8 Books to Read to Babies For Sleep

What better way to help your baby drift off to sleep than to read them a bedtime story? Being able to listen to the soothing tone of your voice provides a sense of reassurance and comfort so that your baby won’t go to bed crying. Here are 8 books to read to babies to help them fall asleep.

Why You Should Read to Your Baby?

Reading is an essential and lifelong skill that helps you build your foundation of knowledge and understanding of the world around you.

Although your baby may not be able to sound out any words or comprehend what the book is trying to say, it is still a form of introducing them to lifelong language development and motor skills.

Reading to your baby or toddler may also help you to form closer bonds with them, help with their early brain development through the illustrations that they see, and establish a good reading routine [1].

Types of Books for Babies

There are a few types of books that you can choose from if you are planning to get started on reading to your babies.

Many parents and their children choose picture books with simple and colorful illustrations. Picture books are easy for parents to read aloud and can be visually exciting for children, so children are more likely to pay attention to them.

Touch and feel books also make great choices as they contain different textures and fabrics, which can stimulate a baby’s sense of touch and encourage exploration.

Books with rhymes and repetitive phrases can also be helpful for babies in developing their language skills.

See also: 8 Bedtime Stories for Kids: Short Stories To Fall Asleep To

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8 Baby Books to Read Aloud

Still unsure of what to read to your baby? Then maybe, you’ll find that this recommended list of baby books to read aloud will be helpful for you.

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a classic children’s picture book that will probably remind you of your childhood most. The book is filled with simple yet bright illustrations that will captivate anyone, including your little one.

It features the simple story of a hungry caterpillar eating his way through different food items until he turns into a butterfly. It is a fun way to teach your child about the concept of transformation, days, and numbers. Besides, it can get rather amusing to see your curious baby try to stick their tiny fingers through the holes in each page.

2. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle

This picture book is a staple in so many homes. Featuring the rhythmic, repetitive structure of ‘brown bear, brown bear’, it makes it easy for parents and their little ones to follow. The fun illustrations are there to help young children associate different colors and meanings with different animals.

Even if they aren’t aware of what a brown bear is or what the other colourful animals are, it will likely catch their attention.

3. I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth

I Love You to the Moon and Back is a touching story that celebrates the love and bond between a parent and a child. While it may not be of much meaning to your child when they are still babies, it is a great book for snuggling and appreciating what you have in life.

This book is a great reminder for every parent of how deep their love could go for their baby, and it’s almost warm and comforting as you read it, until they fall asleep.

4. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

This book is a popular children’s book that will hit home for any parent who has felt the need for their parents’ comfort. With a touch of humor, the rhymes and the Llama’s emotions are fun to read aloud to. It also offers reassurance to your little one that you’re never far away, even when you may not be in their line of sight.

5. Llama Llama Nighty Night by Anna Dewdney

A shorter, simpler version of the Llama Llama series, this board book is great for newborns and younger babies. Its quick rhythm and soft illustrations are soothing, especially during those early months when bedtime routines are still forming.

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6. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Goodnight Moon is a classic, highly acclaimed bedtime story written by Margaret Wise Brown in 1947. It takes the form of a rhyming poem and describes the way that a bunny would say goodbye to everything in the room, even when they are inanimate objects.

This nightly routine helps to signal to your baby that it’s time to form a routine and when it is time to go to bed.

7. Kiss Good Night, Sam by Amy Hest

Kiss Good Night, Sam by Amy Hest is guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. The gentle rhythm, the soft and beautiful illustrations, and the exchanges shared between the mother and child invite a safe yet comforting feeling.

If you’re looking to cuddle with your baby, this book could offer the opportunity for you to do so.

8. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a classic bedtime story for children that tells the story of a young and disobedient rabbit named Peter Rabbit. The way that Beatrix Potter describes the antics and mischief that Peter Rabbit gets up to is sure to resonate with your child and remind you of what it’s like during your own childhood days.

It’s a perfect story to be read during the quieter and slower moments at bedtime.

Best Practices for Reading to Babies

As you begin reading to your baby, there are just a few things that you want to keep in mind to ensure the best experience for both you and your child.

Here are some of the best practices:

1. Try to read aloud to your baby regularly, even if it’s a few minutes a day.
2. Opt for books with simple and engaging illustrations and text.
3. Encourage your baby to touch and explore the book, especially if it comes with different textures or elements that may stimulate their sense of touch.
4. Always try to make the reading a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your baby through regular interactions or cuddles.

Conclusion

While it may seem unnecessary to read to your babies at bedtime when they have yet to develop any language or literacy skills, it can actually be beneficial in helping your babies build their motor skills and encourage early brain development. Whether they are classic books, read-aloud books, or picture books, they are all great tools that can enable your baby to fall asleep easily.

If you’re looking for some free bedtime stories to read to your babies, consider trying out the ShutEye® app. ShutEye® is a sleep tracking app that also offers a wide selection of relaxing bedtime stories and soothing lullabies for parents to try. Try it for FREE today!

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