Image: MomJunction Design Team
“Early to bed and early to rise” leads to a healthier sleeping pattern. As an adult, you might be used to waking up early in the morning using an alarm clock and want to instill the same habit in your children. This is when you can go for the best kids’ alarm clocks loaded with features such as sleep training, color-changing lights, and sleep-enhancing capabilities. These alarm clocks can help your children sleep better and teach them time management skills from an early age. Go through our list of expert-recommended and tried-and-tested alarm clocks and choose one.
Top Picks
17 Best Kids Alarm Clocks
1. Best Child-Safe:LittleHippo Mella Ready To Rise Children’s Alarm Clock
If you want your children to go to bed at a decent hour and sleep throughout the night, you should bring home Mella. Mella is the cutest children’s sleep trainer who keeps your child in bed longer. Its adorable patented design and innovative functionality made it an immediate hit with parents, and also a crowdfunding success. Mella’s cute face turns red to inform your child that it’s time to sleep, turns yellow 30 minutes before it’s time to wake up, and glows a minty green when it’s time to wake up. It also features six night light colors to keep your child calm and well-rested throughout the night. It is powered by a USB adapter and comes with a CR2032 battery for memory backup. With so many amazing features, it’s no wonder that this clock has thousands of excellent reviews on Amazon. Here’s a video detailing a reviewer’s experience with using the alarm clock.
Pros
- Three brightness settings
- Option to customize and set duration
- Three exciting alarm tones
- Five volume levels
- Child-lock functionality
- Made of child-safe ABS and silicone
- Countdown timer is audible and silent
- Night light is optional
Cons
- Manual adjustment may be troublesome
- White noise function may be loud
"Besides serving as an efficient alarm clock, it doubles as my son's sleep manager. The soothing color codes and lullabies have had sleep-inducing effects, improving his sleep quality. I wish the buttons were arranged in a more user-friendly way. Nevertheless, we are happy with its performance."
2. Best Multifunctional: Learn & Climb Kids Ok To Wake Up Clock
Improve your child’s sleeping habits with the two-in-one alarm clock and nightlight designed to aid the sleep training process so you won’t have to worry about waking up early or in the middle of the night. This tried-and-tested sleep training alarm clock has many useful features, such as color-changing lights, a snooze button, an interactive LED display, a nap time countdown, and a speaker with two sound levels, making it a multifunctional option. It is an easy-to-operate and effective training tool for toddlers and parents that helps children build a routine.
Pros
- Soothing night light
- Comes with a pre-installed battery power backup
- Includes a DC port and an adapter
- Has two sound levels
- Easy to use
- Adjustable brightness
Cons
- May be too bright
- Lights may not work in battery mode
"This clock's child-friendly design has impressed me. First, the big off button makes it easy for my son to switch it off without frustration. Second, the lock feature keeps the settings from getting altered when mishandled by my kid. All in all, I vouch for it for its practical design."
Quick fact3. Best With LED:Mesqool Digital Clock For Kids
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 20,224 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
The alarm clock with a digital display is a suitable pick for children and an excellent addition to the parents’ room. Its sleek design adds a classy touch to any bedroom, and it features a large display with both 12-hour and 24-hour time formats. For those of you who like colorful things and wish to switch it up, you can press the light button to switch between seven colors that include Cobalt Blue, Oyster White, Shocking Pink, and Emerald Green, among others. You can turn off the night light button altogether. This clock also comes with a brightness dimmer to adjust from 0% to 100% with a slider.
Pros
- Dual USB chargers
- AC power-operated
- Battery backup setting
- Seven-inch LED display
- Adjustable volume setting
- Nine-minute snooze button
Cons
- May be difficult to read the time
- Some may find the sound faint
"I'm glad that this clock comes with adjustable brightness. It helps my little one to check the time at night without hurting his eyes or ruining his sleep. Switching the time format was a bit confusing, but the other features are pretty decent."
LittleHippo Mella Ready To Rise Children’s Alarm Clock Best Child-Safe | Learn & Climb Kids Ok To Wake Up Clock Best Multifunctional | Mesqool Digital Clock For Kids Best With LED | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 13.7 ounces | - |
| Number of Items | 1 | - | - |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required | - | 2 AAA batteries required |
| Frame Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Material | Plastic | - | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Shape | Round | Round | Rectangular |
| Dimensions | 4.25"W x 4.5"H | 5"W x 5"H | 6.46"W x 3.39"H |
| Color | Arctic Blue | - | Black With Blue Digits |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 16,019 | 490 | 20,224 |
| Price | $49.99 | $29.99 | $21.99 |
4. Best Adorable: LexiBook Unicorn Digital Alarm Clock
If your child finds unicorns fascinating, they will love the adorable unicorn alarm clock with cute detailing. Featuring a soothing night light, a snooze button, and six unicorn sound effects, this tried-and-tested radio alarm clock is a suitable nighttime companion for your child. Its LED display with backlight offers clear visibility, and the fun sound effects help make waking up in the morning a fun process that children will look forward to. With its easy-to-use interface and intuitive design, the alarm clock can improve your child’s sleep routine and teach them how to tell the time.
Pros
- Battery operated
- Features a battery indicator
- Press-on snooze button
- Adjustable volume
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Light may be too bright for some
- Batteries may not last long
"My daughter loves that this alarm clock also doubles as a whimsical night lamp. Plus, the numerous sound effects have made waking up more pleasurable for her. I do need to help her set a new alarm, but its convenience makes it worthwhile."
Did you know?5. Best For Video Game Lovers: Paladone Playstation Controller Alarm Clock
The Paladone alarm clock could be a fun and stylish addition to your child’s room. The design is inspired by the PlayStation 4 DualShock controller and has a bright LED display, making it suitable for a gamer’s bedroom. In fact, its attractive and fun design makes it suitable for gaming enthusiasts of all ages.
Pros
- Officially licensed merchandise
- Finely crafted replica
- USB powered
- Adjustable settings
- Suitable for gifting
Cons
- May not have a snooze button
- Sound may be a bit dull
"This alarm clock was a birthday gift for my little gamer. It's pretty durable and looks like a replica of his PS5 controller. However, the LED backlights could have been brighter. Still, its innovative design motivates him to set alarms and manage his time well."
6. Best For Older Children:Clocky Alarm Clock On Wheels
Are you known for channeling all your anger towards your alarm clock’s snooze button every morning? If yes, this alarm clock will be the best alarm clock for you. If you ever try to whack it, it will literally run away from you. After waking you up with its loud tone, Clockie will hide, jump, wheel, and roll away if you try to shut it up. It is also the perfect alarm clock for older kids who can’t seem to wake up on time and are always late for their school bus, football practice, or piano classes.
Pros
- One-time snooze
- Jumps up to three feet
- Features sounds like Star Trek character R2-D2
- Lights up in the dark
- Battery operated
Cons
- May not move well on carpeted floors
- Does not have volume controls
"Waking up my little one isn't a hassle for me anymore. This alarm clock gets my child on his toes as soon as it rings. It doesn't move well on carpeted areas, but my son's room has hardwood floors, so it worked fine. I'm pretty delighted with this purchase!"
Point to consider7. Best Alarm Tones:TooTa Kids Alarm Clock With Changing Lights
All parents of young children will immediately tell you how they long for an extra hour of sleep in the morning. If you are looking for a gift for parents with young kids, this clock will do the trick and be a sweet addition to their child’s bedroom. This time-tested sleep training alarm clock features multi-colored lights that can be used as a mood light or a screen backlight.
Pros
- Seven colors of night light
- Eight ringing tones including nursery rhymes
- LED display screen
- Time, date, day, and temperature displays on the screen
- Battery-operated
Cons
- May not be easy to turn off
- May not stay lit throughout the night
"My toddler loves choosing from the various sounds and tunes to wake up to. The only letdown is that the snooze feature is not optional, but that's a minor issue compared to its other practical attributes. I'm glad that now she wakes up without a fuss."
8. Best Alexa-Enabled:Hatch Baby Rest+ Sound Machine Alarm Clock
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 6,294 positive reviews on Amazon.
A good night’s sleep can work wonders for your child’s brain development. That is why an alarm clock such as this one can be a great helping hand when it comes to putting your child to bed. This alarm clock for kids is a useful sound machine as you can choose sleep-inducing sounds, lullabies, and white noise from a comprehensive sound library. The night light is color-changeable to match your child’s favorite color, and this clock is also a two-way monitor. If you want a clock with fancy features, this one fits the bill. You can use the clock to talk to your child from your room through your cell phone with clear transmission.
Pros
- Timers for nap time, bedtime, and waking up
- Audio communications stay limited to your home
- LED display
- Adjustable brightness with Off function
- Automatic updates
- Alexa-enabled
- Wi-Fi enabled and communicates through it
Cons
- Controls may lag at times
- Clock may be too bright even at dimmest the setting
9. Best High-Quality Metal:Betus Non-Ticking Robot Alarm Clock
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 1,501 fine reviews on Amazon.
Every child should have a robotic friend, and this robot isn’t just cute, it’s functional and practical as well. With an analog clock for its body, this friendly robot operates silently without the tick-tocking noise. It is equipped with two knobs on the back, which helps you to set the time and an alarm time.
Pros
- Powered by two AAA carbon zinc batteries
- Made of high-quality metal
- Flashing eye lights
- Hand clips to hold paper notes
Cons
- Some may find the alarm volume low
- Arms may be loose
"The lack of ticking in this clock has helped my son concentrate better while studying. Also, its clips hold my son's to-do list, facilitating proper display. Thus, I approve of it for its child-friendly features."
10. Best Voice-Activated:Lielongren Cute-TV Night Light Alarm Clock
Designed like a miniature TV, this night light alarm clock is perhaps the best kids alarm clock for both home and travel. It works smoothly for 30 straight hours on the maximum level of brightness, and up to 500 hours on the lowest light level. To make the display come alive for eight seconds; all you have to do is clap your hands as this clock responds to voice commands. The coral shade adds an elegant charm to the clock making it an ideal piece for any room or the perfect gift for both children and adults.
Pros
- Dimmable night light with sleep timer
- Brightness can be adjusted from 10% to 100%
- Built-in 2000 mAh rechargeable battery
- Snooze button
- Alarm tone is loud enough
- Equipped with an indoor thermometer that measures temperatures between 23°F to 115°F.
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
11. Best Digital Display:Luye Children’s Sleep Trainer And Alarm Clock
Managing your daily schedule and your child’s can be tiresome, especially when you are not well-rested. A sleep training alarm clock for your child can help you fix this problem in a jiffy. This alarm clock with a digital display features long bunny ears that light up to protect your children from the darkness and help them sleep better. This cute alarm clock also features a countdown timer, a night light timer, and is magnetic. The night light will gradually light up ten minutes before the alarm time you have set. To activate the screen display, you can either touch or shake the clock, or clap your hands loudly, and it will automatically turn off after 15 seconds.
Pros
- Five-minute snooze can be activated by shaking the alarm clock
- 30 and 60-minute timed night light function
- Six built-in alarm tones
- Made of environmentally friendly silicone material
- Three alarms with snooze
- Five adjustable sound levels
- In-built thermometer
- USB-rechargeable
Cons
- May be challenging to set up
- Motion sensor may take a bit long to detect motion
"My daughter prefers to be woken up gently. So, this clock's innovative light gradation lets her know it's time to get up without it being too sudden. Understanding the clock's features without a manual was a bit time-consuming, but still, it serves us well."
12.Best Connectivity: Uplayteck Alarm Clock With Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re looking for a multifunctional alarm clock that also appeals to your chic aesthetic senses, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s a musical sleep clock that offers services like a wake-up clock, a dazzling display of soft hues, and a Bluetooth speaker. It is equipped with Bluetooth V5.0 technology, which allows a device to connect from up to ten meters. It emits crisp and clear treble sounds and a booming bass. With three calming tones that mimic nature’s sounds, your child can awaken feeling pleasant and rested. It is equipped with a 2000mAh USB rechargeable battery and plays music up to ten hours on a single charge, and 160 hours of standby time.
Pros
- Five color light modes
- Four brightness settings
- Easy to pair with smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Convertible illusion lights
- Disturbance-free is enabled by default
- Tap or knock to change color
Cons
- May not have a snooze button
- May be quite bright even at the dimmest setting
13. Best For Heavy Sleeper:Plumeet Twin Bells Analog Alarm Clock For Kids
Is your child a heavy sleeper, and waking him or her up is the hardest thing you have to do? If you are nodding your head, we suggest that you get your hands on this charming alarm clock that will have your child up and active every morning. Don’t be fooled by its dainty pink color and the cute cat face as its twin bell and mini-hammer can wake the entire neighborhood.
Features
- Super loud alarm
- Soft night light function
- No snooze button
- No ticking noise
- Easy to carry handle
14. Best Beeping Function:It’s About Time Stoplight Sleep Enhancing Alarm Clock
Why don’t you leave the job of waking your child up every morning to this lovable little miniature trainmaster? The trainmaster brings with him red, yellow, and green lights to make sleep training your child as easy as pie. The red light turns on when it’s time to sleep, the green light indicates that it’s time to wake up, and the yellow light can stay on throughout the night, making it a suitable clock for teens, children, and adults.
Pros
- Sleep enhancing alarm clock
- Digital clock
- Optional beeping alarm function
- Recommended by certified pediatricians
- Battery for power backup
Cons
- May be lighter than expected
- Lights may be quite bright for light sleepers
"My kid doesn't miss an alarm, thanks to its optional battery mode. The clock works despite power outages, making it a practical choice for me. As all the buttons look the same, it took him some time to get used to it. Still, we love it for its overall functionality and cute train design."
15.Best Innovative Design: I·Code Time To Wake Alarm Clock
The clock face of this one-of-a-kind sleep training clock is innovatively designed to teach your little ones the concept of morning and night using sun and moon animations. When you set the alarm for 5 am to 10 am, the screen displays a sun icon, teaching children that it’s time to wake up. Similarly, you can also set the sleep timer from 5 pm to 10 pm, and the screen displays a moon icon, reminding your children that it’s time for bed. The clock’s outer surface reveals a green color in the morning, and a red color when it’s bedtime.
Pros
- Eight customizable light colors
- 17 soothing sounds
- Touch control
- Warm night light
- Three brightness modes
- 12 and 24-hr format
- Adjustable alarm volume
- Backlight is dimmable
Cons
- May need to be reset regularly
- May not be battery-operated
"Having used this alarm clock for a while, I can now vouch for its versatility. As a night light, it gives my son a sense of security in the darkness, while its sun and moon display feature has helped him better understand the concept of time. It gets a thumbs-up from me!"
16.Best Illuminative For Room: eKids Frozen 2 Themed Digital Alarm Clock
Is your child a ‘Frozen’ fan? Perhaps, that’s the wrong question to ask. We should instead ask, “How big of a ‘Frozen’ fan is your child”? This Frozen themed kids alarm clock offers a magical light show on the standing panel with glowing animated graphics. Your kids can see their favorite character move around with in-built animations. It also comes with a night light projection button to illuminate the room, making it the ideal clock for tweens.
Pros
- Buzzer for alarm
- Built-in snooze button
- USB charging port
- Forward and reverse buttons
- Battery backup
Cons
- Alarm sound may seem faint to some
- Time display may not be big enough
"Thanks to its large display, my child finds it easy to read the time. Also, it's cordless, so I could place it on the bedside table without worrying about the power outlet. However, I wish it featured Frozen's music as the alarm tune."
17. Best To Improve Sleep:Korotus Collection Cute Owl Alarm Clock
The little pink owl will improve your child’s sleeping habits significantly. It comes with a range of pre-programmed English songs, but you can switch to Chinese songs. It is an analog clock equipped with a night light button, which helps check the time in the dark. If your child or you are a heavy sleeper, its loud musical alarm tones will instantly wake you up.
Pros
- Light turns on by tapping the face of the clock
- Intelligent snooze design
- Silent hand movement
- Lightweight
Cons
- May not have volume control
- May seem flimsy
"My little one likes to wake up to this clock's entertaining music. Including a volume control button would have been helpful, but the clock's cheerful design has been a lovely addition to my son's room."
How To Choose The Right Alarm Clock For Kids?
Here are a few things you should consider when buying an alarm clock for kids:
- Functionality: The primary function of an alarm clock that is designed for kids is to enhance their sleeping pattern by making them go to bed on time, and wake up after a good night’s rest. This is why it is best to choose an alarm clock that is equipped with night and morning lights and soothing alarm tones to put your child to bed or wake them up without being too loud and jarring. Ensure that the functionalities are straightforward, so that your children can set their alarms as they grow older.
- Reviews: Only a parent can help another parent out by experience. This is why we highly recommend that before you jump into purchasing a product, look at what other parents have to say. Most parents leave detailed reviews for other interested parents as their way of helping out. The reviews will often have information about why the product is worth buying, which features are most helpful, and which ones impressed them the least.
- Your child’s age: If you want to start introducing sleep training alarms to your children, you can begin as early as three years. For a child of this age, one needs to be careful of the shape, size, heaviness, and buttons of the clock. Choose one that comes with a warm night light and a parental safety lock. For a child who is older than eight years, look for something cool and eccentric.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age should kids start using an alarm clock?
As children turn two or three years old, they generally begin to realize the concepts of routine, bedtime, and waketime. This is when alarm clocks can be introduced to them.
2. What is a sleep-training alarm clock?
Sleep-training alarm clocks come with indicators that tell children when it’s time to sleep and when it’s wake-up time until they get used to a particular sleep schedule. Thus, it facilitates a good night’s sleep for the parents as well, who don’t have to disrupt their sleep to provide this training to the child
3. How can I train my child to wake up on time?
A sleep-training alarm clock can help wake your child up on time consistently without you having to bother about the same. These clocks are designed to make the child independent with regard to their sleep and morning routine.
4. What is the best way to use an alarm clock?
The ideal way is to set the alarm for the exact time you need to wake up to reduce the chances of hitting the snooze button. Another effective way is to use a wheels-enabled alarm clock that forces you to get out of your bed and switch it off.
5. What are the benefits of alarm clocks?
Most of the time, alarm clocks can help regulate one’s sleep pattern and inculcate a sense of self-regulation or discipline. Light-based alarm clocks have the added advantage of enhancing one’s mood upon waking up as they are more in tune with how nature works (1).
6. How do alarm clocks help kids learn to tell time?
Alarm clocks with innovative designs — displaying animated sun and moon symbols according to the time — can help children understand the concept of morning, evening, and other basic concepts of time.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedesto Chirhah is an experienced writer and reviewer who loves to stay updated about trending homeware and electronic products. His passion for reading and flair for writing helps him write informative and engaging articles. He has referred to various websites to pick the best kids’ alarm clocks with high user ratings and positive reviews to help you choose the one that appeals to you. With detailed information and an unbiased opinion, he has ensured high-quality, durable products to help you choose the right one.
The Bottom Line
Adding the best alarm clock for kids to your child’s room can help them get into the habit of waking up early. Unlike the conventional alarm clocks adults use, those designed for children have soothing tones that make them feel pleasant as they wake up. These alarm clocks also have features such as gentle lights with changing colors and quirky designs. So, add one to their study table and help them create a healthy sleep routine. We recommend the LittleHippo Mella Ready To Rise Children’s Alarm Clock with child-safe features and the Mesqool Digital Clock for Kids with adjustable brightness. The Clocky Alarm Clock On Wheels makes a great gift for older children.
Infographic: How To Maintain Your Child’s Sleep Schedule?
A regular sleep cycle is a must for maintaining good health. Studies have shown that getting up early in the morning can affect a person’s memory and make them more active. Check out the following infographic to learn how to improve your child’s sleep schedule.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- How Sound-Based Alarm Clocks Affect Sleep:
https://www.sleepstation.org.uk/articles/sleep-tips/best-alarm-clocks/ - Sleep tips for children
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep-tips-for-children#tips
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