Bedtime Board Books to Lull your Baby to Sleep

I’ve been spending time in Seattle with my sister, Meaghan, and her 9-month-old baby boy. It has taken me back to the days when my babies were little like this — the incredible cuteness, the busy-ness, the messy mealtimes, the crawling, the crying in the car, the snuggly post-nap cuddles, the outings timed around nap times, the Ergo carrier, the exhaustion, the bliss… what a beautiful season of parenting life it is!

Meaghan asked me for suggestions for bedtime books — board books in particular, because she said her baby is constantly grabbing at the pages, so the book needs to be sturdy. I explained that I always chose the more poetic, calming books before bedtime — books that lull to sleep rather than excite or engage. Many of my suggestions were new to her, so I thought I would share a list of our favourite bedtime books we’ve loved over the years. (These also make great gifts for new babies!)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

Time For Bed by Mem Fox

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

Choo Choo, Clickety Clack by Margaret Mayo

Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse