Struggling with bedtime? Our sleep expert has the answers parents need

How do I help my child adjust to clock changes? 

The twice-yearly chaos where 7pm becomes 6pm and 6pm becomes 7pm and nobody knows what time bedtime actually is anymore. This tip also works for hopping on a plane to sunnier (or snowier) time zones too!

Rosey says: “Once the clock change has happened, try to give your child lots of natural light during the day and limit screen time – Tonies are a great alternative!”

Top tip: Keep that Toniebox handy for screen-free wind-down stories and songs.

My child is scared of the dark?

Feeling a bit unsure of the dark is really common for little ones – let’s help them feel safe and settled as they drift off to sleep.

Rosey says: “Night lights can be a great sense of comfort and can really help toddlers who are scared of the dark. I absolutely love the Night Light Tonies for their dim, sleep-friendly colour and the clever auto power-off feature.”

Top tip: Pop on a Night Light Tonie, its gentle glow and soothing sounds = bedtime bliss.

My child keeps having nightmares?

Plot twist! Give those nightmares a happy ending that you co-write together – dragons become dancers, the storm turns into a tickle and so on!

Rosey says: “Writing an alternative ending to their nightmare with your child is a really good way to tackle recurring nightmares.”

Top tip: Use the Creative Tonie to record your reimagined story together. Then they can replay their new brave ending whenever they need a boost.

My child seems to be experiencing separation anxiety?

Clingy cuddles at bedtime? Totally normal. Rosey recommends a slow and steady exit paired with a comforting Tonie to help bridge the gap.

Rosey says: “Focus on the amount of connection time you have during the day and have a nice unwind together towards bedtime. You might try a gradual retreat from the room so they can accept you are leaving but you're still there. Reassure them and give them something of yours that they can focus on or give them a Tonie to listen to that they really like so they can focus on that.”

Top tip: A much-loved Tonie can be the perfect comfort companion. Their favourite character’s voice? Just as soothing as yours. (Well, almost.)

How do I transition my child from cot to bed?

New bed = new adventure. Stick to the routine, keep their room layout familiar, and add a sprinkle of novelty.

Rosey says: “Keeping your usual bedtime routine during this change is key. Consider the placement of their new bed and try to have it in the same position that their cot was so the child has the same perspective of their room. If they keep getting out of the bed, keep returning them in a loving and caring way, reassuring them that they can fall asleep in their new sleep space. It's a nice idea to introduce some new PJs and maybe a new Tonie during this change to help make it a little bit novel for them.”

Top tip: Celebrate the bed upgrade with a shiny new Tonie! A friendly voice, a new pair of PJs, and a bedtime story they’ll want to stay in bed for? Win-win-win!

How can I help settle them before bed?

Because winding down together sets the tone for sweet dreams ahead.

Rosey says: “Children really benefit from having connection time with their parents before bed. It’s really key for our children to be calm and this is where I love using Tonies.”

Top tip: Make story time your special moment of connection. Read a book together then choose a favourite Tonie, snuggle up, and wind down.

Whether you’re battling bedtime blues, separation struggles or seasonal shifts, remember – you’re not alone. And with a bit of expert advice and a helping hand from tonies®, you’ve totally got this.