When a Sleep Tool Becomes a Sleep Problem

I was inspired to write this after my toddler started sleeping with his Tonies Box on. It worked great for a while... he loved falling asleep to his favorite characters. But then he started waking up in the night once the audio stopped, needing me to come in and turn it back on.

That’s when I realized the Tonies Box had become a sleep prop for him—something he relied on to fall asleep and stay asleep. Once it ended, he couldn’t settle on his own, and the night wakings started.

And that got me thinking... this is what it’s like when any child—baby or toddler—develops a sleep prop that begins to interfere with their ability to rest well.

So let’s unpack sleep props and talk about how to move away from them when they start disrupting your little one’s sleep.

What is a Sleep Prop?

A sleep prop (also called a sleep association) is anything your child uses to fall asleep and then return to sleep. Some are helpful, others not so much. They only become a problem when your child can’t sleep well without them, or wakes up looking for that same prop to fall back asleep.

Sleep props can be:

• Sucking: nursing, bottle-feeding to sleep, pacifiers

• Motion: rocking, bouncing, swaying

• Position: being held, worn in a carrier, contact napping

• Sound: white noise, lullabies, singing, shushing

• Objects or tech: stuffed animals, special blankets, or yes—Tonies Boxes

Not all sleep props are bad. For example, a sound machine is a sleep prop, but because it's consistent and runs all night, it usually supports good sleep rather than interrupting it—unless the power goes out or you forget it during travel!

When Sleep Props Become a Problem

Sleep props can disrupt sleep if:

• Your baby can’t fall asleep without them (ex: must be rocked or nursed every time).

• Your baby can’t stay asleep without them (ex: wakes every 40 minutes needing the same prop to fall back asleep).

• Your baby wakes up when the prop stops (ex: like my son waking when his Tonies Box turned off).

So, What Can You Do?

This is where sleep training comes in. And no, that doesn’t have to mean “crying it out.”

Sleep training is simply the process of teaching your child how to fall asleep independently—without relying on a prop they can’t recreate on their own in the middle of the night.

Here are a few approaches you can take:

1. Cold Turkey

This means cutting the sleep prop out immediately and dealing with the (likely emotional) fallout. I don’t usually recommend this unless it feels like the best fit for your parenting style and your child’s temperament. It’s often the hardest road, and can be overwhelming for everyone.

2. Gradual Transition

This is what I usually suggest. For example, if nursing to sleep is leading to frequent wakings, try shifting that feed to earlier in the bedtime routine—right after bath and before books. Over time, you’re separating nursing from sleep so your baby learns to fall asleep on their own.

This method takes time and consistency, and it often helps to work alongside a sleep coach to guide the process.

3. Let It Be

Some parents choose to keep the sleep props and ride it out, especially if the prop isn't causing major disruption. Just know that this route might mean more interrupted sleep for now, and changes may still be needed later on.

Tips for Transitioning Away from Sleep Props

• Give your baby time and space to practice self-soothing (finding their thumb, rubbing their head, kicking their feet).

• Soothe in new ways that don’t involve the sleep prop—like patting, humming, or offering comfort in the crib.

• Be patient and flexible. This is a gradual process, and what works for one baby may not work for another.

Ultimately, the path you choose depends on your baby’s personality, your own parenting style, and your family’s sleep goals.

Need Some Help?

If you’re noticing that a sleep prop is interfering with your baby’s ability to get the rest they need, let’s chat. You can book a free call with a sleep coach to get guidance tailored to your baby and your situation.

At the end of the day, you know your baby best. Trust your instincts, follow your gut, and know that whatever path you choose—you’re doing a great job.