Best bedtime books for newborns (0-2 months)

A Recipe for Bedtime

Reading with your baby at bedtime can be lots of fun. It's also a special time for snuggling up and sharing a story: it's important bonding time.

However, we think the bedtime story's role in getting your little one to sleep can be the best part of a successful sleepy time routine. If you want to get your little one off to sleep, a soothing, sleepy story or poem can be a big help. Here are some of our top recommendations for sleepy time reads.

Find out how to get your newborn to sleep

  • I Heart Bedtime (Martha and the Bunny Brothers)

    I Heart Bedtime (Martha and the Bunny Brothers)

    Author: Clara Vulliamy
    Publisher: HarperCollins

    • Martha has a lot of fun while getting her two brothers, Monty and Pip, off to bed!
    • Colourful and detailed illustrations that young children will love to explore.
    • Enjoy singing 'The Bedtime Bunnies Song!' together.

  • Guess How Much I Love You

    Guess How Much I Love You

    Author: Sam McBratney Illustrator: Anita Jeram
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 0-3
    Reading age: 0-3

    This modern classic is a wonderful story about love between a child and a parent, which is never too early to share with your baby. The repetitive text lends itself perfectly to a soothing bedtime read.

  • Goodnight Moon

    Goodnight Moon

    Author: Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Herd
    Publisher: Two Hoots
    Interest age: 0-3

    Margaret Wise Brown's comforting, rhythmical text makes Goodnight Moon a timeless picture book, which is known and loved around the world. This gentle bedtime story, which has lulled generations of children to sleep, is the perfect first book to share at bedtime.

  • Goodnight Baby Moon

    Goodnight, Baby Moon

    Author: James Mitchem Illustrator: Claire Patane
    Publisher: DK
    Interest age: 1-3

    The simple story introduces young readers to the moon phases in a lovely, reassuring manner and makes a charming bedtime read.

  • A Recipe for Bedtime

    A Recipe for Bedtime

    Author: Peter Bently Illustrator: Sarah Massini
    Publisher: Hodder
    Interest age: 0-5

    You're feeling sleepy, but how can you have the perfect recipe? Peter Bently's sweet lullaby will give you step-by-step instructions to the best bedtime ever.

  • Mockingbird Song

    Mockingbird Song

    Author: Carol Thompson
    Publisher: Child's Play
    Interest age: 0-5

    A beautiful retelling of the classic lullaby.