Mood-setting background music for daycares

Licensed music designed to create a calm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for classrooms, nap times, play areas, and arrival zones.

Enhance the ambiance of your daycare

Well-chosen music sets the tone, improves the experience for children and staff, and helps maintain a joyful, calm environment.

Smiling sun icon representing a cheerful atmosphere through music.

Sets the mood

The right music for daycare settings creates a warm and inviting environment. Choose calming melodies for nap time or energetic songs for play.

Toy icon symbolizing comfort during transitions.

Improves daily experience

Music helps smooth transitions between activities. It reduces anxiety and brings comfort to both children and staff throughout the day.

Calendar icon representing consistent routines.

Encourages a positive routine

A musical backdrop supports structured routines. Familiar songs can signal specific times of day and make the experience more engaging and memorable.

Blocks icon representing reduced distractions through music.

Masks unwanted noise

Music for daycare centers helps block out loud external noises, disruptive chatter, or hallway sounds. This promotes focus and peace during quiet activities.

The sound of better childcare

Our music platform helps you create the right environment for your daycare. Use licensed playlists, scheduling tools, and custom stations with ease.

  • Pick your ideal sound from over 500+ curated stations across a wide variety of genres.
  • Import custom playlists from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Youtube, and more.
  • Talk with a dedicated music concierge to help make the perfect station.
Learn more about SoundMachine's music tools

Music for daycare made easy

Build the right daycare atmosphere throughout the day with scheduled music mixes, gentle messaging, and multi-location control. Everything is managed from one simple interface.

  • Schedule child-friendly stations and custom mixes to match daily routines from arrival to pick-up.
  • Add soft spoken messages or playful reminders for children at set intervals.
  • Link as many locations as needed and manage music for daycare centers from one centralized dashboard.
Learn more about SoundMachine's programming tools

Why background music for daycares isn’t just background noise


Music plays a role in how children learn, feel safe, and build routines. These insights show why investing in professional music for daycare centers supports better care and engagement.

54%

of teachers reported using background music for children’s free-play time and transitions, both in accordance with children’s preferences and also to facilitate a musical sound environment for children’s play

50%

increase in engagement and attention observed during lessons that incorporate music and movement activities, compared to lessons without music

83%

of early childhood educators recognize music and songs as essential tools for transmitting knowledge and cultural values in the classroom

78%

of early childhood educators strongly agree that music is an essential creative outlet and a useful tool for social inclusion and emotional development in young children

Figures and statistics are based on findings from reputable industry reports and academic research studies.

Music license solutions for different
daycare environments

Whether you run a single classroom, a preschool, or a national childcare network, our platform has the right music for daycare experiences of every size.

Home-based daycares

Create a nurturing and homey atmosphere with calming playlists. These help children feel safe, focused, and happy throughout the day.

Preschools and early learning centers

Support structured learning and playful breaks with age-appropriate music. Include soothing nap-time melodies and fun sing-alongs.

Multi-room daycare centers

Tailor music for different rooms or age groups such as babies, toddlers, and pre-K. Customize by time of day or activity schedule.

Franchise or multi-location childcare groups

Maintain brand consistency across every location. Give each center control over its unique musical needs from a central dashboard.

Try for free

Go beyond curated stations

Already using Spotify, TIDAL, or Apple Music at home? You can import playlists from your favorite platforms into a fully licensed daycare music account.

How to get started

It only takes a few steps to get fully licensed music in your daycare

1. Pick your plan

Choose one of our plans, tell us about your company, and you're in! Explore all features for 30 days, completely free.

2. Define your sound

Choose from 500+ stations or import custom playlists from major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, and more.

3. Program your content

Schedule stations, custom playlists, or mixes and get attention with promotional messaging.

4. Enjoy the music

You’re done! Watch as your daycare instantly feel more inviting with professional-grade and expertly curated music

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Frequently Asked Questions


The best music for daycare settings includes calming instrumentals for nap time, cheerful tunes for playtime, and gentle vocals that support early learning. A good music subscription lets you adjust the mood throughout the day.


Music helps children feel calm, happy, and secure. It supports transitions, builds routines, and improves the environment for staff and children.


Keep music at background level. It should be loud enough to influence mood but quiet enough to allow conversation and reduce overstimulation.


No. Personal streaming platforms are not licensed for commercial use. A licensed music provider ensures legal compliance and protects your business.


Playing music in a daycare is a public performance under copyright law. Without a license, you risk fines. A subscription service handles licensing for you.


PROs such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC represent songwriters and music publishers. They make sure artists are paid when their music is played in public. Using a licensed provider simplifies this process and ensures compliance.

Make your daycare sound special. Try for free.