The 8 best OK to wake clocks that will keep your toddler from waking you with the birds

Helping your baby sleep better is like introducing any new skill. It takes time, consistency, and flexibility. In this class, Rachel outlines the key developmental changes you can expect and how to work with these changes for better sleep

You could call it an all-in-one sleep training tool but we prefer to just call it magic. From the quality and design to the impressive list of features, the Hatch Rest+ 2nd Generation is our all-around top pick for a whole host of reasons. For one thing, the portable design checks the box of a clock, sound machine and nightlight, which keeps nightstand and dresser clutter to a minimum. But more importantly, it performs all those tasks like a champ. Pair it with the Hatch app to program sleep and wake times with sounds and colors, accompany their slumber with a wide selection of white and pink noise options and take it from room to room without having to juggle cords.

The range of volume and brightness along with the quality of sound is *chef’s kiss* and since it operates via wifi, you can adjust everything without ever even stepping foot in their room. For naps  And though it doesn’t require a subscription to get all the great benefits, you can opt into a Hatch Sleep Membership ($49.99/year or $4.99/month)to get access to a library of expert developed content to help create healthy sleep habits. There are calming meditation routines, peaceful dreamscapes and stories crafted for winding down.

If a pre-bedtime dance party or audio book is part of your kid’s routine, check out the simple but sophisticated Remi. The no-frills design acts as an ok to wake clock which can be customized to different schedules throughout the week via the app, a two-way audio monitor that works even when you’re away from home, a sound machine, and a nightlight. But unlike the others on our list, this one can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker. Stream their current playlist from your phone or add their favorite stories and lullabies to the internal storage.

In addition to alarm setting, the app can also be used to help track sleep patterns and provide advice on how to improve it. With such a wide range of capabilities, it’s a great option for toddlers all the way up to middle school.

Created by actual parents, the LittleHippo Mella clock is as adorable as it is functional. The cute but not cluttered design is perfect for kiddos who don’t yet grasp the concept of time, waking you up at the most ungodly of hours. (Just because the birds are up, it doesn’t mean you want to be!) Based on the times you set, the face glows red, yellow and green to know whether it’s time for sleep, quiet play or time to wake up. The display also features a face that changes from sleepy to awake as the time progresses and a digital clock, ensuring it will last well beyond the toddler years. Throughout the night, it can act as a nightlight (with six colors to choose from) and sound machine with three calming sleep sounds. When it’s time to wake up, three kid-friendly sounds can start the day.

Brilliant in its simplicity, the Ooly has no clock display, no white noise, no cord (except for charging), no microphone, no buttons, no camera–and that’s exactly why we love it. All you do is pair it with the app to customize your schedules and corresponding colors. It’s perfectly sized to be used as a lovey, nested in bed with them or perched on their nightstand. (It also makes a great portable nightlight if they have to use the bathroom!)  And since it’s controlled remotely, there’s no way for clever little fingers to change the settings.

Another option for little ones who are still learning the concept of time, the Tommee Tippee Groclock uses pictures and colors to let them know when it’s time to get up or stay in bed. Instead of just switching from blue to orange to indicate that it’s OK to wake, the stars begin to fade one by one. Once they’re gone, the owl’s eyes open and only the hearts remain! The Groclock allows parents to set two different wake up times for naps or weekends and accompany with sound or not. There’s also an optional digital clock display for when they’re old enough to tell time. And don’t worry about it being too bright! The screen is totally adjustable and can even be turned off completely.

Analog(ish) parents rejoice! If you want to teach your child to read the hands of a clock while they also learn when it’s acceptable to demand breakfast, PlayMonster checks all the boxes. Similar to other OK to wake clocks, it uses color to help them know when it’s OK to get out of bed (yellow when it’s not, green when it is) with an optional sound alarm when it’s time to wake up. But what makes it special is the educational aspect. Along with the digital time, it also shows a clock face that lets them practice reading the analog way. There’s even a time teaching game with five adjustable skill levels to test their knowledge. The only drawbacks are that you can’t set different times for weekends and weekdays as well as the fact the backlit display can’t be turned off. If your child prefers total darkness, this may not be the best option!

We love the multi-layered features of the Windflyer OK to Wake Clock which help kids of all ages learn when it’s OK to get out of bed. Along with a ring that changes from red to green, this cute little clock trains kids with its facial expressions. Throughout the night, the dimmable ring can serve as a night light that can be programmed to glow five different colors and optional sleep sounds can play for short periods or continuously. Fighting a nap time battle as well? No problem. When it’s time for them to go down or just have some quiet time in their room, you can manually activate a 15/30/60/90/180 minute timer that shows a sleepy face right away. Wake up sounds are optional and easy to program–well, for you anyway. A child lock on the bottom panel keeps curious kiddos from going totally ham on the buttons and throwing everything into chaos. (Sound familiar?) Reviewers also note that they like the option to turn off the “play” mode that comes between sleep and wake times. Sometimes, it’s simply time to get up!

Paired with a compatible Alexa-enabled device or the Alexa app, the Echo Glow is a no-frills way to communicate all kinds of cues that even the youngest kiddos can grasp. Set one color for bedtime, another for wake ups, or even use it as a timer for toy clean up. You can also adjust the brightness, making it a great nightlight as well. Because there’s no display, it won’t help them understand time, but with its rainbow of colors and dynamic modes like campfire and color flow, it’s worth it for the ambiance alone!