How to choose a night light to help your child sleep?
To help your little one feel safe at night, a night light can be a big help. It diffuses a soft light which soothes and reduces nocturnal anxieties, such as fear of the dark or nightmares. Compact and practical, it quickly becomes essential in little ones' rooms.
But then, how to make the right choice? Why is it so important for baby? What are the different models available? Here are some tips to guide you and promote peaceful nights for your child.
Can you put a child to bed without a night light?
Infants, in general, are not bothered by total darkness when falling asleep. When they wake up at night, it is often because they are hungry or need comfort, not because of a fear of the dark. Place a night light in the your baby's room will therefore not necessarily lengthen the duration of his sleep. However, there is a risk that your child will get used to the presence of the night light and become dependent on it in the long term, making falling asleep without this light more difficult later.
At what age does the night light really become useful?
Sleep-related fears often begin around 1 or 2 years of age. At this age, children are developing their imagination, which can lead to nightmares and a fear of the dark. This is when he may need reassurance during the night.
A baby who was previously sleeping well may suddenly become more restless and call you frequently at night. In these cases, a night light can be a good support. By diffusing soft light, it helps create a familiar and soothing environment for the child. The light also reduces the chances of him imagining scary shadows around him. However, this is not a universal solution. In fact, some children feel perfectly comfortable in the dark and do not need a night light to sleep well.
Why install a night light in your little one’s room?
A night light has many advantages, both for the child and for the parents. It helps soothe a baby who has nightmares or is afraid of the dark. If your little one requires soft light to feel safe at night, the night light is the ideal solution. It diffuses a subdued glow which does not interfere with sleep while reassuring the child in the event of waking up at night.
For parents, the night light also has practical benefits. It allows them to peek into the room without disturbing their baby's sleep by turning on a bright light. You can check that everything is going well without the risk of waking your child.
Finally, in addition to its functional use, the night light can also become a decorative element in the baby's room. There are many adorable designs on the market, ranging from night lights in the shape of elephant, of swan or of butterfly, up to those in the shape of bear. These luminous objects bring an aesthetic touch while being practical. You can therefore choose a night light which, in addition to being comforting for your child, fits nicely into the decoration of their room, adding a soft and warm atmosphere.
The different choices of night lights for babies
The so-called educational night light
Some night lights have an educational role by telling the child when he can get up and when he must stay in bed. They are often equipped with two simple images: an animal sleeping under the moon for when to stay in bed, and another animal awake under the sun for waking up. Parents can program the time to get up and go to bed, and without noise, the night light communicates to the child if it is the right time to get out of bed. It is a gentle and practical method to help him gradually learn the concepts of time and routine.
Lullaby night lights
Some night lights offer the ability to play lullabies or soothing sounds, in addition to gently lighting the room. These models are designed to help calm the child and make it easier for them to fall asleep. Some can even be personalized by adding the parents' voice, heartbeat sounds or natural noises using an MP3 format.
Projection night lights
These night lights project images or light patterns onto the walls or ceiling of the room. They diffuse a soft and soothing light while creating an attractive visual decor for the child. Some models allow you to adjust the intensity of the light and offer interchangeable lenses with colorful or fun images.
Companion night lights
THE companion night lights are perfect for on the go, as it runs on battery or batteries and does not need to be plugged in. Its compact format allows it to be placed near the child, on a bedside table, or even hung on the bars of the bed. Its main advantage is its autonomy, which can vary from 15 to 200 hours depending on the model. This criterion is essential to avoid having to recharge it too often. Rechargeable versions, which plug in via a micro USB port, are often more economical and practical than battery-powered ones.
In addition, these night lights turn on automatically when the ambient light decreases and turn off when it becomes sufficient. Some even have a timer to turn themselves off, thus avoiding returning to the room once baby is asleep.
Wall night lights
THE wall night lights plug directly into an electrical outlet or operate on batteries. They attach to the wall, like a photo frame, bringing both soft light and a decorative touch to the room. Simple to install and energy efficient, they are perfect for a child's bedroom. They are also among the most affordable night lights on the market, while being practical and discreet.
Night lights with remote control
Whether you are looking for a night light in the shape of heart, of cloud or of rainbow, there are many models equipped with a remote control for greater convenience. These night lights allow you to program an activation time using a timer, which saves parents from having to turn them off manually. These smart little lanterns diffuse soft, adjustable-intensity light, providing your child with a soothing environment to go back to sleep without your intervention.
Another advantage of night lights with remote control is the flexibility they offer parents. In fact, you can adjust the brightness or turn off the night light without having to enter the room and risk waking your child. This feature is particularly useful for adapting the lighting throughout the night, depending on your baby's needs. For example, you can opt for brighter light during bedtime for bedtime, then dim it once your little one falls asleep, creating an atmosphere conducive to sleep.
Additionally, some night lights with remote control offer additional options, such as changing colors or soothing diffusion modes, such as pulsing lights or gentle light cycles. These features are ideal for children who respond well to particular visual stimuli and can help them calm down more quickly. You also have the option of programming the night light to turn off gradually, allowing a natural transition into deep sleep.
How to choose the right night light for baby then?
To give your child a peaceful night's sleep, several criteria must be considered when choosing a night light. Practicality is essential: the model must be easy to use, whether for transporting it or recharging it. The intensity of the light is also essential: it must be soft enough to reassure without disturbing sleep. Finally, additional features, such as lullabies, soothing sounds or light projections, can really make a difference in creating an atmosphere conducive to falling asleep. Opt for a night light that matches your child's preferences and adapts to your daily needs.
Little tip
Another criterion to consider when choosing a night light is safety. Make sure that the selected model complies with current safety standards, particularly with regard to the materials used and the temperature of the pilot light. THE LED night lights are often preferred because they do not heat up, reducing the risk of burns if the child comes into contact with the device. Additionally, opt for a night light that is easy to clean, especially if it is near the bed or if your child interacts directly with it.
Night lights with additional features, such as the ability to turn the light off during the day or use it in "sleep" mode with even dimmer light, are also convenient options. If your baby tends to wake up regularly at night, a night light that turns on automatically when it detects movement or crying could greatly make your daily life easier. Finally, choose a model with a long-lasting or rechargeable battery to avoid changing the batteries frequently, especially if you travel often.
In short, the choice of the ideal night light is based on a balance between safety, practicality and comfort, allowing your child to spend more peaceful nights in a reassuring environment.
Whether for a boy or a girl, it is important to choose a night light adapted to your specific needs. Take into account criteria such as autonomy, brightness, design, or even the charging function. Some models even offer to turn on automatically when baby cries. The right choice of night light will help your little one go back to sleep more easily and have a more peaceful night.
With his comfort blanket and comfortably installed in his bed, your child will be able to fall asleep peacefully, bathed in a soft light which reassures and soothes him.