"My grandmother was from England and my grandfather was from Ireland and settled in Boston in the early 1900's, giving birth to 16 children. This rhyme has been passed down to four generations of Foley children. You bounce the child on your knees, then separate your knees to allow the child to gently 'fall' backwards during the last part (while holding their hands)." -Mom of 7

Notes

A longer version (most people only recite the first verse):

Gently balance baby on top of knees and gently move knees up; and down. Each verse goes a little faster (but not too fast). Exchange "Baby" for the child's name.

Trot, trot to Boston,
Trot, trot to Lynn,
Watch out baby
You don't fall in!
(Hold baby while gently leaning her backwards.)

Trot, trot to Boston,
Trot, trot to Dover,
Watch out baby
You don't fall over!
(Hold baby while turning knees to the side so baby goes sideways.)

Trot, trot to Boston,
Trot, trot to Town,
Watch out baby
You don't fall down!
(Gently place baby on floor between your legs.)

Game Instructions

1. Gently bounce the child on your knees until the last line of the verse.
2. On the last line, open knees your knees and gently bring child down between knees and then lift him/her back up.

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Thanks and Acknowledgements

Thanks to Barbara D. Martin for sharing the actions!