The short answer

Two books, every night, no exceptions. It's not about the books; it's a clear line in the sand that tells your toddler bedtime boundaries hold. Say yes to a third book and you'll soon be saying yes to snacks, songs, and staying until they're asleep.

Ever since my children were tiny babies, I was told to read them 2 books before they went to sleep. And so this became part of their routine before they could even walk or talk!

Bedtime books are a favourite part of our routine. I let my children choose the books once they were old enough, and it's (usually) a beautiful, calm and connected way to end the day.

While the books have changed as my children have gotten older, one thing has NEVER changed. We only ever read 2 books.

"One more" is never just one more

This was easy when they were babies, but as they entered toddlerhood, the familiar phrase of "one more book" started to appear. As with all toddler requests, you're suddenly forced to make a decision: will I allow one more go on the slide even though I said it was time to leave the playground? One more chocolate after I said we were all done? One more episode of Bluey?

"One more" is a toddler's favourite way to take control and keep the party going. And at bedtime, this becomes pivotal.

Every toddler becomes a master procrastinator at bedtime: suddenly taking ages to put on their pyjamas, requesting a drink of water, absolutely NEEDING to find the squishy toy they lost three days ago. And of course, this applies to books too. One more book turns very quickly into two more books, then three, and so on. Once you go beyond the 2 book rule, where does it end? You've lost your footing as the one who holds the boundaries, and the rest of the bedtime routine could take anywhere from 3 minutes to 3 hours.

Why I hold the 2 book rule no matter what

This is why I maintain the 2 book rule no matter what. Even when my daughter was obsessed with a certain book and wanted me to read it over and over, I would remind her: "If we read this book again, it counts as your second book."

It's not really about the books

You might be thinking: "we have plenty of time, so why not read more?" But it's not really about the books themselves. It's about what the 2 book rule symbolises. It's a clear line in the sand at bedtime. And in my experience, the number one thing that undoes a bedtime routine is a lack of clear boundaries.

When you say yes to more books, you're setting a precedent. You'll also say yes to the desperate plea for a snack. You'll say yes to one more song. You'll say yes to staying in the room until they're fully asleep, even though you have a whole evening ahead of you. What toddlers need at bedtime are loving, consistent boundaries that communicate: it's time to sleep now, and you're safe to do so. Without that, bedtime stops being a routine and starts being Cirque du Soleil.

So do yourself and your toddler a favour: stick to the 2 book rule. You'll thank yourself for it.

For more bedtime help, read Why Does My Toddler Tantrum at Bedtime?, browse my sleep guides, or book a 1:1 consult.