Whether your child wakes up at 4 a.m. and can’t wait to go, has trouble waking up at night, or has a time or time zone change because of daylight saving time, OK-to-wake alarm clock can save you. Find out how these handy toddler alarm clocks can help you train your child to sleep.
What Is a Wake-Up Clock?
Unlike traditional alarm clocks designed to wake up children, the “can wake up” clock is a genius tool that gently teaches young children not only when it’s time to sleep, but also when it’s time to start the day. (Spoiler alert: it’s not 5 a.m. yet!) What’s the best part? Toddlers and preschoolers can “read” their wake-up clock and then decipher the time on the standard clock. This is because “can wake up” clocks use color and sound (or both) instead of numbers to indicate bedtime and when you can wake up in the morning. Sometimes, a clock that can wake up is called a sleep training clock, a toddler alarm clock, or morning light.
Can a Wake-Up Clock Help My Child with Sleep Training?
Yes. Please note that toddler sleep training is a bit different from baby sleep training for babies! Babies often wake up in the middle of the night because they need help to self-soothe or because they are hungry. But toddlers are walking, talking, energetic, inquisitive little bugs who are eager to explore – often at any time. Sleep training for young children is done to help them understand what to expect from them at bedtime and morning time… This is where the “can get up” clock can help. In fact, using an “OK-to-wake” clock is one of the gentlest ways to train toddlers to sleep! Young children rely on routines and boundaries to feel safe and secure, so using a “can wake up” clock directly meets this innate need. Also, the sleep training clock is the most reliable indicator of bedtime and wake-up time, especially when the seasons of sunrise and sunset change. Of course, when combined with a predictable and calm bedtime, a “can wake up” sleep training clock works best.
When Should I Start Using a Sleep Training Clock?
Most children are ready to start using a “can to get up” clock between the ages of 2 and 3, and the best time to do so is when your child is old enough to nap in their room. After all, curious kids are known to jump out of their new big kid’s bed very early… And that’s exactly what a “wake-up” clock can help prevent!
How Do I Use a Wake-Up Clock?
All toddler sleep training clocks are slightly different, but the gist is the same: you program the “can wake up” clock so that sounds, lights, or pictures (or a combination of these signals) appear at a specified time to indicate that your child is ready to go hay… And when to start your day.
Play your child’s favorite lullaby and dim the lights and get regular 30 minutes of relaxation before bed.
A green glow at 6:30 a.m. indicates to your child that it’s okay to wake up, or…
Turn on the yellow light at 6 a.m. to indicate that your child can play quietly in bed when the yellow light is on, and then, when it turns green after 30 minutes, it’s time to leave the room.
Do Ok-to-Wake Clocks Really Work?
Yes! Toddler alarm clocks provide your child with easy-to-learn visual cues Xi help them understand the rules of the night and wake up time. In addition, toddlers and preschoolers thrive on predictable and comfortable bedtimes, including those that include a “can get up” clock. When children know what to expect next, they feel safe and secure. Finally, a wake-up clock can help your child understand what is expected of them, boosting their confidence and sense of independence.
Normal Wake-Up Clock Prompt
To make sleep training a success for yourself and your child, follow these wake tips and tricks:
Make it exciting! A clock that can be woken up is not a punishment! It’s a fun gift that your child is lucky enough to have. To help understand this, try wrapping your clock as a gift and unboxing it with an oh oh and oh oh. Let your child help choose where SNOObie will live and tell you which colors and sounds to use.
Know your colors. With some clocks that can wake up, you can choose your bedtime and wake-up color. While it’s helpful (and fun!) to have your child name the colors that work for them!), but it can be very helpful to use easy-to-remember word color combinations, such as “red means bed” and “green means walk.” (PS: Warm colors like red and orange are great at night because they are thought to boost the production of melatonin, a hormone that causes drowsiness.)
Start small. If your child wakes up early for a long time, getting ready for the day at peak times like 4:45 a.m., you can’t just jump to wake up at 6 a.m. Instead, set their wake-up time to be about 15 minutes later than they currently wake up naturally. Once you’re successful, wait a week, then add another 15 minutes, and so on.
Be consistent. Whether it’s a weekend, a holiday, or any day that requires you to wake up earlier than usual, it’s important to stick to the “green means go” routine and adjust your “OK”– wake up the clock accordingly.
Gossip! When your child is in bed for the right amount of time, with your partner, your mom, your child’s stuffed animal… Anyone talking about it! Children are more likely to believe what they overhear than what they tell them directly. And if your child overhears you say something positive to them, encourage them to emulate that behavior. When your child is within hearing range, cover your mouth with your hand and whisper loudly to the dog,”Wow, Sam was doing well in bed this morning.” I was so impressed! And repeat your praise to others so that your child hears it.