“My toddler/preschooler wakes up so early and won't stay in bed”.
I have heard from many parents, while there are my reasons. I will often ask if they have a toddler clock?
Morning confusion is common for most Toddlers and Preschoolers and very common here in Calgary with dark or bright mornings depending on the season. You will find, 5 am, and 7 am look the same.
There are many different toddler alarm clocks on the market and in my opinion, are worth the investment. Most work on the same basic principle - A light will indicate to your child when it's time to wake up. Some have moons and stars; some have aps; some also can be used for nap time or even bedtime. Look around and find the best option for your family. Both my girls used Okay to Wake Clocks with much success.
A baby of 18 months will likely not understand how a toddler clock works but a 2 years old will be able to understand and start to follow the basic principles. I encourage keeping kids in a crib until three years. If you are using a crib - you have to be ready to go and get your child when the light turns on.
Step #1 - Clocks Introduction
Regardless of why you are introducing a toddler clock don’t introduce the clock as a punishment. It should be fun and exciting for your child. Try “You are old enough for a clock” or “you get a big kid bed and a clock” Make it fun and use this momentum to lead you into step 2.
Step #2 - Play and Learn
Make a game and practice.... use small amounts of positive reinforcement to help them understand how this game works. Example - set the clock
Step #3 - Set the Rules
If you didn't get a chance to attend my Toddler Sleep Meeting training (I will be offering another one before Christmas Stay Tuned)
Begin by sitting down with your family to come up with family sleep rules. Talk about how you feel after a good night's sleep, how you act, the fun stuff we get to do... talk about how we stay in bed till the light comes on. Mom or Dad will come and get you. Other rules you can go to the toilet, but you need to go back to bed.
These might include -
When the light goes on you can leave your room Or Wait for your Dad to come get you
If you wake up and light isn’t on yet you have to wait QUIETLY IN YOUR BED
Step #4 - Start
It’s time to start… Remember this is one tool and it might take a week or two for them to fully understand how the clock works.
Your role will be to reinforce the rules consistently... not more snuggles for waking early and coming into your bed. Save those for after the wake-up time. If your child comes out early without extra cuddles or kisses, walk them back to their room and remind them they need to wait till the clock turns to wake up time.
If you are dealing with an early wake-up, start with 15-minute intervals every three days. (for most kids a pattern of 3 days is enough for it to become the norm.)
If wake up is at 5:20 am set the new Toddler Clock for 5:35 am and increase 15 minutes every three days until you reach the desired wake time. Warning - most kids will biologically wake sometime between 6 and 7 am. So trying to stretch your kid till 9 am is unrealistic *but would be glorious.
If your child is in a crib, you will have to go in and get them promptly. Making your child wait will not help them learn.
Step #5 - Repeat
The toddler clock will not work miracles but will work with lots of practice and reinforcement for most children. Add in a reward chart for older children for following the rules. We have been using the Okay to Wake Clock for the last two years - it's worth it.
Feel free to reach out for additional help, I offer FREE 15 minute get to know me calls. Book one today!
I’d love to help with your toddler or preschoolers sleep better.
Happy Sleep
Alison