As a first time mom, it helped to find moments that made me feel confident in my new role. For me, that came when reading aloud to my newborn when she came home from the hospital. It was the first time I thought, “I can do this” and truly believed it. So I created a basket of my favorite bedtime stories for newborns and added reading to our bedtime routine.
At first, she didn’t respond to the stories and I would just read aloud as she slept. But, even though she wasn’t listening, I kept it up. Then, all of a sudden, she started looking at the pages. A few months later, she was smiling at certain pictures or parts in the story. Then she was laughing. It was magic.
I’ll always cherish those early memories of cuddling up with a sleepy newborn and reading a sweet bedtime story. When I was running on no sleep and unbelievably overwhelmed, those moments grounded me in my role as a mom. These 8 bedtime stories for newborns helped me end even the most challenging day on a peaceful, positive note. I hope you’ll share your favorite bedtime stories for the newborn phase with us in comments as well!
Why should I read bedtime stories to my newborn?
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” – Emilie Buchwald.
As a teacher, this is a quote I’ve shared with the families in my class. Cuddling up and reading bedtime stories together is important for developing a love of books from the very start. Reading aloud is also key for developing language, communication, social emotional, and early literacy skills. It’s an opportunity for babies to begin using their five sense to explore the world, even if they do not yet understand the words you are saying.
If bedtime is chaotic in your house, you can always find another time to read aloud and share a story with your baby. The bedtime stories on this list will still become favorites if read before a nap or other times throughout the day.
The important thing is to do what works for you and your family to find those small moments of joy at the end of the day. Maybe that’s just a kiss and a snuggle. Or a bath. Or a song.
Here are my top 8 bedtime stories for newborns. These books are not too long, have great illustrations, and are full of loving words to share with your sweet little one.
8 Favorite Bedtime Stories for Newborns
Goodnight Moon
Margaret Wise Brown
Goodnight Moon was the first book I ever read to my baby and she still chooses this book almost every night. This was also the first book she ever really noticed. Goodnight Moon will grow with your baby. I even read this book to my kindergarten class and they love it. There is so much to discover on each page and the text is repetitive so that older children can read along. Goodnight Moon is beautifully simple and is the perfect cozy bedtime story. In my opinion, if there is one book you should own as a new parent, this is it. You can check out this NPR article if you are interested in why this book is so popular.
Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You
Nancy Tillman
A story of love between a parent and a child. Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman is so, so sweet. I love reading this book aloud because the message is beautifully written and exactly what I want to say to my little girl. Reading this book together with my newborn was an amazing bonding activity, especially at bedtime.
The Going to Bed Book
Sandra Boynton
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton is so fun and is one of my favorite bedtime stories. A rhyming book that follows animals through each step of a bedtime routine. All of Sandra Boynton’s board books are short, sweet, and perfect to read to a young baby.
Welcome Precious by Nikki Grimes
Nikki Grimes
Such a sweet book to read to your newborn and welcome them into the world. Welcome Precious by Nikki Grimes shares all the loving experiences your baby can look forward to as they grow. The language in this book is beautiful and it is a very soothing story to read aloud to a newborn.
On the Night You Were Born
Nancy Tillman
I loved reading On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman to my newborn. This is another bedtime story with a beautiful message and language. It is very meaningful to read the book aloud, especially to a brand new baby. It also celebrates your child’s special name, which I love.
Bedtime Bear
Patricia Hegarty
A touch and feel book about saying goodnight to different forest animals. There were days we were running late and needed to rush through the bedtime routine a little. I try to read bedtime stories each night (which definitely doesn’t always happen!) and Bedtime Bear by Patricia Hegarty was perfect. Short, sweet, fun rhymes, and adorable illustrations.
I Love You to the Moon and Back
Amelia Hepworth
I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth is a sweet story of a mama bear and baby bear going on adventures. After a long day of discovery, friends, and fun, it is time for bed. I love how the bears’ day often mirrored my own day with my baby. The ending makes it one of my favorite bedtime stories.
Goodnight Little Me
Jennifer Dewing
A bedtime story personalized with your baby’s name. Goodnight Little Me is a little pricey, but is a very special sentimental keepsake. We received this book as a baby shower gift and it is one of our favorite bedtime stories. You can even have a personal message printed on the inside cover page. The story has a very sweet message, is not too long, and is illustrated by Mary GrandPre (who illustrated the U.S. version of the Harry Potter series).
What are your favorite bedtime stories for newborns? Share in comments!
P.S. My 15 favorite newborn essentials and tips for creating your first baby registry.
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