I like to recommend a bedtime story as part of a bedtime routine – it is never too early or late to start reading to your little ones. Here are some of the benefits of bedtime stories:

Calms and relaxes before bed: Books are a quick and easy way to relax your baby/child before bedtime. I notice with my twins, once I begin their bedtime story they immediately relax – no matter what chaos was happening 5 minutes ago!

Encourages Imagination: Visualisation is an important part of increasing your child’s imagination. Therefore, picture books can play a huge part in a child’s imagination.

Increases Vocabulary: Your little one will come across characters and words in a book exposing them to language they may not typically hear on a daily basis.

Provides structure to the day: A book at bedtime is something that can be incorporated into a daily routine. It doesn’t have to be a long story, just a few pages each night will be something your child can look forward to as part of their bedtime routine.

Quality time with parent: That valuable one to one time with a parent will provide an opportunity for connection and slowing down after a busy day – benefiting both the parent and child!

Some of the firm favourites in our house:

1. The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
2. The Mog Collection by Judith Kerr
   Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
3. The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson
   We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
5. Owl Babies by Martin Waddel
6. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
7. Winnie & Wilbur Collection by Valerie Thomas