How to create the ultimate sleep routine with Sleepy Friends Tonies

Well, parents, we have good news: bedtime battles can become a thing of the past with a little help from a consistent bedtime routine – and, of course, our trusty Sleepy Friends Tonies!

Step 1: Set a consistent bedtime

A regular bedtime is key to setting your kiddo’s internal clock, making it easier for them to fall asleep and wake up at the right time. We know it’s not always practical (or easy) but keeping bedtime roughly the same time every night, even on weekends, is really helpful to their routines. This may change as kiddos get older, drop naps, start school or hit other milestones as their sleep needs change and while there are some helpful rules of thumb, every kid is different. If you’re finding that their usual bedtime isn’t quite cutting it – either they’re too tired to make it to bedtime or they’re struggling to get to sleep you may want to adjust this a bit. Paying attention to signs of tiredness like rubbing eyes, getting overly hyper or loud, will help you figure this out. If they’re stalling by asking loads of questions, try gently setting a limit of three questions tonight, and say you’ll answer the rest in the morning. 

Step 2: Create a calming pre-bedtime ritual

Around 30 minutes or so before bedtime, start winding things down a bit. This doesn’t have to be a complicated ten step routine, choose what works for your little snoozer. Some families find warm baths with dimmed lights are enough, others have their kiddos say goodnight to their loved ones and cuddly toys to help them transition to bedtime. 

To make this ritual even more effective, pop on a Sleepy Friends Tonie – our tonies® families have found that since introducing Sleepy Friends, 90% have seen improvements in their child’s bedtime routine! Doesn’t that sound dreamy?

Our Sleepy Friends Tonies are designed to bring calm to bedtime. Whether you use just one or mix and match them all, they help create a cosy wind-down, snuggle up, and drift off routine that makes bedtime smoother for the whole family.

Step 3: Keep their bedroom sleep-friendly

A dark, quiet, and cool room helps little ones sleep better. Dimming the lights and playing soothing sounds from the Toniebox can reinforce those sleep cues. It’s a bit trickier to get their rooms completely dark at naptime and when the sun sets later in the day, but if they’re struggling to fall asleep you could add black-out blinds to their windows. That being said, whilst total darkness is always better, some little ones need a bit of light to help them feel safe and that’s where the Sleepy Friends Night Light Tonies come in.

The Sleepy Friends Night Light Tonies are a brilliant addition to the routine, thanks to the relaxing sounds, gentle warm coloured lights, and the chance to add your own personalised recording. Even when it’s off the Toniebox, the light will continue to glow – providing reassurance through the night, so that everything is set up for a cosy and restful sleep.

There are lots of other ways you can use their rooms to support good sleep habits too. Whether it’s avoiding over-stimulating decor or making sure the room is not too hot and not too cold – between 18–20°C is ideal.

Step 4: Let them self-soothe

Once little ones are a bit older, encouraging them to settle themselves back to sleep if they wake in the night can be a game-changer. The Toniebox is so easy to use that they can simply squeeze an ear to start their Sleepy Friend Tonie playing again and snuggle back down. For younger children, or those who need a little extra comfort, parents can simply pop in, give them a reassuring cuddle, and restart their Toniebox – it’s quick, simple, and helps little ones drift off again feeling safe and soothed.

Sweet dreams start here

To celebrate World Sleep Day, we’re making bedtime even dreamier with our new Sleepy Ocean collection – building on the magic of our much-loved Sleepy Friends. These oh-so-sweet additions create even more opportunities for calm, relaxing nights for your little dreamers.

• Sleepy Friends Sleepy Whale: With just over two hours of soothing lullabies, Sleep Friends Sleepy Whale is designed to help them drift off into a deep sleep.

• Sleepy Friends Sleepy Penguin: Gently lapping waves, a whispering breeze and more ocean-inspired white noise help little ones snooze peacefully, night after night.

• Sleepy Friends Sleepy Octopus: Need one last bedtime story to help your little one wind down? Sleepy Octopus features a bedtime song and story to do just that.

And if you’re wondering, will my little one love the Sleepy Friends range? The answer is a resounding yes! According to our clever playback research, Sleepy Friends Tonies are some of the highest-rated and most-listened-to Tonies – a testament to just how much sleepy snoozers (and their parents) adore them.