Our 3 Favorite Toddler Sleep Training Clocks

Written by Ashlee Kasten

Published on July 13, 2023

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• Sleep training clocks are clocks designed to cue children when it’s time to wake up.
• A wake clock uses visual cues like colored lights or images that appear when it’s wake-up time. 
• Parents are able to set the kids’ alarm clock to change at whatever time they deem appropriate as a wake-up time.

Before children, my husband and I would awaken to the birds chirping and the morning sun pouring into our windows. Five kids later, we wake to the early-morning street lights gleaming in our windows and the breath of an apple juice-drinking toddler that’s jumping on our heads.

Can someone please tell our toddler that 5 am is too early for breakfast and Blippi?

In her defense, she has little concept of time. If it feels like morning, it must be morning. If it feels like time to wake up Mom and Dad and eat breakfast, well then, bring on the Cheerios in bed.

I knew we had to do something to help her sleep longer. With a 4-month-old and three other children in the house, sleep is a hot commodity. This is when we decided to try out a toddler sleep training clock, also known as an OK-to-wake clock.

If you’re curious if OK-to-wake clocks can train your child to sleep longer, stick around. I put sleep-training clocks to the test with my 3-year-old. I’m dishing out my honest review of how they work, as well as my favorite toddler sleep-training clock listed here for you!

Our Choice: Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine

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The parents have spoken. The Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine is the most popular toddler alarm clock on the market. 

With over 37,000 raving reviews on Amazon, this is one of the best-performing OK-to-wake clocks. At first glance, this might seem like an overpriced night light. However, the features far exceed the average night light. 

This Hatch Baby rest clock has Bluetooth capabilities, meaning you can control it from your phone while you lay in bed. The app allows you to change the colors of the night light and set the times for wake-up and bedtime. You can also lock the settings so your child can’t change them on the device. 

Not only does this night light have an internal OK-to-wake clock, but it also has a sound machine. You’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of sounds like birds chirping or white noise. The sound is high-quality and loud enough to fill the room. 

Parents have found great success in helping their little ones sleep longer with the use of this wake clock. Though the price tag is much higher than the average toddler alarm clock, the Bluetooth feature and high-quality sound make it a great investment. 

Material: ABS Plastic | Power Source: Corded Electric | Special Features: Timer, Alarm, Double Bell, Noise Machine, Mood Light
View on Amazon | View on Walmart.com | View on Target.com

Best Budget: ANALOI Kids Alarm Clock Ok to Wake Alarm Clock

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If you’re on a budget but want something that will wow your child, the ANALOI Kids Alarm Clock Ok to Wake Alarm Clock is the perfect toddler clock for you. 

I chose this toddler clock because it was a great price and absolutely adorable. Little animal lovers will appreciate that you can choose from a bear, bunny, or cat design.  

This clock will function as both a kids’ alarm clock and a night light. In no time at all, I had the clock out of the box and set up with the correct time. My kids loved choosing which colors they wanted on the clock. 

The light on this digital clock changes when it’s your kids’ wake-up time—green means wake up and blue means time for bed. You can also choose from several different alarm sounds if you’d like. I appreciate that the clock runs on rechargeable batteries that you charge using a USB plug. 

The only thing I wish this kids’ alarm had is a longer charging cord. The cord is short and likely won’t allow you to plug it into the wall while sitting on a dresser or shelf. This isn’t a major drawback but it makes charging a little inconvenient.

After several nights of using the clock, my 3-year-old was already getting the hang of staying in bed until the light came on. I call that a win! 

Material: Plastic | Power Source: Battery Powered | Special Features: ‎Dimmable, Color Changing
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Most Fun: LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise Children’s Sleep Trainer

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This adorable alarm clock will have your little one smiling from ear to ear. The LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise Children’s Sleep Trainer is the most fun toddler alarm clock on the market. 

I love that this kids’ alarm clock uses both colors and facial expressions to tell your child when it’s OK to wake up. The little face in the clock goes to sleep when your child should be sleeping and starts smiling when it’s almost time to wake up. 

The light turns yellow 30 minutes before the set wake-up time and switches to a green light when it’s time to wake up. At bedtime, the light turns blue and the face goes to sleep. Unfortunately, parents can not change the duration of the 30-minute yellow timer. 

Also included in this digital alarm clock is a nap timer. You can use the nap timer for time outs, quiet time, or naps. This is very helpful for toddlers who don’t stop moving. 

The night light can be changed to five different colors. You can also set an alarm to a variety of sounds.  

This alarm also functions as a sound machine. The machine includes three kid-friendly sounds: white noise, ocean sounds, and lullabies. 

The nap timer and easy-to-read wake signals make this toddler alarm clock a favorite among parents. 

Material: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) | Power Source: Corded Electric | Special Features: OK to Wake
View on Amazon | View on Walmart.com | View on Target.com

Recommended Accessories

Sleep is important for little ones. To help your child get adequate sleep, here are a few accessories our family has found helpful in addition to a wake clock: 

• Calming Essential Oils
• Soothing Music 
• Bluetooth Speaker 
• Sound Machine 
• Weighted Blanket 
• Loveys

Sleep Training Clock: What It Is and How It Works

Sleep training clocks are designed to cue children when it’s time to wake up. A wake clock uses visual cues like colored lights or images that appear when it’s wake-up time. Parents are able to set the kids’ alarm clock to change colors at whatever time they deem appropriate for wake-up time.

Do Sleep Training Clocks Really Help Toddlers Sleep Better?

We had great success using a toddler clock in our house. However, it didn’t happen overnight. We had to be patient and give our toddler time to adjust to the new toddler sleep schedule. 

A toddler clock will also work well while sleep training a toddler. Giving your child the structure they need to sleep through the night will allow them to wake up well-rested. This will help improve their mood and make a digital alarm clock for sleep-training a happy addition to their routine. 

How to Use a Sleep Training Clock 

Are you ready to start using a toddler clock for sleep-training? Here’s your quickstart guide to get you on your way:

1. Determine if your child is ready.

Usually, kids are ready for toddler clocks around the age of 2 or 3. When your child begins to have a concept of bedtime and wake time, it’s a good idea to introduce a sleep-training clock. 

2. Introduce the clock.

Your child is going to be curious about the new OK-to-wake clock. Allow them to spend time asking questions and observing how the clock works. You can show them all the colors of the night light and any fun sounds the clock makes.

3. Let your child pick the colors.

Young children love to be decision-makers. Let your child decide what color they’d like to wake up to. This will make them more excited about using the OK-to-wake clock. 

4. Practice waking up.

Have fun with your child and play a game of “pretend sleep.” Lay down and pretend to sleep and wake with the new color on the clock. This fun game will prepare them for the next morning.

5. Set the clock a little later.

You might be eager to get your child to sleep an extra hour from night one. However, it’s best to start with increments of 15 minutes or less. Set the clock for 15 minutes later than they normally wake and gradually increase. 

6. Reward your child.

When your child stays in bed until the light turns on, reward them! A daily reward will encourage them to keep going. You can wean off the daily rewards when your child has fully adjusted to the new routine.

FAQs

What should I do if my child keeps getting up before the sleep training clock turns green?

If your child isn’t staying in bed until the light turns green, don’t be discouraged. This process might take time. Walk your child back to their bed and remind them of their reward if they sleep longer. 

It could also be that your child isn’t ready for a sleep-training clock. If your child is still young, you might try waiting a few months and starting again.

Are there any other sleep training methods that I should use alongside a sleep training clock?

Yes. There are a variety of sleep training methods that are helpful for getting children to sleep soundly through the night. Some parents prefer gentle sleep training methods, while others like faster methods such as cry-it-out sleep training.

Whatever methods you choose, it’s important to stick to it and be patient.