Raise your hand if you’ve ever been awakened at 4:30 in the morning by a youngster who was hanging over your bed like a ghost from the Victorian era, taking at least six months off your life. 🙋♀️ Although the sun may not yet be up, they undoubtedly are, and you are now as well.
Hello and welcome to part two of my sleep training series, mother! Now that babyhood and the comfort of a crib are behind you, it’s time to teach your toddler when it’s appropriate to leave the house and when it’s not. And an OK to wake clock is the best option because, at this age, the numbers on a clock are meaningless.
Even before they are old enough to recognize time, OK to wake clocks (also known as sleep training clocks or toddler alarm clocks) employ visual cues rather than numbers to tell children when it is Alright to wake up or go to bed. The top models also function as night lights and sound machines, establishing a relaxing evening ritual and kid-friendly sleeping environment. We can’t promise anything, but from our own personal experience, they also promote better sleep throughout the entire household.
Don’t expect a kiddo who’s currently waking with the birds to suddenly sleep until 9. (Though that would be rather blissful, wouldn’t it?) Instead, opt for a more realistic expectation and go from there. If they’re currently launching themselves into your bed at 6 am, set their clock for 6:30. Make it as easy as possible for them to be successful and then celebrate their wins. Eventually, they’ll fall into a wake up routine that’s as dependable as their bedtime.With a bit of practice, parents and experts alike agree that sleep training clocks are an effective tool to help kids develop healthy sleep habits.
As with so many situations, toddlers thrive on routine and clear expectations. Think about your typical preschool classroom. Everything from their daily schedule to where to line up is clearly defined with pictures and labels. An OK to wake clock makes time a visual concept with rules they can understand and follow. They’re also a big help during daylight saving time. After all, just because the clocks change, it doesn’t mean their tiny biological clock shifts with it.
While there is an ever-growing collection of OK to wake clocks out there, we’ve done the research to find the ones worth buying. From simple models that cover the basics to versatile app-enabled versions with all the bells and whistles, these are best OK to wake clocks based on our personal experience and rave reviews from friends and parents.