Connected night light: When technology helps parents

What parent wouldn't want an effective tool to help their baby sleep better, especially on those mornings when we hope for a little respite? Connected night lights promise to provide a solution, and their popularity continues to grow.

But what is it really? Are they real innovations for toddler sleep or just additional gadgets? In this article, discover what a connected night light is, the strengths and possible limitations and the different models that are popular today.

What is a connected night light?

Like a classic night light, it diffuses a soft light and soothing to create an atmosphere conducive to sleep. Where it stands out is its modern functions: it can play music, tell stories, and all of this can be controlled from an application on your smartphone. In addition, some models evolve through updates.

Connection may vary depending on devices: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, remote control or voice control. Some models even allow you to record your own messages or sounds for broadcast. And for baby's well-being, it is often possible to deactivate wireless connections at night, in order to limit exposure to waves.

Advantages and disadvantages of a Bluetooth night light

Bluetooth night lights offer many advantages, starting with their flexibility. Unlike classic models with limited choices, they provide access to a wide variety of sounds: white noise, classical music, songs for children or even personalized stories recorded by parents. As a result, they adapt to the needs and tastes of each family.

Their versatility is another strong point. By combining several functions such as night light, baby monitor, alarm clock or even MP3 player, they replace several pieces of equipment, which can save space and money. In addition, these night lights evolve with the child: first a simple soft light to reassure baby, they then become tools for learning to go to bed or get up independently. Some even include a walkie-talkie mode to communicate with older children.

However, their advantages come with some disadvantages. A multifunction night light can be a problem if it breaks down, because all of its functions become unusable at once. The Bluetooth or Wi-Fi waves it uses also spark debate, even if some models allow them to be deactivated. Another downside is that the more sophisticated the device, the more it may be subject to bugs or breakdowns, which worries some parents. Finally, the price can be a barrier: high-end models often reach the 100 euro mark.

These night lights therefore have a lot to offer, but they require you to carefully weigh the pros and cons according to your priorities.

Connected night lights with remote control for more convenience

The night lights with remote control stand out for its practicality. Thanks to this accessory, you can adjust the brightness, change the color of the light or even play a melody without having to enter the baby's room. This is ideal to avoid waking him up or disturbing his sleep. This type of night light is suitable for both parents and slightly older children, who can learn to use it easily.

However, it has its drawbacks. The remote control can be easily lost, especially in a house where objects move around a lot! In addition, some night lights require you to point the remote control precisely at the device, which can be restrictive. Finally, just like other sophisticated models, the price of these night lights is often higher.

This type of night light offers a good compromise between modernity and simplicity, provided you take these small drawbacks into account.

What about connected night lights with voice control?

Voice control is a real asset for a connected night light. No more searching for a remote control or fiddling with your phone: a simple keyword or phrase is enough to turn on the light, change the color, or play a lullaby. This is practical for parents, especially when their hands are full or they want to act quickly without entering the baby's room. In addition, this can make it fun for slightly older children, who like the idea of ​​"talking" to their night light.

However, not everything is perfect. Voice recognition can sometimes be inaccurate, if you have an accent or if the room is noisy. Additionally, this type of night light often requires a constant connection to the Internet to function properly, which may not appeal to all parents. Finally, as with any advanced technology, the price of these models is quite high, and breakdowns can occur.

Despite these limitations, voice control remains a great advantage for families looking for a practical and modern device.

Let's talk about connected night lights with projection or music

The wall night lights with projection or musical function have a lot to offer. They create a calming atmosphere thanks to bright images projected on the ceiling or walls, such as stars or soft shapes, which captivate baby's attention and help him fall asleep. At the same time, they broadcast various sounds: white noise, lullabies, soft music, or even personalized recordings. It’s a great way to turn bedtime into an enjoyable, comforting routine.

However, these features may have some drawbacks. Light projections can become too stimulating if they are poorly adjusted or too intense. As for the musical part, if the sound is not of good quality or poorly balanced, it can be more annoying than soothing. Finally, these models tend to be more expensive and, as with any sophisticated device, breakdowns or bugs can occur.

Despite these few flaws, these night lights remain highly appreciated for their ability to combine visual and sound soothing, creating an ideal cocoon for baby to sleep.

Connected night lights with alarm clock

A night light alarm clock, also called an educational alarm clock, helps children differentiate between when to sleep and when to get up, long before they know how to tell the time. As a bonus, it often allows parents to gain a few precious minutes of sleep! The principle is simple and varies little from one model to another: it is based on a visual or light code which indicates to the child whether he can get up or whether he must still stay in bed.

For example, the night light can light up entirely or partially to signal that it is time to wake up. Some models use clear color codes: red for sleeping and green for getting up. The idea is to make the distinction between day and night easy for little ones to understand. All you have to do is explain how it works to the child and program the times according to your routine.

How to choose the right model?

The choice of a night light alarm clock depends on several criteria. For toddlers, choose a simple model that can also be used as a portable night light. For older children, turn to scalable versions with a classic, analog or digital alarm clock function, depending on their ability to tell the time. Also think about power: battery-powered, battery-powered or plug-in models. Battery-powered models are practical for traveling, but require good management of recharges. Finally, involve your child in the choice design: if he likes his alarm clock, he will be more motivated to use it.

At what age should it be introduced?

There is no specific age, but around 3 years old, children begin to understand the concept well. Some models are recommended from 2 years old, but you can use it before as a simple classic night light to gently prepare your child.

Conclusion

In conclusion, connected night lights offer many advantages for parents wishing to improve their baby's sleep. Thanks to various functionalities such as the broadcast of soothing sounds, the projection of images and remote control via smartphone or voice command, they create an environment conducive to falling asleep. These night lights are also scalable, being able to accompany the child throughout their growth by adapting to their needs.

However, they come with some drawbacks, including price, the possibility of failures or bugs, and wave concerns. The choice of model will therefore depend on the priorities of each family. Despite these drawbacks, connected night lights prove to be valuable tools to help establish an effective and soothing sleep routine, while offering parents valuable help in their daily lives.