5 Songs That Can Help Your Baby Learn to Clap

Clapping is more than just a cute milestone – it’s a mini marvel of coordination, timing and social connection. Most babies start clapping between 6–9 months, but like all milestones, it varies. If your little one isn’t there yet, don’t panic. They might just need the right hype playlist. These five tried-and-tested songs are packed with built-in rhythm, repetition and actions to help babies anticipate, copy and join in – all while having fun.

1. If You're Happy and You Know It

🧠 Why it works: The claps are built into the lyrics — perfect for helping baby anticipate and time their movements.
✨ Bonus: The big energy keeps them engaged from the first beat.

2. Pat-a-Cake

🧠 Why it works: The rhythm and repetition make it easy to follow — and the “roll it, pat it” actions are great for hand-over-hand practice.
✨ Bonus: It’s short, sweet and perfect for little attention spans.

3. Wind the Bobbin Up

🧠 Why it works: Lots of big gestures and it ends with a clap — great for teaching sequencing and action anticipation.
✨ Bonus: Babies love the dramatic “point to the ceiling!”

4. Open Shut Them

🧠 Why it works: Slow and repetitive with clear movements. The “clap clap clap” part is ideal for early coordination.
✨ Bonus: Calming enough to use during wind-down time too.

5. Clap Your Hands for Daddy

🧠 Why it works: Simple, repetitive and super adaptable — use any familiar name to make it personal and playful.
✨ Bonus: A baby group favourite – simple, sweet and easy to personalise.

Tips for Teaching Your Baby to Clap:

Every baby gets there in their own time. But with the right rhythm and a bit of encouragement, clapping can become a shared celebration — one happy beat at a time.

• Model it often: Clap along enthusiastically and give them lots of chances to watch you.

• Use hand-over-hand guidance: Gently guide their hands to help them feel the movement.

• Celebrate every attempt: Even a flail counts – clapping is coordination in progress.

• Make it social: Babies love when clapping gets a reaction – cheer, smile and join in.