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Inside: A list of the best and sweetest bedtime board books for your little bundles of joy! Begin collecting them now!
Our babies’ development is of paramount importance. We make it a point to find ways in aiding them with their progress. Reading aloud sweet bedtime stories to our babies is just one of those ways.
My kids have a sizable library due to their excessive love of books. Even when they were old enough to enjoy playing with their peers, they would choose their books instead of playing.
Studies have shown that reading bedtime stories (or any book, for that matter) to your babies helps them develop their language and communication skills.
You might wish to read an excellent article about reading books to babies in Kids Health. You can be confident that you’ll be reading a thorough and well-written post because Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, a pediatrician, also reviewed the content.
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”
~Emilie Buchwald
- The Benefits of Reading Bedtime Stories to your Babies
- How to Pick the Best Bedtime Stories for your Babies
- 17 of the Best Bedtime Books That Are Worth The Splurge
- A Deeper Dive into each of these Bedtime Board Books:
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- The Going to Bed Book
- Goodnight Moon
- Ten Little Night Stars
- On the Night You Were Born
- Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
- If Animals Kissed Good Night
- Snuggle Time Prayers
- God Bless You and Good Night
- I Prayed for You
- Sweet Dreams Lullaby
- Sleepyheads
- Night Night Farm
- The Goodnight Train
- Pajama Time!
- You’re My Little Snuggle Bear
- Night Night Truck
- How to Get Free Bedtime Stories or Children’s Books
- How to Make Reading Bedtime Stories to your Babies Easy
- Final Words to Baby Bedtime Stories
- Can You Suggest Any Amazing Baby or Toddler Bedtime Books?
The Benefits of Reading Bedtime Stories to your Babies
Reading aloud to our babies has significant benefits and is strongly backed by science. The following are just a few of the numerous remarkable advantages of reading books to your little ones:
Encourages imagination
A baby’s imagination can be stimulated by flipping through the vibrant pages of a picture book and taking in those intriguing drawings. That’s something we can both agree on.
I found this statement from a parenting website, and I couldn’t help but nod: “A child with a good imagination is happier and more alert, better able to cope with life’s twists and turns, and more likely to grow into a well-adjusted, secure adult.”
Lengthens attention span
When a child is read to repeatedly at a young age, he becomes accustomed to it, which causes him to become more attentive.
Increases memory
A study suggests that exercising your brain, like reading books, is essential for brain health, especially when you get older.
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation found out through Dr. Robert S. Wilson that keeping your brain stimulated through mentally engaging tasks such as reading starting from childhood can help keep your memory and thinking skills intact.
Develops communication skills
Reading to our children can help them develop and expand their vocabulary. When they are read to frequently, they learn a wide range of words that will help them become better communicators in the future.
Strengthens emotional bond
Imagine sitting on a recliner with your baby on your lap. That’s a sweet and intimate moment you share with your child right there.
Now imagine doing it over and over again.
That, on its own, establishes a deeper connection with your baby. When a deeper connection is built, a stronger emotional bond will follow.
Improves motor skills
Allow your baby to turn the pages. It’s a great way to exercise the smaller muscles in his hands, enhancing his fine motor skills.
Nurtures a positive behavior
As your baby is still very little, you will only want to read books promoting positivity. Teach him right from wrong at an early age.
Introduce him to positive behavior, like reading this board book about kindness right here.
Inspires a love for reading
Babies tend to love the sound of words even before they recognize them printed on paper.
Reading can be as natural as talking or walking when started really early. So start them young and make reading a part of your babies’ lives now.
Related article: How to Trim your Baby’s Nails like a Pro
How to Pick the Best Bedtime Stories for your Babies
Choose bedtime stories (or any baby book) with vibrant illustrations that offer a beautiful language. A sweet and soothing rhyme can be such a delight to a baby.
The best books contain enticing poetry and beautiful pictures. They have a calming effect on younger children.
17 of the Best Bedtime Books That Are Worth The Splurge
Indulge your little goober not just with plenty of nighttime cuddles but also with good quality bedtime stories.
Here is a list of excellent books for sleep time my kids and I enjoy together. I hope you and your babies will soon consider these to be your favorite bedtime books.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
- The Going to Bed Book
- Goodnight Moon
- Ten Little Night Stars
- On the Night You were Born
- Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
- If Animals Kissed Good Night
- Snuggle Time Prayers
- God Bless You and Good Night
- I Prayed for You
- Sweet Dreams Lullaby
- Sleepyheads
- Night Night Farm
- The Good Night Train
- Pajama Time
- You’re My Little Snuggle Bear
- Night Night Truck
A Deeper Dive into each of these Bedtime Board Books:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By Eric Carle
This book is a top pick at home because my kids can just easily fall asleep to it.
The Going to Bed Book
by Sandra Boynton
This is a classic (created in the 1980s) with a lot of words that rhyme, making it very pleasing to read out loud. Your baby will totally love it!
Goodnight Moon
by Margaret Wise Brown
If you are an adult who just read it for the first time, you will think this board book is silly. However, after reading it multiple times to my babies, I discovered why little kids love it.
This classic bedtime book was one of the reasons why my little readers were quick to identify certain objects even at a very young age.
Ten Little Night Stars
by Deb Gruelle
This bedtime board book will encourage your babies to turn the page. It is very engaging and the rhyming words are just music to the ears.
On the Night You Were Born
by Nancy Tillman
Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor, was quoted saying praises about this book. She said, “Detailed illustrations, paired with a warm message of unconditional love, make this bestselling board book a welcome addition to any child’s bookshelf.”
I must admit… I couldn’t agree with her more.
Related: Baby Bath Time [Essentials and Step-by-Step Guide]
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
by Sherri Duskey Rinker
If your little one is crazy about trucks or anything of that kind, this will be perfect for him. Its colorful art and lyrical words are so soothing, he won’t be able to resist bedtime.
If Animals Kissed Good Night
by Ann Whitford Paul
Perfect for bedtime snuggles, you must include this in your bedtime story collection.
Your baby will love the playful but sweet rhyming words and bright illustrations in this board book.
Snuggle Time Prayers
by Glenys Nellist
Snuggle Time Prayers is an excellent bedtime board book that will help your baby settle down for bed and be reminded of how much God loves him.
God Bless You and Good Night
by Hannah Hall
This bedtime storybook is Christian fiction with comforting and sweet rhymes. With its adorable illustrations, it will be on its way to being a favorite bedtime routine for both you and your little one.
I Prayed for You
by Jean Fischer
I Prayed for You is a powerful Christian bedtime storybook. You will be teaching your baby how to pray while being nestled in your arms to sleep.
Sweet Dreams Lullaby
by Betsy E. Snyder
Sweet Dreams Lullaby is a soothing and whimsical bedtime board book that will invite your baby to imagine heartwarming scenes in beautiful dreamland.
This is such a captivating bedtime story you must never miss.
Related: First Few Weeks with a Newborn [Survival Guide]
Sleepyheads
by Sandra J. Howatt
This endearing and lovable board book is another excellent choice for a bedtime read. It will be great in preparing your little munchkin for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Night Night Farm
by Roger Priddy
This one is another perfect read to prepare your little one for a good night’s sleep. He will learn to say his own soft and peaceful “Night-Night” with the help of these farm animals in no time.
The Goodnight Train
by June Sobel
The creator really did a great job on this bedtime storybook. As it is packed with irresistible words and magical characters, your most unwilling little sleeper will have no choice but to lie close to you on his little bed.
Pajama Time!
by Sandra Boynton
Another sweet bedtime book by the very talented Sandra Boynton, this good-night book has beautiful illustrations and a chirpy language your baby can’t resist.
Below are a couple of new books you can add to your young readers’ collection. They may have been published recently, but they are great reads.
You’re My Little Snuggle Bear
by Natalie Marshall
This interactive board book is part of a chart-topping series.
Put your baby bear to sleep with the mesmerizing and fun rhymes in this great book, penned by a celebrated author and illustrator whose works frequently make bestseller lists.
Night Night Truck
by Roger Priddy
This is one of Roger Priddy’s newer books. Your little one can learn to say goodnight by practicing saying goodnight to the digger, the pick-up truck, and all their truck friends.
Its peaceful rhyming words are perfect for lulling your little one to a good night’s sleep.
How to Get Free Bedtime Stories or Children’s Books
If you would rather get FREE children’s books, take time to check out Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
It is a program that sends free books to children from birth to age five within the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
You can check to see if you live near a participating community here and, if so, register your children. Every month, they mail books to your door (or post office box)! Isn’t it fantastic?
Related article: Newborn Baby Routine [+Free Printable Schedule]
How to Make Reading Bedtime Stories to your Babies Easy
- Always keep the read light and fun.
- Work on those facial expressions!
- Read in a singsong voice to keep your baby engaged.
- Emphasize the same sentence consistently, just like you would with a well-known song.
- Make amusing animal noises and sound effects while you read books featuring various animals.
- Touch the body parts described in a book while reading it to your baby so he can establish a link to them.
Final Words to Baby Bedtime Stories
Bedtime reading is one of the best ways to spend quality time with your young children.
I don’t know about you, but there is this feeling of security in me when I know that my kids will be good communicators and that their thinking skills will be preserved better just because I read to them since they were little. It’s just the sweetest way to end a long day!
So I urge you to include reading your baby’s favorite bedtime stories in your nighttime routine. It will all be worth it in the end.
Thank you for stopping by! You might want to check out some related articles about babies before you go.
Talk to you soon,
Can You Suggest Any Amazing Baby or Toddler Bedtime Books?
What are your little ones’ favorites? Please leave them in the comment section below, and I will make sure to check them out! Don’t forget to share this with your friends as well. Happy reading with your baby, Mama!
I love your take on bedtime stories. Of course all my 3 daughters are grown now, but I shall never forget the precious memories of reading bedtime stories to them. Yes, it does make a difference in their learning abilities, but not only that, it helped them with a positive attitude throughout life.
You are so right, Beth. A positive attitude throughout life is what this world needs. Less cruelty equals happier world! So mamas, keep reading bedtime stories to your little babies! You are doing this world a favor!
Thank you for your comment, Beth!