Sleepy Sundays Instant Blackout Blinds a must-have for new parents

This mum-of-three has invented a simple fix for getting newborns off to sleep. Shift workers, digital nomads, travellers, renters, film producers and sleep lovers everywhere are also lining up to try it.

Anyone with a newborn knows sleep is precious.

Brisbane mum Lizzy Shorey-Kitson, 43, is a mum of three boys who values decent shut-eye so much she invented a product — and entire business — around it.

Sleepy Sundays manufacture and sell 100 per cent blockout blinds that are removable, fit any window size and shape, and are 100 per cent recyclable.

Sleepy Sundays Instant Blackout Blind, $85, sleepysundays.co

“From a brand perspective, Sunday really is my favourite day of the week – where everything slows down and we can relax into the day as a family with no set plans other that step out into the sunshine and enjoy the day,” Lizzy says.

“It is my hope that this product helps so many Aussies get more sleep, so that they too can get out and really enjoy the time with loved ones and improve their everyday wellbeing.”

Brisbane News caught up with Lizzy to hear about her new success.

Lizzy Shorey-Kitson, 43, Sleepy Sundays founder

What’s new with you?

I’ve just reached the end of a busy first summer season with my new business Sleepy Sundays, providing instant blackout blinds. They are removable, 100 per cent blackout blinds that adhere to any window.

Lizzy Shorey-Kitson is the founder Sleepy Sundays, a genius blockout curtain solution for renters, parents of new babies and shift workers. Photo: AAP/Russell Shakespeare

How did that come about?

When our first baby was born 11 years ago, as in love with him as we were, the lack of sleep was tough on me and my husband. We read every book, tried every trick, but the only thing that would help him fall asleep – and stay asleep – was a completely black room. We couldn’t find any product that did the job, so two babies later and after trying and testing a few manufacturers across the globe, we made our own.

Who uses them?

New mums, shift workers, digital nomads, travellers, renters, film producers and sleep lovers everywhere – especially those in the southern states and in New Zealand where the added challenge of daylight savings means the sun doesn’t set until very late. Here in Queensland, our early sunrises can also be a challenge for so many.

Sleepy Sundays Instant Blackout Blinds come in roll that you can size to any window.

What do you love about your work?

Being able to provide a very simple solution to a very real problem, particularly for new mums. Having your first baby is such a wonderful yet hugely transitional time, and I’m proud to offer a solution that just may help new families get much needed rest.

Who or what inspires you?

My mum for her quiet strength and nurturing ways, and my dad who has an innate sense of curiosity and continues his love of learning. Now retired, my dad is also my right-hand man in my business and has always been there as a guiding light of support and inspiration.

Describe life away from the office …

My husband Ross and I moved back to Australia from London via Sydney in 2006 and were lucky enough to be able to build a house near the bay in Manly. We now have three adorable boys, Marcus, 11, Thomas, 7, Hugo, 5, and a slightly crazy but loveable 10-month-old Australian cobberdog called Monte.

When or where are you happiest?

Time in the sunshine with those I love. My perfect day would be sunrise yoga or meditation on the beach, a play in the surf with my boys and then a gelato and a walk around the gorge at North Stradbroke Island. That for me is pure heaven.

What’s next for you?

I was lucky enough to spend some time in Bali by myself when I was just starting Sleepy Sundays. I’d love to head over again to find some quiet to map out what’s next. We are also due a trip back to Europe to visit our supplier in Germany, but more importantly to take the boys to visit their grandma in Northern Ireland.