A new Toniebox initiative has been launched in Warrington designed to support parents’ mental health and strengthen early bonding with babies receiving neonatal care.
The initiative has been launched by Dad Matters Warrington, Halton and Cheshire, part of Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire, working in partnership with the Start for Life Emotional Wellbeing Team for Warrington and Halton NHS Trust.
Dad Matters coordinators Tom Byrne and Nathan Fernyhough have donated a Toniebox and several Creative-Tonie figures to Warrington Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. The aim is simple but powerful. The Toniebox offers parents a meaningful way to stay emotionally connected to their baby through the sound of their voice.
A Toniebox is an audio player that works by placing small figurines, called Tonies, on top to play stories or songs. Using Creative-Tonies, parents can record messages, stories, songs or even short everyday conversations. These personalised recordings allow babies to hear the familiar voices of their parents, even when they cannot be at the bedside.
Research shows that a parent’s voice plays a vital role in early bonding and neurological development, particularly for premature babies. Familiar sounds can help regulate heart rate and breathing and support early language development. For parents, recording their voice offers a sense of involvement at a time when many feel distant from their baby’s care.
The emotional impact is significant. Having a baby in neonatal care can feel overwhelming. Parents often describe anxiety, helplessness and a deep sense of separation, especially when physical contact is limited. Reading, singing or talking to their baby provides comfort and gives parents a positive, active way to nurture their connection, reinforcing that they remain central in their baby’s world even in a clinical environment.
Halton coordinator Tom Byrne said:
“I am really excited to see this idea come to life and the initial feedback from families and professionals has been overwhelmingly positive. The Dad Matters core values are rooted in promoting positive mental health and empowering dads to make the most of early bonding and attachment opportunities. Naturally, having a baby in neonatal care poses a significant barrier to this.
“From a dad’s perspective, especially those who are returning to work or cannot spend hours cot side every day, this could be a real game changer in building that connection with their baby. The project also has the potential to support the wider family including mums, grandparents and siblings.
“The staff on the neonatal unit at Warrington have been extremely receptive and accommodating and we cannot thank them enough for their support. Even the manufacturers themselves think it is a great and innovative way of using their product and have donated more Tonieboxes and Creative-Tonies so we can continue to grow this offer.”
Helen Higginson, Head of Fundraising at WHH Charity, said:
“We are very grateful to Nathan and Tom at Dad Matters and the Start for Life team for their kind donation. The Toniebox will help to support our families on the neonatal unit to feel connected with their baby and we are grateful for this meaningful addition to the ward.”
This initiative reflects the wider Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire commitment to giving families practical, compassionate support at the times they need it most. By combining lived experience, partnership working and simple tools that make a real difference, we continue to strengthen the early relationships that shape a child’s start in life.
