The three steps on any clock

  • Set the clock’s own time, and check AM and PM or switch to the 24-hour display. A clock that thinks it is 7 pm will turn green at the wrong end of the day.
  • Set the wake-up light time, and the bedtime light time if your clock has one.
  • Switch the sleep trainer (sometimes called the wake mode or the schedule) on, and look for the sign that it is on: an icon next to the time or a light that changes in the preview.

LittleHippo MELLA

The buttons are on the bottom of the clock. Press SET, then TIME, and use + and − for the hour, minute and 12 or 24-hour mode; press SET to finish.

For the sleep trainer, press SET, then SLEEP/WAKE: set the sleep time, choose whether the night light comes on at bedtime (NL:ON or NL:OF), choose the yellow “play” time before wake-up (5, 15 or 30 minutes, or off), then set the wake time. When you are done, check that a sun or moon icon shows next to the time; if it does not, press SLEEP/WAKE to switch the sleep trainer on. The green light switches itself off an hour after wake-up time.

LittleHippo NESSI

The control panel is on the back. Press SET, then TIME, and use + and − for the hour, minute and 12 or 24-hour mode.

For the sleep trainer, press SET, then SLEEP/WAKE: set the sleep time, choose whether the red light comes on at bedtime (NL:ON or NL:OF), then set the wake time. The sleep trainer switches itself on when you leave the setting mode, and a sun icon shows during the day while it is on. As on MELLA, the green light goes off by itself an hour later. The lock button on the back stops changes; holding the spike still shows the alarm times.

PlayMonster Mirari OK to Wake! (8091)

The buttons are behind the rear door. Hold SET until SET flashes, choose 12 or 24-hour time with HOUR, press SET, then set the time with HOUR and MIN and press SET to save. For the green light, hold WAKE until SET TO WAKE flashes, set the time with HOUR and MIN, and press WAKE to save; the OK TO WAKE indicator should stay on.

The alarm is separate: if you only want the light, leave the alarm off with ALARM ON/OFF. Use AUTO-OFF to choose how long the green light stays on. The Mirari page has the nap steps.

Hatch Baby (and other app clocks)

Hatch Baby is set up in the Hatch Sleep app over Wi-Fi. In the app, open Schedule, tap +, and choose Time-for-bed or Time-to-Rise; pick the light and sound, set the time, preview it on the clock and save. You can add several steps to one schedule as a playlist.

Other app clocks work the same way in their own apps. Check that the routine is switched on. If the internet goes down, Hatch Rest 2nd gen and Rest+ 2nd gen keep playing saved routines, perhaps a few minutes late, but cannot change them; for Hatch Baby, Hatch says only that it can work offline for short periods and that a steady Wi-Fi connection helps its schedules run reliably.

Check it before the first morning

Most clocks have a preview, or you can set the wake-up time a couple of minutes ahead while you watch, then set it back. Do it during the day with your child, so they see the change for the first time when you are there to explain it. The introduction guide covers what to say, and the planner turns your times into a plan for everyone who sets the clock.

Sources

Details can differ between versions and countries. Every source we use