent between babies and parents – even if some of the methods might be considered unconventional.

“It’s fascinating to learn just how many rely on the power of their voice to support their baby during these moments – yet many recognize they won’t be releasing a hit single anytime soon.

“But as parents develop these unbreakable bonds with their children, they learn just how important bedtime is to soothe their little one– and even a brilliant chance to unwind themselves.”

It emerged nine in 10 parents will read bedtime stories to their children – and 43 percent agree these have a better impact on soothing their little one before bed.

Nearly half of the parents who do read at this time believe It is something they can enjoy together, while many find it a good part of the bonding experience.

And as many as 46 percent believe it helps to spark their imagination.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar," "The Gruffalo" and "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt" ranked as the three most popular bedtime books for millennial parents.

For four in five of these young parents, they always try to ensure bedtime is a positive and soothing experience for their child.

Lowered lighting, warm baths, and giving them a snuggly toy are the other top ways these parents help soothe their little ones. One in three polled via OnePoll will use a soother and a third even use white noise.

Of those parents who use soothers, eight in 10 have used them at bedtime – and of these 87 percent believe the soother helped their child to improve their own ability to self-soothe and sleep better.

Ultimately, 84 percent of these parents felt a lot calmer within themselves if their child was soothed at bedtime.

Lisa Parkhill from MAM added: “Some babies will cry every time someone tries to settle them at bedtime – and this is despite having all their needs met, from being fed to winded.

“If this happens, parents can get locked into a cycle of spending hours carrying their baby in a sling during the day and rocking them to sleep at night.

“For these parents and babies, a soother can be the perfect solution. Many babies find them a comfort, it relaxes them, and subsequently, helps for a better night sleep for little ones – and adult too.”

Celebrity parents Harry and Izzy Judd, speaking in partnership with MAM, explained how soothers have impacted their bedtime routine.

Harry, said: “As with everyone, bedtime with our kids can be a bit chaotic, having a routine definitely helps.”

“To help calm everything down, Izzy often takes out her violin to play lullabies or I’ll read the kids one of our favorite books.”

“Having a soother is often a life saver it helps soothe Lockie and helps create an enjoyable bedtime for everyone.”

Lullabies Young Parents Can Recite the Words to:

1. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" - 55%
2. "Baa Baa Black Sheep" - 53%
3. "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" - 51%
4. "Humpty Dumpty" - 51%
5. "Jack & Jill" - 43%
6. "Rock a Bye Baby" - 43%
7. "You Are My Sunshine" - 38%        
8. "Five Little Ducks" - 37%        
9. "Five Little Monkeys" - 35%        
10. "Wind the Bobbin Up" - 35%        
11. "Little Bo Peep" - 34%        
12. "Hush Little Baby" - 29%
13. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - 29%
14. "Frère Jacques" - 28%
15. "When You Wish Upon a Star" - 26%