Best bedtime books for newborns (0-2 months)

Tickle My Ears

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.

  • Teddy Bedtime

    Teddy Bedtime

    Author: Georgie Birkett
    Publisher: Andersen

    Colourful, rhyming board book for bedtime.

  • 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.

  • Baby Sparkle: Bedtime

    Baby Sparkle: Bedtime

    Author: Dorling Kindersley
    Publisher: DK
    Interest age: 0-2

    This simple board book about settling down for the night is a perfect accompaniment to a regular bedtime routine for babies, especially as they can follow along with the glittery detailing.

  • Tickle My Ears

    Tickle My Ears

    Author: Jörg Mühle
    Publisher: Gecko Press
    Interest age: 0-3

    Jörg Mühle's Tickle My Ears is a great interactive bedtime story, made to help you bond with your child at bedtime. With an absorbing story and sweet illustrations, this is sure to be a go-to board book for the end of the day.

  • 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.

  • Sweet Dreams, Maisy

    Sweet Dreams, Maisy

    Author: Lucy Cousins
    Publisher: Walker
    Interest age: 0-1

    A favourite with so many babies, Maisy the mouse and her friends admire the beautiful sunset before Maisy goes home to settle down for bed. She reads Panda a story and then snuggles up in bed with her bear. Sweet dreams, Maisy!