Updated – we are sharing the best toddler alarm clocks 2023 edition!
We have 4 kids and I am happy to report, somehow we managed to survive the toddler years! When our third child became a toddler – we discovered the miracle of toddler alarm clocks.
Best Toddler Alarm Clocks 2023
I first shared about our love of alarm clocks for toddlers in 2012. Each year we hear from so many parents on how our review of kid clocks is helping their littles one stay in bed. We love hearing from you guys and are happy to update this for 2023!
For 2023, the Digital Mom list includes an awesome new toddler sleep aid from Pottery Barn that you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into the best toddler alarm clocks, sleep training clocks and sleep aids for tots.
Help Keep Kids in Bed with a Sleep Trainer Clock
Using a clock for toddlers made such a huge difference, why hadn’t I not known about these! As a working mom, I can’t stress enough the importance of good sleep and a great morning routine.
Self care is so important for us moms and these clocks can help.
Here are our picks for Best Toddler Alarm Clock in 2023. Keep reading to get the full run down on info about each specific kids alarm clock.
Have children older than toddlers? Check out Best Kid Alarm Clocks
Digital Mom Top Picks for Best Toddler Alarm Clocks 2023
This year, we have new alarm clocks for toddlers that we are excited to share. When we started this list in 2012 – the tot clocks were almost toyish. Now they are modern and feature technology that parents will appreciate.
So which is the best toddler alarm clock? Here are our picks for Best Toddler Alarm Clock in 2023. Since each parent has different needs, wants and budgets. Because of this, we have 5 categories to sort our top picks, but keep reading as we deep dive into more different toddler clocks, their features, reviews and more!
Best Toddler Sleep Training Light Up Alarm Clock
First on our list of alarm clocks for toddlers is the Little Hippo Mella Ready to Rise clock.
We have named this Digital Mom’s Best Toddler Light Up Alarm Clock again for 2023. With an affordable price point and features that parents appreciate – this tot clock is an all-around winner.
Mella Little Hippo Ready to Rise Alarm Clock
This adorable designed Mella Ready to Rise clock isn’t just your typical kids alarm clock, it can also be used features a sound machine, night light and nap timer (that can be used for time out!) We have named this sleep trainer clock our favorite sleep training light up clock for 2023.
Sleep Trainer Clock
Toddlers are all kinds of crazy. The good news, if they learn to get a little more sleep – that will give mom and dad more sleep as well! We all know a well rested toddler (and well rested parent) is the best!
On top of all of that, it is an Amazon choice for kids clock to stay in bed. If you are looking for a toddler stay in bed light lock, Mella may be your answer! With nearly 9600 reviews on Amazon, rated 4.5 stars – many agree with me! I guess I’m not the only one who thinks the Mella alarm clock for toddlers is awesome.
Here are some of the many features of the Ready to Rise Little Hippo mella clock:
Alarm Sounds – Choose from 3 child friendly alarm sounds.
Kids Night Light – Features a night light to help any kids that are afraid of the dark.
Sleep Sounds – Little Hippo Mella clock is also a sound machine featuring 3 sleep sounds to choose from: white noise, ocean and lullaby.
Color Clock – Using Red, Yellow and Green – the LittleHippo Mella clock teachs your child when to rise, rest and play.
Durable and Safe – LittleHippo created the device to be child safe.
Time Out Timer – You can use Mella as a time out timer.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Little Hippo offers a one year warranty and 100% satisfaction.
Debating between purchasing the Mella vs Hatch clock? Keep reading, we give a deep dive as what to look for when deciding whether to purchase the Mella clock or the Hatch alarm clock.
Best Sleep Training Clock – Overall Value
We have named the popular Ok to Wake Clock Digital Mom’s Best Sleep Training Clock. This is the best toddler alarm with best overall value.
Ok to Wake Clock & Night Light
The Mirari Ok to Wake Alarm Clock & Night Light is a light up alarm clock for toddlers.
Help Toddlers with Telling Time
The Mirari toddler clock features a color changing night light timer teaching children to stay in bed longer in the morning so parents get more sleep (at least that’s the plan!). Set this bedside alarm clock next to your child’s bed and let sleep training begin.
A few things else to note about the OK to Wake clock:
Affordable Toddler Clock – The Okay to Wake clock is definitely one of the more affordable clocks, typically less than $30. This is why we voted this toddler alarm clock as the best overall value.
Night Light for Toddlers – This clock features a color-changing night light that teaches children to stay in bed longer so families get better sleep!
Suggested Ages – 2-5 years old. If you are looking for a longer lasting clock, check out the Teach Time Clock below.
Sleep Training Clock for Toddlers – Your tot will know when it’s ok to way by the clock glowing green. Then your child can get out of bed.
Fun and Animated – OK to Wake clock features an alarm clock with snooze, convenient nap timer, interchangeable faceplates, and fun animations that give this personality!
Easy for Parents – This is clock is designed for easy use for parents to program.
Best Design – Miko Dream Toddler Alarm Clock
If you appreciate design, then you will adore the Miko Dream toddler alarm clock. With an animated face, this clock has a plethora of features.
Innovative design, quality built and awesome when helping in training little ones to wake up and know when to stay in bed.
Dual Alarm Setting – One feature that parents will love is the dual alarm clock settings. Having dual alarm settings will be appreciated if your toddler has a different weekend schedule than school day.
Fun Expressions – The clock face is like an emoji! If you wake up the clock, it will pop up pretty cute expressions, which creates a playful interaction and makes fun with kids.
Nightlight – Adjust the clock’s brightness to use this as a warm nightlight fo your toddler.
Pottery Barn Alarm Clock for Toddlers
One of our favorite sleep training clock for toddler in 2023 is the Pottery Barn Wake Up Clock. This was our pick for best 2022 toddler clock last year and still is a fave in 2023.
Pottery Barn, known for their stylish decor is hitting the kid space with a new alarm clock for toddlers. Similar to the Okay to Wake clock – the Pottery Barn Wake Up Clock is an alarm that not only looks cute and perfect for a stylish toddler bedroom – it is functional too!
Designed like a bunny, this wake up clock features a light-up face with various sleep options to help them not only wake up but to nod off to sleep as well. In addition to showing the time – the rabbit’s clock face displays the temperature of the room as well.
Pottery Barn Wake Up Clock Features
A few things about the Pottery Barn Wake Up Clock features:
- The Pottery Barn toddler alarm clock includes 6 tones, temperature indicator, vibration mode, audio mode, voice control sensor, mode toggle button, function button, alarm display, charging port and reset button.
- This features a nightlight touch switch is located on bunny ears and nightlight can run from 1 to 60 minutes.
- The Wake Up Clock glows softly in the dark and runs on 12 hour system.
- You can adjust the brightness display by pressing the bunny ear featured on the clock.
- With a liquid crystal display and Bluetooth™ capabilities, in addition to being able to pair with the IntelliClock app – this is clock is tech-enabled.
- Plugs in with USB cable and includes a built-in Lithium battery.
- Limited 1-year vendor warranty.
We LOVE Pottery Barn and the Wake Up clock is a perfect option for the parent who wants a nice looking alarm clock for their child but wants the functionality of a smart alarm clock for toddlers. This options marries both tech and style into one. Bonus, at around $50 the Pottery Barn alarm clock does not break the bank (like the Pottery Barn couch I want!)
Little Teddi Trainer Clock
The Teddi Trainer clock wants to help you create healthy sleep habits for toddlers. When it it is time to wake – the Teddi toddler clock shows an awake face.
This new design is already popular among parents with over 1k reviews and 5 star rating.
Time to Sleep – Time to Wake
Same when it’s time to sleep – Teddi features a sleeping face. This create a clear directive to help teach your toddler and with creating sleep patterns.
Priced under $40, the Teddi trainer clock is a solid choice to consider.
Best Long-Term – Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition
We have named this Digital Mom’s Best Long-Term Alarm Clock for Toddlers.
For long term value – you can’t go wrong with the Amazon Echo Dot for kids!
Echo Dot for Kids
While not your typical kids alarm clock, this is a device that you can use for the years to come. The Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition not only make a great kids alarm clock, but also comes with the perks you know of the Echo Dot and more.
Not into tigers? The Amazon Echo Dot for kids also comes as a PANDA!
The Echo Dot kids edition works with any age child to adult, but Amazon made this with children in mind.
Kids Echo Dot Vs Amazon Echo Dot
The difference with the kids edition Echo Dot and the traditional Amazon Echo Dot is this comes with a 2-year no questions asked warranty. If it breaks, they replace it. Yes, if your kid throws their echo dot and it falls and breaks, Amazon will replace it.
This keeps them in bed until the alarm goes off. Of all of the toddler alarm clocks that we have listed – if you want a clock that will last your child thru toddlerhood, the Amazon Echo Dot will be it!
Amazon Echo Glow
Connect the Echo Glow multicolor smart lamp to your Echo device, and you can ask Alexa to change the color, adjust brightness, and create helpful routines. You can also control it with a tap.
Great for Sleep Trainer Clock for Preschoolers
The Amazon Echo Glow is a great clock for preschoolers. The Echo Glow works like a toddler alarm clock, where you can program when the light comes on but gives you all the things you love about the Amazon Echo Dot.
Multiple Uses for Smart Home
We have multiple Echo Dots and an Echo in our home and use them daily. (Make sure you learn how to use the Echo intercom feature – you will tahnk me when the kids are older.) This is definitely a tech home device that we recommend. The variety of services that this little thing does is amazing – far beyond just a clock.
Toddler Clocks for Sleep Training
Not in love with any of our top picks for best toddler alarm clocks? No worries - we have rounded up a collection of additional toddler clocks to help you find the best option for you and your toddler.
These sleep training clocks are here to help you and your tot get a better nights sleep.
The Dream and Shine Cloud training clock from Skip Hop is just adorable. The functions are basic, but the functionality to help get your tot in and out of bed works!
A sweet song will wake up your tot.
If this cloud design isn't for you, Skip Hop also has clocks featuring a dog and owl!
This toddler alarm clock, Vobot Bunny Clock Sleep Trainer– also known as Vobot alarm takes a combination of a few alarms on our list. This cute bunny can be purchased in either blue or pink, depending on your child's preference.
We have named this Digital Mom's Favorite NEW Clock for Toddlers.
First, if you like the idea of Amazon Alexa access, this has it! The Vobot clock has a built in Amazon Alexa smart speaker. It has a 5 watt speaker that provides a rich sound.
Unlike several of the others, this clock can be controlled by an app! Connect to your Vobot bunny with your smartphone and manage your child's sleep training schedule, change settings, enable or disable parent controls and more.
EASY SLEEP TRAINER MODE - Vobot Bunny has settings to aid in sleep training your toddler. In OK to Wake, the red light and birds call means your little one can play around in bed; the yellow light and dawn sound mean your little one can play in he/her room; the green light means it's ok to leave the room. In Good Night, the blue light means your little one should be in bed and it's story time; the yellow light means it's time to sleep.
GROW WITH KIDS- Vobot Bunny clock sleep trainer with RGB soft night lights and suitable ambiance sounds, kids can choose the color they like and you can also upload music which your kids like. Integrated Alexa Skills capable of telling stories, playing songs, answer questions and your kid will never get bored.
Vobot Bunny features a 1-year warranty.
Here is a mom Vobot review: An amazing product. My kids started sleeping in their room the very first night and have every night since then, almost 2 months now.
The biggest complaint that we have found is the night light being too bright.
If I were to have another baby, the Hatch Baby Rest would be on my baby registry! This device is a great example of how products can grow with your kids - from baby to toddler. The Hatch Baby Rest sleep system is a package of products put into one, wrapped with cool technology. Let me explain.
With Hatch Baby Rest, you get a night light, sound machine and has a time-to-rise feature that works similar to the other sleeping training clocks for toddlers we are featuring. This product is packed with features, here are a few:
App Controlled Toddler Alarm Clock - that's right, you setup the Hatch Baby Rest with your smart phone.
Toddler Clock Schedule - Program your toddler schedule into the Hatch Baby Rest app to make the device light up so that your child knows when to do what.
Sound Machine - Help the sleep training toddler with a sound machine, again it's all in the app!
Kids Night Light - If you child sleeps better with a night light, this is one of the features of this product.
Time to Rise Indicator - In addition to the plethora of other features, there is a time to rise indicator that works similar to the other light alarm clocks.
Here is what one parent's Hatch Baby Rest review
The beauty of this product is the app and Bluetooth capability. I set the clock for 6am the first night and told my son that when the light turned green in the morning, he could get up for the day. For the record, my 18 month old can only say about 10 words... but he seems to comprehend a lot. The next morning, he woke at 5:30. I wasn’t about to let him cry for 30 long minutes, so I opened the app, changed the wake up time to 5:35, and then when the light turned on, went into his room and did a big dramatic wake up. I said, “look, your light is green, that means it’s time to wake up!”
I then turned on the lights, threw open the curtains... made a big deal of it. Over the next few days, I gradually set the clock back little by little, and he started sleeping a little later each day.
After a week, I was able to set the clock to 7:30 (my ideal wake up time for him). He woke the first few days a little earlier, and I would just tell him through the baby monitor talk function that his light wasn’t green, and I kid you not— he laid down and went back to sleep until the light came on.
Now if he wakes a few minutes early, he just plays in his crib and waits for the light. I can’t believe that this worked, but it did. And now I feel like I have to spread the word!I actually loved this so much, that I bought a 2nd one for my 3 year old. He loves it
The Big Red Rooster Sleep Training Alarm Clock teaches children to stay in bed longer so parents can sleep. The biggest problem I have with this is why they named this the Big Red Rooster when it's a DOG.
But I digress. It's got good Amazon reviews and is affordable (under $25!) The Big Red Rooster has the basic features a parent needs to help your child stay in bed and know when to get out.
Glowing Balls - The ball grows red or green to tell your child when to wake up.
Two Alarms - Features two alarms, perfect for a weekday alarm time and then a separate weekend alarm time.
Nap Timer - Let your child know when his or her nap is up by setting a nap timer.
Here is what one parent said about using the Big Red Rooster:
I cannot believe that I finally have my bed back!!! The first night we used it, my son walked into my room at his usual time. I reminded him that the light was still red. He went back to bed. I haven’t had a problem since, which is freaking incredible!!!
Next on our list of best toddler alarm clocks is the My Tot Clock.
The My Tot clock is another favorite amongst parents of small children. It features 10 different features, all designed to help your child get better sleep.
Light Up Clock - Blue and yellow lights teach your child when to sleep and when it's ok to wake. Also features a red light, for thinking.
Plays Music and White Noise - Plays bedtime stories, lullabies, fun wake music, and even white noise! All sound features are configurable to create a routine that is just right for your family.
Analog and Digital Clock Displays - Features both analog and digital displays.
Changeable Faceplates - The standard clock features the moons and stars faceplate. You can purchase additional face plates to customize the clock to your child's room decor.
The new Skip Hop Dream and Shine Sleep Trainer Clock carries the Skip Hop brand and reputation. It shows! This clock now has over 1,500 reviews, averaging 4 stars.
In addition to a fun design, Skip Hop Cloud clock lights up with easy-to-follow color cues for toddlers:
Red Light = Time For Bed
Yellow Light = Almost Time To Get Up
Green Light = Okay To Get Up
It also features two calming sounds, white noise and gentle rain, as well as a lullaby.
When waking up, toddlers are awoken with a sweet song and lights.
Here is one mom's review of this clock:
Listen to me.....my son has been an awful sleeper since the time he was born. AWFUL i tell you, absolutely AWFUL. He’s two years old now and up until i got this night light he was still a terrible sleeper. I was at my wits end.
My last nerve. The end of my rope. The edge of the bridge when this came along. I can’t believe I can finally get a full nights sleep.
How cool are these Boon Glo Nightlight Balls? Not an alarm clock, but this will help you in your sleep training your toddlers!
You can take the glow balls with you – no more dark trips to the bathroom for a potty break.
They are portable night lights! Your toddler will love this clock as it also doubles as a portable nightlight. The Boon Glo Balls glow lasts for 30 minutes and make the best kids nightlights.
Next on our list of toddler alarm clocks, we have the kids traffic lights alarm clock for sleep training toddlers. I've seen this called the red light green light alarm clock.
With the Stop Light Alarm Clock - toddlers know if it’s time to get up by looking at the stoplight. When the red light is on it is time to sleep – when the green light is on it is time to wake up. This color changing clock for toddlers is a parent favorite and makes an awesome choice of clocks for kids rooms.
This kids traffic lights clock has several features:
Stoplight Alarm Clock Feature - The traffic lights work in the manner that they do it real life. Red - STOP, time to sleep. Green - GO, okay to wake up now!
Digital Clock - Beeping alarm when the wake-up time hits
The adorable stop light alarm clock comes in several varieties, including a train alarm clock and owl clock too! Perfect clock for toddlers who are sleep training.
Toddler Sleep Training
Sleep training your toddler? We’ve asked moms for their toddler alarm clock reviews and recommendations to give you the best advice in regards to purchasing an alarm for you child.
These range from digital clocks that talk to night lights that have faces that tell your kid when it’s okay to wake and get out of bed.
Toddler Sleep Training Technology
Technology has now invaded the toddler space (and baby space!) The Hatch Baby, Amazon Echo and Urban Hello REMI smart alarm clock are good examples of how smart home devices are being designed to help your baby and toddler sleep aid.
Toddler Gear
If you are interested in tech and using it for parenting, these are great examples of products that do that.
Sleep Training Toddlers
One of the hardest parenting challenges was when I had to get the kids to child care and we had a strict morning routine. After finding a kid-friendly alarm clock, we were able to help teach the kids when to sleep and when to get up with the clocks.
Best Night’s Sleep
Alarm clock sleep worked amazing for us in helping create a productive and efficient morning routine. As a working mom, every minute was critical – this simple purchase and element to our mornings was a game changer.
These sleep clocks to help your kid with sleep training and making your toddler clock schedule work.
Favorite Toddler Clocks
Which of these toddler alarm clocks is your favorite? What tips for toddler sleep do you have for other parents? Leave your tip and favorite in the comments!
Lights and Sounds
Help teach your toddler how long to stay in bed when it is okay to get out of bed and some toddler alarm clocks even have a timeout time with lights, sounds and more.
These toddler alarm clocks serve multiple functions and are essential during these trying years. Find one that will be the perfect addition to your kid’s room.
Something to note. If you need a baby gift for a baby shower, or birthday gift for a toddler – give the gift of sanity, consider one of the above clocks for kids. The kids will love it and even more so, the well rested parents!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep & Kids Alarm Clocks for Toddlers
We hear you, and have answers to your most frequently asked questions about Toddler Alarm Clocks. Let’s get into these and answer some of your FAQs.
Do toddler alarm clocks work?
YES! Toddler alarms work great. We have successfully used with 2 out of 4 of our kids. Our first 2 children, we would have used but it was early internet days and we had no idea a toddler wake up clock existed!
Mella vs Hatch Restore – Which alarm is best?
A common question we hear is should I buy the Mella alarm clock or the Hatch alarm clock. Hopefully this will help your purchasing decision, let’s look at the price point and features of both alarm clocks to determine what clock is best.
The decision to buy a Mella vs Hatch clocks will vary depending on the needs of your households and the exact wants in regards to alarm clock features.
- Features: Mella clock is designed for toddlers and sleep training. Hatch clock can be used for sleep training but is designed for a wide range of ages (many adults use Hatch Restore!)
- Price: While Mella is just under $50, Hatch will set you back around $130.
- Appearance: Mella vs Hatch is no comparison if you are looking specifically for a toddler alarm clock. The Mella is designed with a friendly clock face with toddlers in mind.
- Technology: Mella is a simple alarm clock not requiring an app. Hatch Restore is app-enabled allowing many more tech features than Mella.
Our answer is what is your goal. If you have an older toddler, the Hatch Restore clock would be great long-term. If you are just starting your toddler sleep training journey, we suggest the Mella toddler alarm clock.
Where to buy toddler alarm clock?
We are Amazon people and buy everything but groceries on Amazon. So just use a link above to buy one of the clocks.
What is the best alarm clock app?
For adults, I would use the alarm clock app that comes with your phone. If you are looking for a toddler alarm clock app – check out the Hatch clocks listed above. You will want more than just an app to help keep your child in bed.
When should I start using a toddler alarm clock?
As you sleep train your toddler and transition him or her from the crib to a big boy bed (or big girl bed), it’s time to introduce the alarm clock. We are big believers in each child will have their own way of learning and with that, you have to adapt how you parent each kid.
How much sleep should a toddler get at night?
According to Sleep Foundation, here are the recommended daily hours of sleep needed for toddlers and preschoolers. Toddlers defined as ages 1-2 years old should sleep 11-14 hours a day (this includes naps.) For preschoolers, defined as 3-5 years old should sleep 10-13 hours a day.
Transitioning your toddler from a crib to a bed? Check out these toddler bed ideas.
Last updated: 2023: featuring the best-rated alarms for toddlers in 2023. This post was originally created in 2012. Each year we revise this post to include the most relevant and up-to-date products to help you in your search for the perfect kid’s clock.
Best Toddler Alarm Clocks is part of the Digital Mom Blog TODDLER TALK series
