5 Book Recommendations to Gently Help Your Child Drift Off to Sleep
Does bedtime mean arguments? A reading routine with carefully chosen children’s books can help calm things down and gently guide your little ones into a restful sleep.
LOLO spoke with children’s book enthusiasts from Les Petits Feuillus to get their top bedtime reading recommendations.
But before we dive in, here are a few tips to make bedtime a shared peaceful moment with your little ones.
Soothing a Child Before Bedtime
To calm things down and gently prepare your child for bedtime, here are a few effective tips:
- Create a calm environment: Reduce visual and auditory stimulation, opt for subdued lighting and turn off screens at least one hour before bedtime.
- Use natural products: A warm bath with gentle soap such as those from our LOLO range, made from quality ingredients, can help relax your child.
- Establish comforting rituals: A cuddle, a candle, a soothing song, “magical” pillow mist or reading time can be a peaceful transition to sleep.
Establishing a Bedtime Routine
A good bedtime routine fosters a sense of security in children. For instance, they know what to expect after bath time. They won’t be surprised and will be less likely to resist.
Consistency is key to an effective routine. Try doing the tasks in the same order, such as: quiet playtime, bath time, reading, teeth brushing, massage and bedtime.
The evening routine should also include gentle activities, such as reading, or a quiet board game. Obviously, if your family is highly competitive and playing TOCK leads to chaos, it would be best to avoid that before bedtime!
Choosing a Book for Your Child
There are so many new children’s books out there that it can be hard to know which one to pick for bedtime.
The first thing to consider is your child’s age. It is important for the book to be age appropriate. If your child doesn’t understand the story, he or she will quickly lose interest. Comforting themes also help with the bedtime transition. A scary story or one with lots of wild adventures might actually excite your little ones instead.
Another factor to consider: the illustrations. Soft colours and calming images will encourage the brain to relax and promote a sense of well-being. On the other hand, bright colours can stimulate cognitive functions and keep your little reader awake.
Les Petits Feuillus’ 5 Bedtime Reading Recommendations!
Les Petits Feuillus was born from the meeting of two moms with a passion for children’s books. The company offers a subscription service for parents: a box of books tailored to the child’s age and interests. It’s safe to say they are experts in children’s literature!
Here are their bedtime book recommendations.
I Need a Hug
“A tiny porcupine just wants a cuddle, but will anyone want to hug him despite his prickly spikes?”
The Invisible String
“Looking for the perfect tool to help your child cope with separation anxiety, loneliness and grief? This is the book you need. This is a highly popular paperback edition, and you will soon understand why.”
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
Hair Love
“Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful and it makes her feel proud. This tender story encourages self-acceptance and is recommended for children aged 4 and over.”
The Color of Us
“This interactive board book aimed at kids from 1 to 3 is designed to encourage a first conversation about skin colour. It explores and celebrates the many different colours of us and explains to kids that we are all different and unique.”
The Color of Us by Christie Hainsby and Lezette Rivera
We Love You, Mr. Panda
“Mr. Panda is eager to give free hugs to all his friends – but they’re all too busy hugging each other! [Children] love this funny book that simultaneously teaches polite manners.”
We Love You, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony
Reading does more than help your child’s bedtime routine; it offers all sorts of benefits, such as learning new words and developing imagination.
Reading time is a wonderful addition to the evening routine and a great excuse to cuddle with your children before saying good night.
To find out more about the Quebec company Les Petits Feuillus, simply go to their website.
Come see us at our charming country boutique in Saint-Liguori! Discover some of our favourite local products and our entire LOLO product range for babies and toddlers!
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Have a look at other gentle products for your children:
- LOLO Massage Oil – La Belle Excuse
