The Best Sleep Trainers To Help Your Tot Sleep Better
Getting enough sleep each night is important for overall health and well-being, and sleep training can be crucial to establishing a healthy sleep routine for a baby or toddler. Sleep training can help a child learn how to fall asleep on their own. It can also help reduce nighttime fussing and ensure that both parent and child are getting the quality sleep they need.
It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to sleep training, which is why we’ve put together a list of the best sleep trainers of 2024. Our researchers and editors have spent hours scouring the internet to find the highest-rated and most reliable options, so you can be sure that the methods listed here will be effective. So, keep reading to learn how to help your baby get a better night's sleep.
A Buyer’s Guide To Purchasing a Quality Sleep Trainer
A sleep trainer is an invaluable tool to help you and your baby get the restful sleep you both need. When choosing a sleep trainer, there are a number of key product features that should be taken into consideration.
Safety and Comfort
When deciding on a sleep trainer, safety should always be a top priority. Ensure that the product you select is made of quality materials free of any potential hazards or toxins and that it provides your child with a comfortable sleeping environment. Look for products that are flame-retardant, non-toxic, and free of any choking hazards for added safety assurance. Additionally, check if the product is listed as hypoallergenic, as this is important if your child has allergies or sensitivities.
Age Appropriateness
When selecting a sleep trainer, make sure that you choose an age-appropriate option. Many products have age recommendations based on size, developmental stage, or function. So pay close attention to these before making a purchase. It’s also important to consider your child’s individual needs when shopping, as an older child may require a more sophisticated sleep trainer than recommended for their age group.
Ease of Use
When selecting a sleep trainer, look at how easy it is to use. Evaluate all components such as setting up and adjusting, cleaning, and storage, to ensure that the product meets all your usage requirements. Pay attention to instructions regarding operation too, as some products may need special settings or configurations to work properly. Ask yourself if you can maintain this product with ease or if it requires additional time or effort that you aren’t willing to put in.
Size
The size of the sleep trainer is important when purchasing because you don’t want it to take up too much space on your child’s bed. Look at measurements both in terms of length and width to ensure that it fits comfortably around their body while still leaving room for movement. Some products have adjustable settings that can help reduce bulkiness, such as adjustable straps or belts, and have different sizes available. So make sure these options are available if needed before finalizing your purchase.
Portability
If you plan to travel often with your sleep trainer, then it must be easily transportable and lightweight enough for convenient carrying. Look for products with folding capabilities as this can help reduce bulk when packing. Additionally, some sleep trainers may come with carrying bags/cases or other similar accessories. So, make sure to double-check these items before buying to determine if they are included in the purchase or not.
Battery Life
When looking at potential products, ensure that they provide an adequate battery life so you don’t have to worry about them dying in the middle of the night. Check reviews for this factor specifically. Some models may require frequent battery changes, which could be inconvenient if not pre-planned. Rechargeable batteries are an especially efficient solution, so look for products offering this feature should it be something important for your needs.
Comparing the Top Sleep Trainers of 2024
WOW! STUFF Sleep Trainer – Best Overall
The WOW! STUFF Sleep Trainer is an innovative product designed to help children aged one to five years establish consistent and healthy sleep habits. It’s scientifically proven to help both parents and their children get better sleep for refreshing and energetic mornings. The primary feature of this sleep trainer is its moonlight and image of the CoComelon character JJ in his pajamas. The moonlight changes to the sun in the morning, signaling to children that it’s time to get up and out of bed. The package also includes a reassuring night light that’s set at a level that has been proven to help aid rest and sleep.
The toy also plays lullabies to help your child know that it’s time for bed. What makes this product even more appealing is that it’s made by Lullaby Labs, creators of products trusted by parents in leading children’s brands like CoComelon. With its appealing design, interesting lullabies, and scientifically proven moonlight, this sleep trainer tops our list.
Pros
- Adjustable brightness and volume
- Lightweight, portable design
- One press fast start system
Cons
- Needs to be plugged in to work
Hatch Sleep Trainer – Most User-Friendly
Whether you’re trying to induce drowsy feelings during nap times or create a calming atmosphere during late-night feedings, the Hatch Rest Sleep Trainer is sure to be your go-to device for optimal sleep conditions. With its updated Wi-Fi functionality, dimmable clock, and a range of features to help promote healthy sleeping habits, this sound machine is an invaluable device for your child’s room. There’s even the option to expand your library with “Hatch Sleep Membership,” which includes bedtime stories, classic music tunes, and other curated sleep content — all of which comes with a free trial.
The smart night light feature creates a fun ambiance, with infinite customizable color hues that you can easily tailor to suit your little ones’ bedroom. You will love being able to set time-to-rise and time-for-bed reminders via the app, perfect for helping train little ones not to get out of bed too soon in the morning.
Pros
- Significantly broad range of volume
- User-friendly and customizable app
- Multiple color options for nightlight
Cons
- Requires a network connection to function
LittleHippo Sleep Trainer – Most Intuitive
The LittleHippo Sleep Trainer is a must-have for every family with kids. It boasts a modern, patented design that has been featured in Mashable and Yanko Design for its numerous features and attractive appearance. An ideal solution for parents who want to help their children develop healthy sleep habits, this sleep trainer aids kids in understanding the difference between night and day.
It glows blue when it’s time to sleep, signaling that it’s time to hit the sack, and turns yellow half an hour before it’s time to get up. This sleep trainer is so much more than just an alarm clock. It also includes three sleep sound options, five night light colors to help relax children before bedtime, and a silent countdown timer for older children doing timed activities. The device is made of child-safe ABS and silicone materials, making it both durable and safe.
Pros
- Clock face is simple to understand
- Five colors for night light
- Three sleep sound options
Cons
- Playtime mode is set to 30 minutes
I·CODE Sleep Trainer – Most Responsive
Whether you need help getting your little ones ready for bed or you want them waking up early without your assistance, the I.CODE Sleep Trainer is ideal. Through its sun and moon icons, it’s easy for toddlers to understand when it’s time for bed or waking up. The clock also doubles as a night light and sleep sound machine, helping your kids to fall asleep faster and stay sleeping longer. It, in turn, allows parents to have more restful sleep.
The wake-up light and night light feature is also very convenient, allowing your child to gently wake up or gently fall asleep with a warm, dimmable light in 10 different colors. The sleep sound machine offers 17 soothing noises that mimic natural environments, helping your little one drift off into dreamland faster. It also has an auto-off timer that can be set to 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about it turning on throughout the night.
Pros
- Comes with a USB charger and cord
- Child lock for added convenience
- Backed by a one-year warranty
Cons
- No Bluetooth capability
Big Red Rooster Sleep Trainer – Most Appealing
The Big Red Rooster Sleep Trainer is a unique and attractive product for parents of toddlers. Its vibrant puppy design appeals to children and is sure to become a beloved addition to any bedroom. More than just an adorable addition, the clock is incredibly efficient at helping children establish consistent sleep patterns and stay in bed longer.
This alarm clock has two alarm settings and a nap timer, which are essential for weekday or weekend wake-ups. It also includes a hidden parent compartment with printed instructions, which is great for those instances when you want your child to wake up without parent involvement. The most amazing feature of this sleep trainer is its red and green ball. When sleep time approaches, the ball turns red, and when it’s time to wake up, the ball turns green and the alarm goes off.
Pros
- Covered buttons for added safety
- Has two separate alarm times
- Dimmable red/green light setting
Cons
- Red light is too bright
People Also Asked
A: A sleep trainer works by teaching your child the natural rhythm of sleeping and waking. The clock or timer helps your child understand when it’s time to go to sleep and when it’s time to wake up in the morning. It also includes an alarm that can be set to remind your child when it's time for a nap. It can also provide you with more consistent rest periods, so you don’t have to stay awake all night trying to get your child back to sleep.
A: In general, it’s not recommended to use a sleep trainer from birth because babies need their parents’ help when learning how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. But if your baby is over six months old and you are ready for them to learn how to establish a healthy sleeping routine, then you may want to consider using a sleep trainer.
A: It depends on several factors such as the age of your child and their temperament. Generally, once children have established healthy sleeping habits, they may no longer need the use of a sleep trainer. But some children may take longer than others, so it's important to be patient with them as they adjust to their new sleeping routine.
A: Overall, using a sleep trainer is considered safe and there are no known risks associated with its use. As with any device used on or near your baby or toddler, always make sure that it’s used properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safety at all times.
A: Your child should be consistently sleeping through the night without needing assistance from you before they are ready for a sleep trainer device. As each child’s personality and temperament differ, what might be right for one child might not necessarily be right for another. So you must determine what works for your unique situation before introducing a new device into their routine.
A: In general, you will only need the device itself to make use of the features offered by most types of sleep trainers. Some models might require additional items such as special lighting fixtures for their features to work properly. Be sure to read the product specifications carefully before purchasing to determine if any additional items are needed for optimal usage of the device itself.
