We’re on borrowed time.
Mimi is 2 years and 3 months old and has shown absolutely no interest in sleeping anywhere besides her crib (and my bed, on occasion). She hasn’t once tried to climb out—unlike her brother, who had figured out how to get himself out and showed up in our room one night (scaring the living hell out of me) when he was her age.
But not Mimi. She even went from sharing a bed with her brother at Disney back to her own crib without a single tear; actually, it was seamless.
But I know it won’t be like this for much longer.
One issue we had when Buddy transitioned to his “big boy” bed was the fact that he would get up at all times of night, thinking it was daytime, and would march into our room, ready to start his day … at 4am. But a toddler can’t really tell time, so it was hard to blame him.
That’s why I was so curious to check out ZAZOO Kids Photo Clock.
It’s simple, really: the clock (which is flat, thin and lightweight, like a smaller iPad) has visual clues to help little ones who can’t tell time figure out whether it is daytime or nighttime. And you, as the parents/programmers, can decide what these times should be [insert evil laugh]!
For Mimi, I did 6am for morning and 8pm for bedtime. So at 6am, the photo on the clock switches from a starry night sky to a sunny flower garden, and vice versa.
There’s even a naptime setting, but I haven’t activated that since Mimi is in daycare during the day (and you know how our weekend naps usually go).
And as Mimi gets older, we can do all sorts of things, like add photos and songs (there’s a USB cord so you can upload from your computer, and it comes with more than 10 songs built into its memory), turning it into an all-inclusive clock/digital rotating photo frame and music player.
It also has a study leg that folds out from the back, so there’s no chance of it falling over, and an easy-to-use remote for programming all the settings. Plus, I think it’s super cute (we have the Candy Stripes model, but they have a bunch of other colors and designs to choose from).
But for now, it’s all about showing Mimi the visual difference between day and night, even though she doesn’t have the ability to get out of bed herself yet, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that explaining this to her now will help when the inevitable happens and we pack up our baby crib one time [insert bittersweet smile].
Like I said, we haven’t used all the bells and whistles, or even things like the alarm feature, since Mimi’s still too young, but I know they’ll be incredibly useful soon enough and I love the idea of having different options.
Guess what?? In honor Keeping Mommy Sane’s first birthday – and thanks to the people at ZAZOO Kids – I am giving away a photo clock to one lucky reader! Just enter using the form below. This one ends on Friday, September 13th (!!) at 12am. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: I was provided a Zazoo Kids photo clock to facilitate my review but, as always, all opinions and text are my own.
Jennifer says
This is very cool !!! We’d love one 😉
Sara Hammer says
This is soooo awesome and may be the answer to our struggle. My 4 year old is always saying he hates staying in his bed because he’s lonely. Maybe the picture feature combined with the clock will help…
Julia Magnusson (@notlikeacat) says
This looks very useful…especially the bedtime setting! I’m having a tough time getting them to bed on time in preparation for school starting next week!
Julia Magnusson (@notlikeacat) says
Oh, right, the question: Green Owls in Tree, blue with fish…not sure of a 3rd.
Jacqui says
I love it and it would be great in Little Miss’s new room. I love the plain white one, the owls in a tree or yellow fish.
Gina says
I wish I knew about these 3 years ago… but now there may be hope for me to sleep-train number 3!
Dulce P. says
I am so excited about this product. My 4 year old stopped napping pretty much as soon his brother was born. Quiet time is so necessary but getting a routine is tough. Now school is upon us and the need to be up early. I would love to give this a try but not on my mat leave budget. I love the plain white but not sure it’s is practical (or even still available), the owls in the tree and the yellow fish.
Jessica M says
I would say fish, then owls, then gray!
Macey Bryce says
I love the owl one and the fish one. Not really a third choice since I have a little boy 🙂
Laura D says
Yellow fish, owls in a tree, and the grey one if that is available.
Jaimi V says
I would love the pink stripes, pink stars, or grey. Having two girls in the house my younger one could probably use this, She gets out of bed quite often. Ugh
Kerry says
This would be an amazing tool to introduce telling time!