When my daughter was first born, I struggled to remember any lullaby.

I had "You Are My Sunshine" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" down. And, for some reason, from the depths of my childhood memories, I pulled up some favorites from "The Sound of Music."

But after one particularly long car ride, during which my daughter would only stop crying during the singing of those songs, my husband had enough. I think his ears might bleed if he hears "Raindrops on Roses" one more time.

So I looked around for ideas, searching the Internet for lyrics. I added to my repertoire.

We got some lullaby CDs as well, but most were so treacly, I could barely stand them. High pitched kids singing, synthesized music. I found none of them incredibly soothing. Neither did my daughter.

African Dreamland, a new CD from Putumayo Kids, is different. The new compilation CD offers music from across Africa. There's the famous Ladysmith Black Mambazo (remember Paul Simon's Graceland album), Toumani Diabate and lesser known artists.

But the music all is equally beautiful. Soaring melodies, beautiful voices and wonderful rhythms. A soothing backdrop for nap time.

These aren't sing-a-longs, but a better alternative to much of what's out there.

Every weekend, local writers review the best of what's out there for kids.

Check out our daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!