Clocks that run away from a socket

ZAZU Sam runs on four AA batteries (not included). Hatch Rest+ 2nd gen, ZAZU Pam, Purflo Snoozee and the Baby Shark clock have rechargeable batteries; how long they last depends on the brightness, and Pam’s maker publishes no running time. A clock that only keeps its settings on a coin battery, like MELLA, needs a socket to light up. Sold in Europe, Pabobo’s Kid’Sleep Globetrotter is made for travel: it runs on four AA batteries alone (not included), about 40 days at 12 hours a day with good alkaline batteries, Pabobo says, and its lid opens out into a stand.

The matcher with “Keeps running in a power cut” lists every clock that runs on its own battery.

What to pack for power

  • The clock’s own cable. Several clocks, including NESSI and Light to Rise, come without a wall plug, so pack a USB wall plug that fits the sockets where you are going.
  • A plug adapter for other countries, and spare AA batteries for a clock that takes them.
  • Check the clock is charged the night before you leave if it has a built-in battery.

In a new time zone

Set the clock’s own time to local time when you arrive, then keep the light at your usual wake-up time by the local clock. If the change is big, the clock-change planner can move the light in steps over a few days instead; use “A new wake-up time” and start on your first morning.

App clocks usually need their app, and some need Wi-Fi, to change a routine; check yours works with your phone away from home before you rely on it.

In a hotel room or at grandma’s

  • Put the clock where your child can see it from the bed but cannot reach it.
  • Hotel rooms are often lighter in the morning; a clock with a bright color helps the signal stand out.
  • Keep the same rule and words as at home, so the trip does not undo it.
  • Leaving your child with grandparents? Print your clock’s times from the schedule planner, with a card in your own words, and read sharing the clock with grandparents and sitters for what the other adult needs to know.

Back home

When you come home, set the clock’s time back to home time. If your child’s body is still on vacation time, move the light back in small steps with the clock-change planner (choose “A new wake-up time”) rather than all at once.

Sources

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