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Expert Reviewed By - OK To Wake Clocks… You’ve heard of them… You’ve seen them all over social media… And your sister-in-law swears by them.
But what makes them so amazing? Are they really beneficial for your child? And how can you choose the best one for your early riser?
Will you actually be able to have a child-free lie-in again?!
All great questions. And all questions that will be revealed in today’s post!
Table of Contents
What Are OK To Wake Clocks?
OK to wake clocks are visual aids designed to teach children to stay in bed until it’s an appropriate time to wake up by using cues such as colors or specific images.
The concept of OK to wake clocks is simple yet very effective.
The clock displays a certain color or icon when your child should stay in bed and it changes to a different color or image when it’s ok to get up and start their day!
A bit like us reading a clock at 4 am and knowing we should stay in bed but when it reads 6 am it’s time to get ready for the day.
A successful OK to Wake clock can make early morning wakings smoother, help toddlers feel more independent, and give you a few extra moments of rest (hopefully).
And in today’s guide, I will help you decide which is the right OK to wake clock for your child’s needs.
My Favorite OK To Wake Clocks On The Market
With a range of features like nightlights, alarms, and interactive games, there’s an OK To Wake clock to suit every family’s need but the choice can also be somewhat overwhelming.
But don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed by all the choices, because I’ve done all the hard work for you.
I have researched endless clocks and compiled a varied list of options that will help you find the perfect match to encourage your child to go to bed smoothly, re-settle independently at night, and rise at the right time!
1. LittleHippo Mella
If you’re navigating toddler bedtimes, LittleHippo Mella could be a game-changer in your evening routine. It’s my absolute favorite too.
When it's establishing a bedtime and wake up routine, clarity can make a world of difference. And LittleHippo's Mella has done exactly that.
Using colors and cute facial expressions to signal to children when it's time to sleep and wake, even children as young as 2 can learn when it's ok to get out of bed.
Mella is not just a sleep trainer either, it also works as a timer for various daily activities such as quiet time and screen time making it a wonderfully versatile tool.
Made of child-safe materials, this clock will withstand many accidental falls ensuring longevity and peace of mind from your purchase.
I love the LittleHippo Mella, that's why it's number 1 on my list.
- Simplifies sleep training with clear visual cues
- Features 3 soothing sounds and 6 night light colors to choose from
- A cute design that suits any room decor and matches your toddler's fun-loving personality
- Has a child-lock function to prevent children fiddling with the settings
- It is a touch pricier than other ok to wake clocks
- It is not battery operated so does require a power outlet
- Some parents have reported it was slightly hard for their children to use
2. BUTTING Kids Alarm Clock
If you’re grappling with early risers, but have a smaller budget, this clock from BUTTING might just be your much-needed solution.
A great budget option, the BUTTING Kids OK To Wake Clock has a lot of features for stubborn sleepers at bedtime, wake time, and naptime too!
This clock is especially suitable for children who benefit from visual learning, as the various light colors easily indicate different sleeping and waking phases.
The captivating stars and sun/moon indications truly help children understand when it's time to get up.
The array of sound options, which I am a great fan of, range from white noise to music to nature sounds and are great at helping soothe children to sleep.
This feature is wonderful for toddlers who find silence unsettling or are easily disturbed by household noises.
I also particularly like the inclusion of a child lock and the ability to preserve settings through power outages meaning you don't have to play around with settings all the time!
On the downside, some users have noted that the speaker quality may not meet their expectations, and others feel that the night light is too luminous... But if that doesn't bother you... This is a great budget-friendly toddler sleep training clock.
- Engages children with color cues for sleeping and waking
- Offers a variety of soothing sounds and music
- Features a night light with adjustable color and brightness
- Budget-friendly
- Some users report below average speaker quality
- Might require a learning curve to discover the full functionality of the clock
- The night light may be too bright for some children
3. Learn & Climb: Stay-in Bed Clock
If you are looking for a user-friendly color-changing clock to help your little one stay in bed no matter where you are, then this ok-to-wake clock from Learn and Climb could be the one for you.
This OK-to-wake clock from Learn & Climb is very easy to use and has a handy battery back up making it portable and able to work when there is a power outage. (win-win!)
With a three-stage lighting system of red for staying in bed, yellow for almost time to get up, and green for go, your toddler's independence will flourish as they learn when it's ok to wake up.
The alarm feature is optional so you can either use sound and lights or just lights to keep your little one on track.
In addition, there is a very handy child lock and 3 light levels so you can choose just the right one for your purpose.
This model also comes with a lot of extras including a fully illustrated storybook to wind down to at the end of the day and a reward chart to motivate your little one to maintain healthy sleep habits!
- Has a DC port adaptor with a battery-powered backup
- Has a very handy naptime feature
- Very intuitive and easy to use
- Comes with a storybook and reward chart to motivate your little one
- Some customers reported limited durability
- Some parents thought the light was too bright at night
4. Hatch Rest+ Sound Machine
The Hatch Rest+ is the clock of choice if you’re seeking a multifeatured sleep aid for your little one that has app connectivity.
The Hatch Rest+ is a multifaceted technology-first solution designed to create an optimal sleeping environment for your little one by joining the functionalities of a sound machine and night light with an intuitive time-to-rise alert system.
However, this convenience does come with a price tag that's steeper than your standard night light, sound machine, or sleep training clock!
For tech-savvy parents, the two-way audio monitor and Wi-Fi connectivity are fantastic, but others may find the technology overwhelming or unnecessary. Plus, you might run into hiccups when navigating the companion app.
This gadget's greatest appeal is its versatility.
Although the price tag is larger... bear in mind you are not just a single-use item; you're investing in a comprehensive sleep system that grows with your child from infancy to their early school years.
- Combines a sound machine, night light, and time-to-rise feature.
- Equipped with a two-way audio monitor for extra peace of mind.
- Offers an updated Wi-Fi version at no additional cost.
- Pricier compared to basic sound machines or night lights.
- Limited utility if you prefer non-technology-based sleep training methods.
- Requires smartphone or tablet with iOS 9 or higher or Android Lollipop or higher
- Hatch customer support has been criticized for their slow responses.
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At What Age Can You Use An OK-To-Wake Clock?
An OK-to-wake clock is most suitable for children aged 2 to 5 years old.
This age range is ideal because toddlers start to understand daily routines and should have a consistent sleep pattern, which makes it a good time to introduce an OK-to-wake clock.
Children between 2 and 5 are also able to grasp the concept of a specific color = time to get up meaning these clocks work particularly well at this age.
Keep in mind that each child is different, and readiness can vary. You know your child best, and if you feel they can grasp the ok-to-wake concept earlier, you can certainly try it out!
Features To Look For When Buying An OK To Wake Clock
When choosing an OK to wake clock, you should consider its features. Look for a clock with a child-friendly design that attracts your child’s interest and is easy to use and understand.
The clock should have a color-changing light that indicates when it’s time to get up.
Display & Readability:
- Ensure the display is large and easy to read.
- Look for clocks with adjustable brightness settings. This way, you can make sure the light doesn’t distract or keep your toddler awake.
Functionality:
- Can you program specific times for the light to change?
- Are there additional features like alarms, or sounds? White noise can help prevent your toddler from being disturbed by household noises and provide comfort.
- Some clocks come with additional features like temperature reading or nightlight function. While these aren’t essential, they can add comfort and help your little one settle. A nightlight can be soft and soothing for your toddler, too.
- Can you program the clock for other uses and not just bedtime and wake time such as nap time and quiet time?
- Does the clock have a child lock feature to prevent settings being changed?
Power Source:
- Does the clock run on batteries, or does it need to be plugged in?
- Is there a backup power option?
- Battery-operated clocks are more portable and will work during a power outage.
Durability & Safety:
- Very importantly, your clock should be sturdy and made from durable materials to withstand occasional knocks or drops.
- Safety is also key, so ensure that the materials are non-toxic, BPA-free, and that the clock doesn’t have small parts that pose a choking hazard.
Usability:
- Make sure the clock is easy for your child to use and for you to program.
- A user-friendly interface makes setting up and changing times less of a hassle. You must be able to adjust settings with ease.
- Is the interface intuitive?
- Are there clear instructions provided?
Child Interaction:
- Can children interact with the clock easily?
- Can children easily understand the clock’s functionality?
- Is it engaging enough to encourage them to stay in bed until it’s time to wake?
5 Fantastic Benefits Of Using An OK To Wake Clock For Toddlers
As well as the potential child-free mornings for you… there are several amazing benefits to using ok-to-wake clocks for toddlers:
- Encourages Better Sleep Patterns. An OK to Wake clock will help establish a consistent sleep routine. Easy-to-follow cues such as a glowing green light indicate when it’s time for your child to wake up, reinforcing the idea of staying in bed until a set time. By using colors and symbols, toddlers learn when to rise without the need to fully understand clock numbers.
- Supports Independence and Self-Sufficiency. These clocks empower your child to make decisions based on the illuminated display. They learn to get up without calling for you when the light turns green, promoting a sense of independence. This in turn fosters self-sufficiency as your little one begins to trust in their ability to know when it is time to get up.
- Reduces Early Morning Wake-Up Calls. With the clear visual cue of a green light or sun picture, toddlers are less likely to wake you up at dawn. This results in more rest for you (success!) and teaches them patience as they wait for their ‘signal’ to start the day.
- Provides a Simple Introduction to Time Concepts. The color-based system introduces young children to the concept of time in an age-appropriate way. Over time, they associate the light change with time passing, laying the foundation for learning to tell time in the future.
- Creates a Fun Bedtime Routine. Many OK to Wake clocks come with entertaining features, like colorful animations or a nightlight. These features can make bedtime more appealing and create a positive association with going to sleep. A fun routine can reduce bedtime resistance, making evenings smoother for everyone involved.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Toddler OK To Wake Clock
OK to Wake clocks are fast becoming a popular parenting tool to help toddlers learn the concept of time. But they still come with many questions about their impact on sleep training and sleep patterns…
Here are the most common questions I hear about OK to Wake clocks that I have answered to clear up any queries you may have.
Q: Are there any OK to wake clocks that are controlled by an app?
A: Yes, there are several OK to Wake clocks on the market that can be controlled via a smartphone app. The only option in my list that has app connectivity is the Hatch Rest+. These apps often provide a convenient way to set wake-up times, adjust light colors, and sometimes even play music or sounds right from your phone. The downside is that app connectivity usually comes with a hefty price tag.
Q: Can an OK to wake clock help with sleep training?
A: YES! An OK to Wake clock can be a vital tool in sleep training for children. It gives visual cues that indicate when it’s time to get up, which helps establish a consistent sleep routine. Additionally, it makes the sleep routine more interactive and engaging for the child.
Q: How can you choose the right OK to wake clock for different ages?
A: Choosing the right OK to Wake clock depends on the child’s age and preferences. For toddlers, look for clocks with simple, bright-colored lights that indicate sleep and wake times. For older children, clocks with additional features like alarms or the ability to display time might be more suitable. It’s also essential to consider the features that might make the bedtime routine more enjoyable, like soothing music or a nightlight.
Q: Can using an OK to wake clock lead to healthier sleep patterns?
A: Using an OK to Wake clock can most definitely promote healthier sleep habits by providing structure and consistency. It can train children to understand and respect bedtime and waking times. Over time, this can help in developing a regular sleep schedule, which is crucial for overall health. Additionally, it reduces the likelihood of children waking parents up too early, allowing everyone in the household to get a proper rest. A well-rested family is a happy family!
Need More Parenting Help?
- Download our FREE Perfect Sleep Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use and proven formula designed for parents of 0-5 year olds to master the art of consistently undisturbed and restful sleep without the yelling, nagging or exhausting long-winded evenings.
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Laura Williams "This is a life saver! I'm so glad I downloaded your bedtime & nap cheat sheet. My little one actually asked me to put him to bed last night! Unbelievable! Thank you so much!"
Click Here For The FREE Cheat Sheet
