Best Bedtime Books for Babies and Toddlers

Goodnight Moon (shown here in the Babylist Baby Starter Library collection) is probably the most famous bedtime book ever written. The serene mood of this book is created by the gentle words as well as the classic illustrations, beautifully rendered in a rich, deep color palette. Say goodnight to familiar objects one by one, then off to bed we go. Get this book plus four others in our exclusive box.

Animals and people alike are all snuggled in their beds and settling down for sleep. The sweet, repetitive rhythm sounds more like a lullaby than a story, perfect for helping restless little ones get quiet and cozy at bedtime.

The moon makes a great nighttime companion as the child in this story goes for peaceful stroll before bed. The beautiful imagery and lyrical words are soothing, making this book a perfect go-to for a relaxing bedtime read.

This is a great choice for the spirited child who is obsessed with trucks. (As so many are.) As night falls over the construction site, these industrial locomotives bid goodnight one by one, from the crane truck to the bulldozer. It’s a wonderful bedtime story for any small fan of big machinery.

It’s bedtime on an ark filled with animals, and the scenes that take place are warm, whimsical, and gently funny. Sandra Boynton’s cartoonish characters complete their nighttime rituals in scenes that are sometimes familiar, sometimes bizarre—like a pig doing a handstand as a form of nocturnal exercise. This is a great pick for kids who would like a giggle before lights out.

While many bedtime stories are filled with gentle rhythm and rhyme, this book adds an extra element of delight with die-cut pages that transform images of playful farm animals into sleepy, snuggly ones. This bedtime book is perfect for the little farm animal lover in your life (and don’t worry, you don’t have to make a ton of different animal sounds for this one).

All aboard the Goodnight Train, you don’t want to miss it! As this train wanders through mountains, around curves, over bridges and right on into dreamland, sleepy train sounds set a rhythm for settling down for the night. Hush-a-hush-a-hush-a-hush-a sleeeeeeep.

It’s never too soon to teach mindfulness, especially if it helps little ones sleep. Slumber Sloth shows kids how to relax their bodies and minds, one simple step at a time. And this special gift set comes with the board book, a keepsake affirmation card and a snuggly sloth plush.

This one’s for the parents! And maybe for the restless infant who does not yet understand profanity. This hilarious satire contrasts the usual bedtime storybook imagery of slumbering creatures with narration that voices the frustration every parent knows. A smash hit, this book speaks to parents who long for a quick and easy bedtime.