Image: MomJunction Design Team
If your little one cannot sleep alone or is afraid of the dark, you can surprise them with the best night lights for kids. These lights come in a variety of styles, designs, colors, and brightness and with exciting features, such as music and projected images. These can bring comfort to your child and enable a restful night’s sleep. Here is a list of night lights that you can get for your child.
Top Picks
11 Best Kids Night Light In 2021
1. Best Touch-Based Control: Asani Night Light for Kids
This night light for kids has an adorable shape, along with several convenience features for ease of use. It also has a baby-safe and durable construction.
Pros
- All functions are controlled by touching and tapping the top of the night light. It saves you the hassle of toggling through switches to change the night light’s settings.
- The touch-sensitive night light comes with a high-capacity rechargeable battery and a USB cable.
- You can control the brightness of the light – the battery can provide 300 hours of dim light use and eight hours of bright light use.
- The dimmable night light is shaped like a chick hatching from an egg. The toy wobbles a little when touched, making it entertaining to babies and toddlers.
Cons
- The controls can be a bit confusing.
"I appreciate the practical design of this night light. Its tap functionality and adjustable brightness are standout features. It is a solid find for making middle-of-the-night wake-ups to feed my infant less disruptive for my husband."
2. Best Customizable: Hatch Baby Rest Light and Sound Machine
The night light from Hatch Baby lets you personalize the lighting to meet your little one’s requirements. If you are still unsure, check out this honest product review cum testing video.
Pros
- The decorative night light connects to your smartphone through Bluetooth. You can adjust the light color, shade, and brightness remotely, without disturbing the child.
- The lamp can also play sounds for a set time. There are several preset sounds to choose from.
- You can turn the music-playing night light on and off automatically, by setting it to the sleep schedule of the child.
- The light also features touch-based controls. Tapping the top of the lamp changes the color of the light.
Cons
- The smartphone app is not easy to use and may not be reliable.
- Despite its smartphone connectivity features, the night light itself is not portable and has to be plugged into a power outlet.
"It is a comforting addition to my kid�s room that helps her sleep peacefully. The light and sound customization via the intuitive app are commendable, though I did experience occasional connectivity issues. Still, it remains my reliable pick for the convenience it offers."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 31,797 reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Brightness-Adjustable: VAVA Night Lights for Kids
You will love this night light for its simple controls and the bright light mode. Go through this review video showcasing a tester’s experience to learn more about the product.
Pros
- All the controls of the smart night light are touch-based. Control its brightness, and turn it on or off by touching or tapping it.
- The simple touch-based controls make it easy for children to use too. A button at the base of the lamp lets you cycle between 100%, 50%, and 10% brightness levels of the light.
- You can choose between bright white light and soft yellow light. The white light can be used to illuminate the room, while the yellow light can help the child calm down.
- This portable night light lasts up to 200 hours on one charge.
Cons
- Some buyers noticed that the internal battery loses its ability to hold a full charge after a few months of use, eventually rendering it useless.
"It was a gift from a friend and I enjoy the convenience it offers, keeping my infants sleep undisturbed during middle of the night care moments. The touch controls are user-friendly and it blends well with nursery interiors."
Asani Night Light for Kids Best Touch-Based Control | Hatch Baby Rest Light and Sound Machine Best Customizable | VAVA Night Lights for Kids Best Brightness-Adjustable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4"D x 4"W x 4.67"H | 4.2"D x 4.2"W x 6.22"H | 3.66 x 3.66 x 4.61 inches |
| Color | Brown | Silver | - |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required | - | - |
| Weight | 9.9 ounces | 1 pounds | 10.2 ounces |
| Number of Items | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Wattage | 1 watts | - | - |
| Base Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | - | USB Wireless Charging Station |
| Shade Material | Plastic | Plastic | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Material | Plastic | - | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Shade Color | - | White | White |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 630 | 31,797 | 993 |
| Price | $14.99 | $69.99 | $24.99 |
4. Best For Starry Night Projection: Bubzi Night Light and Sound Machine
A light and sound machine that is shaped like an adorable soft toy owl, this kids’ bedtime night light will be loved by a baby or a toddler. Check out this video, where a reviewer tests the light.
Pros
- The main light and sound module of the animal-shaped night light gets a plush owl-shaped cover. You can remove and wash the cover by hand.
- The lamp starts a starry night projection at the press of a button. You can adjust the positioning of the owl to project the light on any surface of your choice.
- The sound module can play ten lullabies and other songs for up to 30 minutes. You can play the sounds and turn on the projection at the same time.
Cons
- Some buyers noted that the device takes in a lot of power, causing the batteries to drain out quickly.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 4,973 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
Quick fact5. Best Waterproof: AUKEY Night Light
Stylish, durable, and efficient, this nursery night light has several colors and gentle light temperature options, making it a high-quality choice for kids’ rooms.
Pros
- You can choose between cool white light and warm glow light. You can also cycle through several colors and pick one that works best for your child.
- The back of the night light is magnetic, which means you can affix the light to any metal surface. The manufacturer also provides a flexible handle and carabiner to suspend the light from other objects.
- The night light has an IP65 rating, which means you need not worry about your little one spoiling the lamp by splashing water on it.
Cons
- Some parents expressed that the battery life isn’t up to the mark.
"The orb light offers both warm and cool lighting at a tap, which is a boon for diaper changes and feedings without disrupting everyone�s sleep. It's rechargeable, portable, and emits a soft glow, though the dimming function is a bit finicky."
6. Best Light Sensor: Lofter Plug-in Night Light for Kids
With a classy and ergonomic design, this multicolor night light for kids from Lofter can emit a plethora of colors and comes with some amazing features.
Pros
- The wall-mounted night light can rotate through eight different color patterns. You can set it to the standard white color more, pick a single color, or let the machine cycle through all the colors.
- The front of this plug-in night light contains a light sensor, which turns on the night light automatically at dusk and turns it off at dawn or when it senses bright ambient light.
Cons
- A few buyers experienced malfunctioning of the inner light. The light would be too bright, cycle through colors quickly, or repeatedly flash without turning off.
"It offers customizable brightness which is quite practical for night use. The soft light is comforting, just what I need for winding down. It offers reliable illumination for navigating through the home without disturbing anyone else."
Trivia7. Best Energy-Conserving: Munchkin Light My Way Nightlight
This energy-efficient night light from Munchkin works for children of all ages, from babies to older children.
Pros
- Place the night light on a flat surface to comfort a baby or let the child carry the lamp around to find their way in the dark.
- There is only a single button to operate the LED light. Children and even toddlers can figure out the functions of the light within seconds.
- There is an auto-timer that turns off the light after 20 minutes of use, thus conserving energy.
Cons
- The light does not provide constant light and needs you to press the button and turn on the light every 20 minutes.
- Some parents felt that the on and off button is recessed and can be a bit difficult to find in the dark.
8. Best For Remote Control: Moredig Night Light Projector
Known for its user-friendly features, this wonderful night light with a built-in projector is quite fascinating. Its gorgeous display of a starry night helps create a calming bedtime environment for the child.
Pros
- You can use it in the projector mode and standard night modes. The projector plates are removable so that you can use it as a conventional night lamp.
- You get two projector plates out of the box. One projects stars while the other projects sea life.
- Along with the light, you can also play sounds, including lullabies and songs.
- The baby night light can be controlled with a remote, which has a range of five meters. All the features of the night light, including the projector and the sound volume, can be controlled remotely.
- This projector night light makes a suitable baby shower gift.
Cons
- Some parents did not like the overall build quality of the light. The motor that rotates the projections tends to stop working after a few months of use.
"This nightlight projection provides a dreamy ambiance and my son loves to sleep with it on. It is quite entertaining too, with the numerous color options and sounds. He particularly likes the circular motion and it's impressive how it fills every corner of the room."
9. Best Sound Sensor: VTech Baby Lil’ Critters Soothing Starlight Hippo
The hippo-shaped, timer-controlled, and adorable night light projects a fascinating light show that will entertain and also soothe a baby.
Pros
- It comes with four night light options for you to choose from. The toy also projects stars on the ceiling.
- The starry night light toy also plays over 100 songs, sounds, melodies, and phrases.
- The ceiling projector night light has a sound sensor. The toy turns on automatically when the baby cries.
- You do not have switch-off the night light manually. You can set a timer of 15, 30, or 45 minutes to shut down the night light after the set time automatically.
Cons
- Some buyers experienced problems with the sound module, which caused it to skip a song and eventually stop working after a few months of use.
"The sleep-aid hippo worked wonderfully for regulating my child�s bedtime routine. It's soft, durable, and its starry light display is a comforting bonus. The sound activation feature and portability are practical, though the battery consumption could be better."
10. Best For Stability: KiBlue 3D Unicorn Light
The fascinating and elaborate design makes it an ideal night light for kids and pre-teens, while its cutting-edge design will suit your home decor too.
Pros
- A transparent acrylic sheet with lines drawn to create an illustration of a unicorn. The drawing is such that it creates a three-dimensional look.
- Tapping the base of the lamp changes the color of the light that passes through the acrylic. You can pick one of the seven colors or cycle through all the colors.
- The wide base lets you place the lamp on any surface. The acrylic sheets can be removed from the base for storage when the lamp is not in use.
Cons
- Some buyers were not happy with the quality of the product since the night light stopped working after a few months of use.
11. Best For Easy Charging: MICCKE LED Silicone Night Light
This multicolor night light for children has seven color modes, is made entirely out of silicone, and is shaped like a kitty.
Pros
- The color-changing night light is controlled by touch/tapping. Tap it to turn it on or off and to change the color of the light.
- The silicone light can be charged using a micro-USB, thanks to the in-built rechargeable battery. The manufacturer ships the rechargeable night light with a micro USB cable.
- The silicone material is soft to touch and also absorbs minor bumps.
- The portable light is suitable for versatile use.
Cons
- The charging port is at the base of the night light. The light needs to be placed horizontally while charging.
- A few buyers felt that the overall quality of the night light could have been better.
"My daughter is particularly fond of cats and this nightlight is her favorite. It looks cute and unlike other alternatives it is squeezable. Also, it boasts impressive battery life, lasting a couple of nights on a single charge."
The Different Types of Night Lights
Night lights are small lamps that usually emit low-intensity light that softly illuminates the room. They can be categorized into one of the following types.
- Standard plug-in: These lights plug into a power outlet of the wall. Some night lights have a power cord while others plug directly into the power socket.
- Portable battery-operated: These work with rechargeable or standard batteries. The main advantage of these lights is that you can carry them wherever you want.
- Projector-type: A small built-in projector displays an image on the wall or any other surface. The lamp also emits soft light along with the projection.
- Soft toy lights: The light is fixed inside a soft toy that can be carried by the child. The outer layer of the toy has a thin cloth material so that the light can emit outwards. Alternatively, the light can be encased inside a plastic center of the soft toy.
- Light and sound: These have a night light and a speaker to play sounds, with buttons to control the music and the volume. Some of these night lights may also have sensors to activate sound when the child is crying.
Installing a night light in your child’s room can be a good idea. Read on to know why.
How To Choose A Night Light For Kids?
Keep the following points as a checklist when buying a night light for kids:
- Brightness: Check how bright the night light can be and whether it will work in your child’s room.
- Light color: Most night lights have a single color while others have several that you can adjust the light to. Pick a light accordingly.
- Portable or fixed: If the child wants the night light close to them when they sleep, then you can consider a soft toy night light. Consider a fixed night light when the power outlet is far from the bed, and you do not want the light to disturb the child. Battery-powered night lights are more flexible.
- Durability: Consider the make and the external shield of the light to determine the product’s durability. You would want a light that lasts at least a few months to a year and one that is less prone to breaking in case of accidents.
- Extra features: You can pick a light with additional features such as light or sound sensors, in-built speakers, and music nodules to get better value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best light color to help my child sleep?
Warm lights like red and soft white are some of the best colors for night lights to help a child fall asleep. They are less sensitive than colors like blue, which can impact the child’s sleep cycle, and help relax your child’s body enough to sleep peacefully (1).
2. Do night lights help children sleep?
Yes, night lights help children sleep better. Night lights with soft, warm colors create a warm ambiance in the room, making your child comfortable to ensure uninterrupted sleep.
3. When should I give my child a night light?
If your child is afraid of the dark or has trouble sleeping, you should give them a night light with soothing colors.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our list of night lights is for the rescue of all the children who dislike darkness. Our writer, Wedetso Chirhah, has chosen tried-and-tested products that provide dim lights that wouldn’t interrupt your child’s healthy sleep patterns while eradicating their fear of darkness. We have selected lights with adorable designs and good battery life. Products with adjustable brightness and additional lullaby features were our preference too. We hope our products help your child sleep fearlessly.
If you think your child is ready to sleep independently, the best night lights will make them feel comfortable. Night lights are not too bright, but allow them to partially see everything around them and ensure that they don’t feel afraid alone in the dark. Always choose a light after checking its brightness. It would be better if the brightness could be adjusted as your kids might begin to get more comfortable with a darker mode later on. Lastly, go for a tried-and-tested portable night light so it can be placed at any corner in any room that needs to be brightened up a little.
Infographic: Why You Should Consider Having A Night Light?
A nightlight comes in many shapes and sizes. Besides being lightweight, portable, and fascinating, the nightlight may make children sleep better. Check out the infographic to learn about the reasons for getting a nightlight for children.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Blue light has a dark side
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side - Anxiety and fear in children
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fear-and-anxiety-children - The Color of the Light Affects the Circadian Rhythms
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emres/longhourstraining/color.html
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