My Favorite Toddler Sleep Trainer Clocks and How-to Use Them.
Have you ever wondered, “Do I need one of those toddler clocks?"
Let's find out!
Do you have a toddler around the age of 2 (or older)?
Are they struggling with waking up early, night wakings, or fighting bedtime?
Then, the answer is…YES and keep reading! Because I've got you covered with 4 different toddler clock options of varying price ranges and features. Then I'm going to explain how to use a toddler clock to help your little one sleep better!
#1 The Hatch Rest ($69.99 on Amazon)
This is the Cadillac of toddler clocks. I like it because it's aesthetically pleasing, and it functions as a night light, toddler clock and sound machine. Three features in one! But it's also the most expensive (which is why I've got other options for you). It is Wifi controlled and as long as you have Bluetooth connectivity, you can control it from your phone via the Hatch App. I'll explain later why that is helpful for early wakings.
#2 Echo Glow - Smart Lamp for Kids ($29.99 on Amazon)
I didn't know about this one until a client of mine discovered it. She highly recommends it. It is also compatible with any Alexa device for voice control. One really cool feature is a color changing rainbow timer that would be super helpful for keeping the bedtime routine moving along! Like the Hatch it doubles as a night light and toddler clock, but it is not a sound machine. I think this is actually okay because I prefer true white noise sound machines like this one. The price is probably the best feature!
#3 LittleHippo MELLA Clock - ($49.99 on Amazon)
This one does it all - without Wifi! (I know that is important to some people to not use Wifi in their child's room.) It's a toddler clock, sound machine, night light AND alarm clock for when your kiddo is older. One of the features I'm looking for in toddler clocks is that it glows RED at night because red light is not intrusive to sleep. This clock checks that box and it's in the middle as far as price goes. For these reasons, I like it!
#4 The Puppy Clock ($34.99 on Amazon)
I don't know what the actual name for this one is, so I just called it the puppy clock for obvious reasons. I have had clients who used this one and loved it! Sometimes, you don't want or need all the bells and whistles. This toddler clock keeps it simple and gets the job done. Another one that does not use WiFi and does not double as a sound machine. If your toddler is a dog lover, they may just adore this one!
Okay, so you've got your clock picked out. Now what?
No matter which of these clocks you go with, you will be teaching your child the “Stoplight System". It's a very simple concept that toddlers can learn around the age of two, give or take a few months. Every child is different, you'll know when yours is able to grasp the idea.
You will teach your child that, “when the light is red, it's time for bed!” Their job is to lay down quietly in their bed when the light is red. Your job is to communicate this expectation every single night at bedtime.
You will also teach them that, “when the light turns green, it's morning!” You can explain that when the light turns green, they can get up and leave their room. Or that you will come to get them, (depending on whether or not they are able to leave their room on their own). This Stoplight System works for a toddler in a crib or in an open bed.
The best way to introduce this system is during the day, using role play! Show them what the light will look like when it turns green. If you're using the Hatch Rest, for example, you might also program it so that the chirping birds sound comes on when the light turns green! The point it, let them see what it will look and sound like, both at bedtime and in the morning, so they know what to expect.
You can practice together by having everyone lay on the floor pretending to sleep, then after a minute or two, turn the light green and have everyone pop up!
If your toddler has a favorite color other than green, it's okay to use purple or blue or something else. But I definitely recommend red for nighttime on the lowest brightness setting. Yes, you keep the red light on all through the night! Why? Imagine being two…you wake up at 3am and you see that your light is red, you know that means it's still time to be in bed, and you drift back to sleep. Your word makes a little more sense!
What about early wakings?
This is why toddler sleep trainer clocks are often referred to as “okay-to-wake" clocks. And I hate to be the one to tell you this, but if your toddler has been waking up for the day at 5:30am, she's not going to stop just because you went out and got a toddler clock and programmed it to turn green at 6:30a.m.
Instead, you will need to gradually help shift their wake time later by letting them experience some success and feel proud of themselves.
Start by programming your clock to turn green 15 minutes later than they normally wake up. Make sure they stay in their bed until their light turns green, even if it takes some reminding from you. Then, once it turns green, you can start the day. Give them lots and lots of praise for staying in bed until their light turned green!
Every 2-3 days, program the clock to turn green 15 minutes later until you're at your minimum desired wake up time. This is usually going to be somewhere between 6:00-7:00a.m. depending on when your child goes to bed. My rule is 11 hours after bedtime. Twelve hours is nice, but not every child is going to be capable of that - and that's okay! If you have one of those unicorns, enjoy it!
So, if your child went to bed at 8:00p.m., it is reasonable to expect them to stay in bed until 7:00a.m. One exception to this is three-year-olds who are taking a nap. They may only need 10 hours of sleep at night. The point is, make sure your expectations are realistic.
There you have it! That's how to choose and use a toddler clock! Remember, these clocks only “work” if you do the work. It takes regular communication, but your toddler will love it once they get the hang of it! Be patient at first, good things take time!
Are you toddler's sleep issues bigger than this? You may need more than a toddler clock to get the peaceful bedtimes and restful nights that you're needing. In that case, book a free sleep chat and let's talk! I can show you how to set loving boundaries and teach your toddler to sleep independently.