I’m not a big fan of nursery rhymes with synthesizers and other canned music in the background, you know, the ones that enter your cranium, and stay for days, even in the middle of the night?

We’ve all experienced them somehow, from a well meaning friend or a grandparent. And for me, there is something truly offensive about cheery, annoying, repetitive music before 8am. It makes me drink coffee. Fast.

But it is shockingly not all about me, no. My daughters love music and love to dance, and of course I want to encourage this. I’m also eager to encourage in them a love of other cultures, language and musical heritage. I want their taste in music to be open and diverse, not always expecting the same kind of forced glee or silly lyrics found in many of today’s kid’s music.

I reviewed You Are My Little Bird by Elizabeth Mitchell for Vegetarian Baby and Child and Amazon. It is the most gentle, sweet and kind way to start your day (as I would, often before sunrise) with my youngest daughter.

The Putumayo line of children’s music is a solid bet for great, global and inspired music. For wild energetic times (African Playground) and calming nigh times (Lullabies from Around the World), the songs on each CD are carefully selected and beautiful. They have a full range of children’s CDs from different regions, musical types or themes.

I do think sharing this music is good for my babies. From Putumayo’s website, “For each release, Putumayo Kids’ music experts choose songs with child-friendly lyrics and rhythms by both renowned and undiscovered international artists. Putumayo Kids tests songs in the field with real kids and parents. The international music selection contributes to the education of future global citizens while holding true to Putumayo’s mission of sharing music that is “guaranteed to make you feel good.” ”

They’ve released a new line of lullaby CDs called Dreamland. I’ve been putting my youngest daughter down to this CD for months. My older daughter asks for it, too.