The bedtime story is a long-established routine for many families - and with good reason! Reading to our kids at bedtime has several advantages - from language development to introducing new topics and values. But for most kids, reading before bed is a way to relax, unwind from the day and connect with their parents. It can also serve as an emotional check-in; it gives our kids the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts from the day, especially if something is worrying them. By connecting with our kids before bedtime, it relaxes their minds (and little bodies) and they begin to associate those feelings with relaxation and sleepiness.
If you’re having a tough time with your little one at night, consider consistently incorporating reading into his/her bedtime routine. This will become a powerful signal that sleep is on the horizon!
For more tips and coaching on creating successful sleep routines, check out our exclusive sleep consulting partners - Dozy Babies.
Linked below are some of our favorite “Sleepy Time” themed books. Many of these are also available in our “Sleepy Time” book bundle sold online at DylPop’s Book Shop ($48).
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown - At Dylpop’s we generally avoid the classics, but Goodnight Moon’s poetic pages really are the perfect tale to lull your little one to sleep. This beloved book is best for babies ages 0 – 2.
Nighty-Night by Leslie Patricelli - This book follows a little tot through his nighttime routine, which generally mimics our recommendations for before bed activities too. This simple story is best for babies and toddlers 0 – 2 years old.
The Big Bed by Bunmi Laditan - This humorous picture book is about a young girl who doesn’t want to sleep in her bed alone (because she’s afraid of the dark). The girl decides to informs her dad that he will be kicked out of his bed – removed to a camping cot – so that she can sleep in her parents’ bed in his place. This book is perfect for kids ages 3 – 6.
Monster Trouble by Lane Fredrickson - Winifred Schnitzel is not afraid of anything, but she still can’t sleep at night because the neighborhood monsters will not let her be! Every night these monsters sneak into her room making a ruckus, so Winifred decides she needs to find a solution for getting these monsters out of her room. (Here’s a hint: Monsters HATE kissing). This sweet twist on a scary monster story is great for children 3 to 6 years old.