An oldie, but a goodie: ‘If you’re happy and you know it!’

What to do 

1. Sit with your baby, so that they can see your face and hands.  
2. Sing ‘If you’re happy and you know it’ with your baby. 
3. Make sure you sing slowly and do all the actions with big gestures to keep your baby interested. 
4. Try making up your own feeling/action combinations. Use action words that your baby understands and can join in with. A few of our favourites are: If you’re in love, blow a kiss! If you’re sad, have a cuddle! If you’re leaving, wave bye-bye! If you’re worried, say “Oh no!” and bring your hand to your mouth or forehead.  

Good to know 

Your baby is beginning to be able to connect actions to verbs, and singing action songs is a fun way to support this learning as you play.  

Find some inspiration on our YouTube channel which features a selection of songs performed at just the right speed for your baby to enjoy.

You can find our My First Five Years songs here.

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands 
(clap clap) 
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands 
(clap clap) 
If you’re happy and you know it, and you really want to show it 
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. 
(clap clap) 

(The “clap your hands” part is then switched with other actions for each verse)