5 books to get your children into a bedtime routine

With our best Oodie alternatives you and your child can be cosy whilst reading your bedtime story.

1. Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise has been getting children ready for bed for more than 60 years. Its gentle rhyming text softly lulls little ones to sleep as we follow Little Bunny on his bedtime routine of saying goodnight to everything from his toothbrush to the moon.

Although the illustrations may not look so trendy these days, this is nevertheless a lovely book for toddlers that will certainly help them to settle down for the night.

• Age: 1+
• Price: £2.99
• Available from: Amazon

2. Flora's Blanket

Debbi Gliori’s Flora’s Blanket is one of the most adorable bedtime books ever and a firm favourite in our house for more than 10 years.

Like many toddlers, Flora has a very special attachment to her blanket and more importantly Flora will not go to sleep without her blanket.

So Flora, her parents and brothers and sisters hunt high and love in their quest to find the blanket and get some sleep.

This is a wonderfully thought-out book which will ring true with many parents whose child has one thing they just can’t do without.

Gliori’s gorgeous illustrations offer plenty to see and discuss with your little one as you gradually settle them into sleep. Highly recommended!

• Age: 2+
• Price: £4.99
• Available from: Amazon

3. Maisie Goes To Bed

Maisie Goes to Bed by Lucy Cousins is another title that works through the bedtime routine, gradually putting the busy day behind you as your little one settles down to sleep.

Maisie has been with us for more than 25 years, and in this story we can join the tiny mouse as she enjoys a bedtime drink, cleans her teeth and puts on her pyjamas.

There are tabs to pull and flaps to lift, giving your child plenty of fun before the serious business of actually going to sleep begins.

• Age: 2+
• Price: £7.99
• Available from: Amazon

4. The Little Elephant Who Wants To Fall Asleep

The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep is the follow-up to the hugely popular The Little Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep by Swedish psychologist Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin with illustrations by Sydney Hanson.

The books claim to be the answer to the prayers of parents everywhere who struggle to get their children settled at bedtime.

In the Little Elephant story, children follow Ellen on her journey to sleep as she meets some fantastical creatures all designed to have a calming effect on both Ellen and those listening to the story.

Published by Ladybird, the books have sold thousands of copies and had some very positive feedback so it may be worth giving one or both a go!

• Age: 3+
• Price: £5.99
• Available from: Amazon

5. Dozy Bear and The Secret Of Sleep

Dozy Bear and the Secret of Sleep is another title that aims to end bedtime misery for both parents and children alike. Written by Katie Blackburn, the emphasis is on winding down and relaxation and features some well-used techniques to soothe and calm your child.

It claims to be more of a “sleep aid” than a traditional entertaining story, and its evocative language and dreamlike illustrations certainly helped my child to unwind – the only trouble was it did exactly the same for me – so I would recommend keeping a cup of coffee handy!

• Age: 2+
• Price: £6.99
• Available from: Amazon

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