Is your toddler waking up early, getting out of bed and waking you up as well? This sounds like it might be time for a toddler alarm clock, however, in order to find success, they have to be developmentally ready.
On average, toddlers can effectively start using an alarm clock around 2 years old. Toddlers are learning (and testing) limits and boundaries. With clear structure and easy to follow rules, kids will know how to behave and anticipate how parents will respond to situations. A toddler alarm clock will be associated with guidelines which will help your toddler grasp the concept.
In this post, we’ll cover what a toddler alarm clock is, when and how to introduce it as well as the best alarm clocks.
What is a toddler alarm clock?
Toddlers have a very unique way of interpreting things. Let’s take time, for example. It may not be the easiest thing to understand when a parent tells their child, “Stay in bed until 6:30am.” This is where toddler alarm clocks come in handy. Alarm clocks don’t actually wake up toddlers, they’ve already mastered the whole waking up thing. Rather, toddler alarm clocks are there to serve as ‘okay to get up and out bed’ clocks.
By using different colors and sounds, toddler clocks help children understand the concept of when bedtime is, when to stay in bed in the morning and when they can come out of the room. Structure and routine help kids learn how to control their behavior. How does structure and routine help a child? It allows them to predict consequences. They’re smart cookies! Kids plan accordingly to achieve the positive consequences.
Other times a toddler alarm clock can be useful is with hardcore bedtime stalling, during the middle of the night wakeups as well as quiet time.
What age do you introduce an alarm clock?
2 years old is when toddlers start to understand rules so it’s a great time to implement a toddler alarm clock. Something happens with your kiddo and there’s a sudden change in an otherwise great sleeper. Not only do they start getting up early, but they also start waking you up too! It’s okay though, your little one is just trying to figure out their boundaries. Luckily, with consistency and a toddler alarm clock, you’ll get right back on track.
How do you utilize a toddler alarm clock?
1. Involve your toddler
Toddlers often crave control. They live in a world dictated by adults, so when they get an opportunity to make a decision for themselves, they thrive. There are some simple decisions toddlers can make on a daily basis like what pajamas they want to wear or which books to ready before bed.
Deciding to use a toddler clock is no exception. A great opportunity for your toddler to get involved starts with them choosing a toddler clock. Give them options whether you’re at a store or just looking online and allow them to choose their favorite. You don’t even have to show them every single one. In fact, I would narrow it down to as little as even just two!
2. Role Play
Here is where practice makes perfect. I like to think of introducing a toddler alarm clock as the 80/20 rule. It’s 80% preparation, 20% execution.
Once you (or your toddler) have chosen an alarm clock, set it up in their bedroom. Turn the clock green showing them you are awake. You can read books or play in the room, etc. Always a good idea to set a timer for a few minutes here. Then, turn the clock red. Physically climb into bed, pull up the covers, lay your head on the pillow and close your eyes. You are showing them what you expect.
If they are still in a crib, you can still have a pillow and blanket outside the crib, but just show them on the ground. Then, change the color back to green, sit up and continue with the activities you were previously doing/playing. Turn the clock back to red and climb back into bed.
You can also implement a yellow light if they are allowed to get out of bed but have to stay in their room. Red light = in bed, yellow light = in room, green light= out of room. Whatever works best for you and your toddler.
I’m not talking about practicing this just for one night and implementing the clock the same night. Practice for a few nights. Not only can you use this for bedtime, but you can use it for naps as well. If you have a few days, clear of your schedule, I would try and practice both naps and nighttime and designate that you’ll start using it on Friday (or whatever day you plan). Just make the countdown/day clear on when you are going to start implementing.
3. Positive Reinforcement
Toddlers love positive reinforcement. You can use praise, stickers or even extra playtime as positive reinforcement. It may take a few days for your child to grasp the concept, so even the tiniest win will go a long way.
4. Consistency
Consistency is extraordinarily important for toddlers. It helps them build their self-confidence to know what to do in certain situations. It also provides predictability and stability in their life. When you are consistent with the toddler clock, your child is going to grasp the concept much quicker when you stay focused.
Will it be challenging? It might be but allow yourself to dedicate your time and energy on utilizing the toddler alarm clock. You might find yourself surprised at the rate of their improvement. Keep giving good feedback to your toddler and stay consistent. As a team, you can do it!
Let’s run through a quick case scenario. If your child is consistently waking up at 5:15am every morning, coming into your bedroom and waking you up as well, now is the time to use an alarm clock. Start by setting the clock to turn green at 5:30am for 3 days. No, you will not be signing your life away to begin at 5:30, stay with me. After those 3 days, push it back an additional 15 minutes. Allow about 3 days before shifting the time again.
The small shifts will reap the biggest benefit. Imagine waking up at 5:15am every morning and now you have to wake up at 6:15am. It’s just too big of a jump and the whole concept of a toddler alarm clock could crumble in your fingertips. We need to set our toddler up for success which means baby steps.
What are the best alarm clocks for toddlers?
- Hatch Rest+ Baby Sound Machine
2. LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise Children’s Trainer, Alarm Clock
3. Mirari OK to Wake! Alarm clock
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If you find you’re needing extra help or the clock concept is not working, I would love to help. Please feel free to email me at clementineparent2020@gmail.com or set up a 15-minute discovery call. We can get your nights back as well as your mornings.
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