Sleep Training Clocks - The Best to Buy
"Sleep Training" clocks are something I am often asked about. Many parents look for these as a way to solve early rising, but also as a cue for sleep and they can be effective when they are used right.
I like to call them "wake and sleep clocks" so that we can give our little one's clear cues on when it is time to sleep, and when it is ready to get up for the day. These work best after around 19 months of age, where they can start to understand the concept of this.
Here is the first thing I will tell you - and honestly it makes a huge difference. Avoid lights where the sleep light is blue. Blue and white lights hinder our melatonin production (the sleepy hormone), and although they may fall asleep with them, it alters the production of melatonin throughout the night and can prevent them for staying in a deep sleep - as well as actually reinforcing the early rises!
Yet many popular brands use blue lights. I truly would look for an alternative - I can't tell you how many family's who have taken this advice and said sleep was better once they got rid of any blue lights in the room!
So which are ones work well?
You ideally want to look for the following characteristics.
Amber/Red lights - either as a whole setting, or an optional colour change where you can make this happen. They are sleep inducive and don't impact their melatonin production.
The ability to change the time easily - trust me you'll thank me come the seasonal clock changes!
Bluetooth activated ones can also work well for adjusting settings easily.
Colour changing activity - ideally you want the options to either set the colour to red/amber for sleep - and green or white for when it is wake time. By choosing a red and green combination - it also relates with them more in their learning of "red means stop, and green means go"!
Here are some more tips to make it work well for your toddler.
Your toddler may not be completely invested in this to begin with, so talk about it a lot in the day!
This sounds counter intuitive, but set the alarm for their usual wake up time to begin with! If they wake at 5am, set it for 5am. They'll feel the instant reward it in for a few days and more invested in it. Then you can slowly extend the timing to 5.30am...6am and so on.
By keeping their quiet time to nearer your ideal wake time, you're also giving them a chance to reset their body clock, and to conserve energy which will make your nap time more predictable by starting the day at the same time.
You can also add in other tools such as visual routine charts to help their understanding around the light and it being time to wake when it changes.
There are may options out there, so which ones are the best to buy?
DreamEgg Sleep Trainer Clock
This one has all the best functionality. From light changes to help your toddler understand when it's morning time, to nap timers and a 34 white and pink noise sounds. You can also easily control this through your phone app too, making it handy when you want to adjust timings. This one always gets fantastic reviews, and comes top of my list.
You can buy the DreamEgg Trainer here.
2. Annngul Sun & Moon Clock
I love this one because it is a really clear visual for your toddler, with the important red light options. Easy to use, a variety of sounds that you can use for soothing them too. You can buy this on Amazon here.
3. The ICode Sleep and Wake Clock
I love the timer on this, and the clear vision it gives for toddlers when really working on that clear distinction of night and day. With the option of red for sleep, and green for wake! Easy settings and visual images to make this really clear for your little one. This one doesn't double up as a sound machine, but toddlers love the design of this and helps them feel more invested in it too!
You can grab the ICode here!
Homidy Alarm Clock
This one has great functionality, and also connects to your app for ease. It comes complete with soothing sounds, rechargeable and portable! You can easily change the time, and the brightness. It comes highly recommended!
You can buy the Homidy Alarm Clock Here.
Toddler sleep can truly be hard to navigate. It is very different from baby sleep, but using tools such as a visual clock, or visual charts can really help them. Also, have conversations with your toddler about the changes during the day too. Whatever you are implementing, do remember that consistency is also key. This helps in their secure attachment too, as well as calmer bedtimes and settles.
Now of course, early rising can be caused by many things. Such as sleep pressure, overtiredness, sleep associations or their settle rhythm. If you're feeling stuck and this is your last attempt at fixing this, or you know something else needs to change then please do reach out and we'll get you that sleep you all need!
I also recommend you to join my Toddler Sleep Solutions Program - the perfect course to guide you through toddler sleep challenges and create a step-by-step success plan that aligns with you and your child. With instant access, you can start getting better sleep TONIGHT.
And if you need fuller support in your child's sleep, please do feel free to reach out or book a call with me anytime.
Jade Zammit Sleep Coaching
