Sleep, Bedtime & Bad Dreams
Bed time… for so many of us, it’s the hardest part of our day! Many young children (and their parents) dread bed time. After a long day of work and play, it’s hard to change gears. Add a fear of the dark, or a few nightmares, and you’ve got a recipe for a bed time battle! But have no fear, some awesome books are here!
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
My Dreams - this is a gentle book to read with your child at bed time. For a little extra magic, use a flashlight and read this book in the dark. Your child will get a kick out of the glow-in-the-dark photos! Great for toddlers and 2-3 year olds.
Bed Time & Naptime- are simple, straight forward books about going to bed at night and for a nap. They have colorful illustrations, featuring children of all different ethnicities, and parenting tips in the back! For ages 2+.
Nighttime Symphony - I just came across this book and it’s one of my new favorites! Join this family as they take in the sounds of the city at night, creating a unique lullaby all its own. Written by musician, DJ, producer, and record producer, Timbaland.
My Friend Sleep - this is another one of my favorite books that deals with dreams and nightmares. It’s not too scary and show's kids how to face their night time fears (with a bit of humor!). For ages 3+
Monster Needs His Sleep - this book will have you laughing all the way to bed time! A wonderful and funny book about a little boy who is trying to get his monster to go to sleep. The monster thinks of every excuse under the sun to delay bedtime, will he ever fall asleep?
Dream Animals - this book is the perfect bed time read! It encourages readers to close their eyes and think about what their dream animal might be. You’ll fall in love with Emily Winfield Martin’s illustrations. There’s also a Spanish edition too!
One More Hug For Madison - is a sweet and simple book featuring a little mouse, named Madison, who needs just another hug, just another glass of milk and, just another blanket to fall asleep. For ages 2+
Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go To Sleep is another very sweet one, which is perfect for soothing bed time fears. When little Willa tells her big brother, Willoughby, that she’s afraid of having nightmares, he makes her feel better by telling her about all of the wonderful things that are waiting for her in the morning. For ages 3+
No Sleep for the Sheep - what happens when all of the animals in the barn are snoring? you get one cranky sheep! This fun and silly rhyming book will get your little one laughing. Ages 2+.
Even Superheroes Have To Sleep - Reminds our kids that everyone, from superheroes and doctors, to police officers and parents, needs to sleep to be at their best. For superhero kids 3+.
Good Night Engines - here’s a great book for all your little engineers and drivers of all things that go! Follow the little boy in this book as he puts his trucks, cars, trains and vehicles to bed. I love the soothing and cozy feeling of this book. This title is also available in a Spanish/English edition. For ages 2+
What Is Sleep? - an adorable lift-the-flap book, full of questions and answers about sleep. This book is great for 2-3 year olds, who will enjoy lifting the flaps and exploring each questions.
Roar of a Snore - When Jack is awakened by a loud snore, he follows the noise around his house, trying to find the source. Along the way he wakes up every other person in the house. This book is great for a pre-bed time laugh! Ages 3+.
If you’ve got a little one who loves mermaids, these two books, called Mermaid Dreams are for you!
Mermaid Dreams, by Kate Bugsley, will take you on a dreamy friendship adventure with Maya the mermaid.
Mermaid Dreams, by Mark Sperring, is the story of Meriam, is a spirited mermaid who hates going to bed. After a long day of adventures under the sea, she’s got seashells in her hair, a fish in her ear and a crab behind her neck. Meriam tells her mom all about the fun she had that day and simultaneously learns the importance of good hygiene.
Hip Hop Lollipop - Meet Lollie, a little girl who loves to dance hip-hop. She’s got a spring in her step everywhere she goes. Follow Lollie as she dances her way through bath time, brushing her teeth and bed time. She even dances in her dreams! If you’re little one loves to dance and move, he/she will love this book. I love the rhyming text and whimsical illustrations of this story.
A Big Bed For Little Snow - Little Snow is excited for his new feather bed, but what happens when he sneaks a few jumps on it? With each jump more and more feathers fly out, making it look like a magical indoor snow fall.
Before I Wake Up is hands down, the absolute best book I’ve ever read about nightmares and bed time. It’s one of the few books I’ve found that isn’t at all scary. It talks about how much there is to explore in our dreams before the sun comes up, and how having a friend makes things seem less scary. For ages 3+
Everyone is Yawning - This lift-the-flap book is so much fun to read! Lift each flap to make each animal yawn. This board book was very helpful with my son, who is almost 2, and fights us on the bedtime routine.
Star Light, Star Bright, Even Dinosaurs Say Goodnight - a cute rhyming board book! Follow these little dinosaurs as they get ready for bed. If you’ve got a dino-lover in your house, this one is for you!
And of course, all dinosaur experts will enjoy hearing about all of the silly things dinosaurs can and can’t do at bedtime in How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? Also available in Spanish.
The Girl Who Spoke to the Moon- if the moon could speak, what would it say? Follow Sofia as she takes a trip to the moon and learns about what the Earth looks like from space. This story is a great read because it has elements of adventure, messages about taking care of our planet, and inviting illustrations.
The Perfect Pillow - Brody is trying to sleep in his new sand unfamiliar home. His pillow doesn’t seem right, so he goes in search of a new place to sleep. With his dragon buddy, Horst, by his side, they find adventure and learn that the perfect pillow is waiting for him in his own bed.
Good Night, Sleepy Moon - an adorable rhyming board book, perfect for babies and toddlers. This book is so sweet and gentle you’ll want to snuggle up with your little love and read it over and over again.
All My Friends Are Fast Asleep - we love books that you can sing and this one is perfect for bedtime! Sing along as our little friend looks for the perfect place to sleep. He searches high and low, visiting each of his animal friends, and finds them all fast asleep in their homes. Will he ever find the right place?
Venetian Lullaby - Imagine drifting off to sleep, nestled in the arms of your family, while you gently drift down the canals of Venice - now that’s a bedtime dream come true! Tuck yourself into your gondola and sail off to sweet dreams with this beautiful book.
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures - If your kids are bursting with energy and imagination at bedtime, like mine are, this book is for you!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car - Does your little one love all things that go? This book has your name on it! Follow Little Red Car as he does one last ride all around the town before bedtime. I love the way the author, Kate Dopirak, has reimagined this classic lullaby with vehicles of all kinds. With loveable and inviting illustrations by Mary Peterson, this book has quickly become our newest favorite. Try singing the words to this book as you read for a little extra bedtime magic!
Sweet Dreams, Zaza - It’s bedtime but Zaza can’t go to sleep until she has all of her favorite stuffed animal friends. Follow along as she finds them, and gets her own bedtime kisses from Mommy. This short and sweet book makes a fun addition to your bedtime routine.
Somewhere in the City - Somewhere in the city Lucy is getting ready for bed and waiting for her daddy to come home. As he hurries through the bustling streets of the city, she gazes out of her windows and gets a peek into the community around her. Although they’re on opposite sides of the city, they’re both captivated by the sights and sounds of their busy community. But will dad make it home in time for a bedtime story?
Never Show a T.Rex a Book - What happens if you show a T.Rex a book? She won’t know what to do with it. She’ll probably use it as a hat, a pillow, or maybe even take a bite out of it! You and your little reader will be excited to turn the pages and see the mischief that happens next!
The Nice Dream Truck - Make bedtime a little sweeter and help your little one dream big, with this fun and fantastic book! My favorite line from this story is “there are as many ways to dream as ice cream flavors to taste.” From dreaming about summer, or learning how to pirouette, to becoming an astronaut, a visit from the Nice Dream Truck will inspire sweet dreams!
Sleep Tight! An Activity Book To Help Young People Sleep Soundly Every Night - Need help getting your little one to sleep soundly? This useful guide is packed with creative writing, craft, and doodling activities to combat negativity and improve sleep. Find creative ways to help your child feel happier, calmer, and more confident... and able to get the rest he/she needs.
Stars Before Bedtime: A Mindful Fall-Asleep Book - Bedtime battles are at an all-time high in our house, so anything that can help my kids fall asleep gets an A in my book. That’s why I decided to give Stars Before Bedtime a read. This beautiful book takes you on a relaxing journey through the shimmering stars and constellations of the night sky. Using relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and fascinating stories, this book is equal parts soothing and engaging. My kids loved learning about the history of each constellation, and I was thrilled to help them create a new bedtime routine that they were excited about.
Quick Tips:
-Children find comfort in knowing what to expect ahead of time, so establishing a regular bedtime routine is important. For example: dinner, bath, a few books, a lullaby or night time prayer and lights out. Swap out an extra book or song according to your own preferences.
-Give your child a heads up. Letting them know that bedtime is coming beforehand gives them a chance to prepare. For example, saying “after your finish your dessert we’re getting in the bath,” or “this show is almost over, when it’s done, it will be bedtime.”
-If possible, avoid saying “5 more minutes.” Most children don’t really understand the concept of time (even if they can recognize the numbers on a clock). Giving them a tangible marker, such as a tv show ending, or their cookie is finished, is the concrete cue they understand.
Soothing Bed Time Worries
-Glo Worm works wonders! My daughter gives Glow Worm a squeeze for a little extra light and comfort at night. You can set it to play lullabies, and/or light up. Children are comforted knowing they have the power to turn the light and music on when they need.
Lulla Doll is a beautiful and super soft bed time companion you and your little one will love. The sound machine inside of Lulla Doll soothes babies and kids to sleep with gentle heartbeat and breathing sounds. These natural sounds help kids sleep better at night because they promote a sense of comfort and safety. My 4-year old is in love with hers and loves tucking it in next to her at bed time.
-Need a little extra motivation?
Try some humor by saying: “I need some help, I can’t remember where your pajamas are?” He/she will enjoy leading you to them.
Ask your child to pick out his/her own pajamas and bedtime stories.
Take a trip to the library, pick out your own books for bedtime.
While reading, take your time, answer any questions that come up and acknowledge how he/she is feeling.
Reward him/her with extra books, lullabies, cuddle time as often as you can.
Bedtime is difficult for many families! Remember, you’re not alone!
If nightmares persists, speak to your child’s pediatrician, teacher or caregiver.
