How to Use a Toddler Clock

Summary 

Bedtime struggles and early morning toddler wake-ups can be frustrating. A toddler clock can support healthy toddler sleep routines (and more sleep for the whole family) by signaling to your child when it’s time to go to bed and when it’s morning. 

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If you have a toddler, you already know that time is a tricky concept. “Morning” can feel very flexible to a two-year-old, especially when the sun is barely up and everyone else is still asleep. Early wake-ups, loud mornings, and bedtime resistance aren’t signs that you’re doing anything wrong. They’re signs that your child is still learning how routines work.

That’s where a toddler clock can help. Instead of relying on reminders or negotiations, a clock gives your child a clear, visual cue they can understand. When expectations feel predictable and consistent, bedtime and mornings can start to feel calmer for both of you. Read on to learn how to use a toddler clock in your home, and how Hatch Baby can help support healthy toddler sleep routines. 

Table of contents

1. When a Toddler Clock Can Help (and When to Start)
2. How to Use a Toddler Clock Successfully
3. Key Takeaways
4. FAQs
5. References 

When a Toddler Clock Can Help (and When to Start)

Around 18 months old, many toddlers begin to understand simple cause-and-effect cues — like when a light turns on or off, it signals a change in routine. That makes this a natural age to introduce a toddler clock, especially if your child is waking up very early, coming out of their room loudly in the morning, or starting to resist bedtime. 

A toddler wake-up clock works best as a visual cue, not a rule or punishment. It helps externalize time in a way toddlers can understand, giving them a clear signal for when it’s time to sleep and when it’s okay to start the day. If mornings feel chaotic or bedtime has become a power struggle, a clock can provide structure and predictability (two things toddlers crave!), even if it takes time and practice for the routine to stick.

How to Use a Toddler Clock Successfully  

Every family is different, and how you use your toddler clock is up to you. A few simple principles can increase the likelihood of success (read: fewer morning wake-ups and better sleep for the whole family). 

Introduce the Toddler Clock

First, introduce the concept of the toddler clock to your child (especially if you haven’t used one before). Show your child the clock the day you start to use it and tell them: “Red is time for bed! When the red light shines, that means it’s time to get into bed, say goodnight, and go to sleep.” You can also keep the red light on during the entire sleeping period (all night and for naps, if needed) at 1-5% brightness. 

Choose Wake-Up Colors and Parameters

Next, ask your child what colors they’d like to signal wake-up time. If they are younger, offer two options, such as purple or blue. Whichever color they decide, tell them “When the light turns blue that means it’s morning, and you can get out of bed.” 

If your child is in an open bed (three years and up), you can tell them, “When the light

turns blue, that means it’s time to get up.” Whether you’d like to come get them or have them get up on their own is up to you.

Rehearse the Routine

Before you use the light for the first time, show your child what it looks like. It can also help to practice. Take a few minutes and have your child lie in bed while the clock is red. Then, switch the light to the wake-up color and say “It’s morning! Time to wake up.”

Ease Into It

It may take time for your child to stop getting out of bed too early. If your child normally wakes at 5, set the clock for a bit later (such as 5:30 or 5:45). When they stay in bed for one or two mornings, offer a reward, such as a sticker, to build their confidence. After they’ve successfully stayed in bed until the later time, push it to 6, 6:15, and then 6:30 until they sleep for 11-12 hours total. 

Add More Colors for Older Kids

For older kids (typically, 3-4-year-olds) who have been sleeping well for a while, adding more colors to the mix can support other transitions. For example, you could use these colors to signal the following activities: 

• Green: Start getting ready for bed
• Yellow: Last call for potty, water, or anything else your child needs before bed 
• Red: Time to get in bed 
• Blue: Time to wake up 

Remember: Kids thrive on predictability. Adding Hatch Baby to your toddler’s sleep routine can help turn abstract ideas like “bedtime” and “morning” into clear, visual cues your child can understand. Over time, this shared routine helps reduce power struggles and gives your toddler confidence in what comes next — supporting calmer nights and smoother mornings for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Around 18 months old, many children can understand the meaning of visual cues, such as red light representing bedtime. 
• A toddler clock is a great way to support healthy toddler sleep routines, reducing bedtime struggles and morning wake-ups.
• Hatch Baby’s rainbow of light colors, paired with soothing audio and expert sleep support, makes it easy to create habits that stick.

Learn how Hatch Baby can help support healthy sleep and better habits for the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my toddler wakes up before the morning light turns on?

It’s normal for toddlers to wake early, especially at first. Gently remind them what the light means and keep expectations consistent. Over time, most children learn to wait quietly or play calmly until the morning cue appears.

Should I use a toddler clock for naps, too?

You can if you want to! Many families find it helpful to start with nighttime sleep only, then add nap cues later if needed. Keeping things simple at first often leads to better success.

How long does it take for a toddler clock to start working?

Every child is different, but most families see progress within a few weeks when the clock is used consistently. The key is gradual changes and clear expectations rather than expecting overnight results.

References

1. Mindell, J. A., Telofski, L. S., Wiegand, B., & Kurtz, E. S. (2009). A nightly bedtime routine: Impact on sleep in young children and maternal mood. Sleep, 32(5), 599–606. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/32.5.599
2. Mindell, J. A., Li, A. M., Sadeh, A., Kwon, R., & Goh, D. Y. T. (2015). Bedtime routines for young children: A dose-dependent association with sleep outcomes. Sleep, 38(5), 717–722. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.4662