When was the first time you saw your baby's beautiful eyes? We're willing to bet it was in a dim room where your baby felt safe and cared for. A newborn's eyes are sensitive, and most little ones will only show off their peepers in a darkened, low-stimulus space.
Furthermore, babies have well-honed circadian rhythms, and light provides a cue that it's time to rise, shine, and explore the world. Now that you know that light plays such a significant role in your baby's behavior, you might ask yourself, "is a night light necessary?"
The answer to that question depends on several factors, from your baby's age to their sleeping habits. We've created this guide to help answer your most pressing queries about sleep, eye development, and the role of light.
Should you "let there be light" or keep your baby in the dark? Read on to learn all the considerations to make the best decision for your little one.
Do You Need a Night Light for Your Babies?
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For Newborns:
Why
At birth, a newborn's eyesight is somewhere between 20/100 and 2/400. In other words, they can't see the giant "E" at the top of the eye chart. You might notice their eyes crossing, drifting, or moving in strange ways.
All of this is normal in a developing infant. All newborns need to continue developing beyond the womb. The eyes are incredibly complex organs, and it takes time to build up muscles and acclimate to light.
There's another reason babies have poor vision out of the gate: the womb is dark, and birth provides their first exposure to direct light. Little ones need light to develop clearer vision. With that said, they are extremely sensitive to UV and blue light during the first two months of life.
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For Older Babies and Toddlers:
Night lights can be useful if the child expresses a fear of the dark or if they are transitioning to sleeping in their own room.
Why
It can take as long as two years for your baby's eyesight to develop fully. Still, exposure to light is less of an issue once your baby is three months old. It's still wise to protect your baby's eyes from direct sunlight.
There is no medical or developmental reason a toddler cannot use a night light other than the possible disruption of their circadian cycle.
If Your Toddler is Afraid of the Dark
Some children may begin to experience darkness or bedtime-related anxiety between the ages of two and three. Research suggests that fear of the dark is a learned fear rather than an innate one. Young toddlers might pick up the concept from media or by listening to adults.
Sometimes toddlers experience nightmares, which parents may mistake for fear of the dark because of causality. If you put a night light in your toddler's room and their fear persists, the darkness may not be the problem. Unfortunately, toddlers often lack the language to communicate their real fears, making finding a solution tricky.
If your child really is afraid of the dark, a night light may be an appropriate way to manage their fear. It helps if you also attempted to sensitize them to the darkness. Sit in the dark and engage in fun activities, such as reading with flashlights, snuggling, or watching a comforting show.
Benefits of Using Night Lights:
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Convenience & Safety for Parents or Caregivers
Night lights make it easier for parents to navigate the room for nighttime feedings, diaper changes, or to check on the baby without turning on a bright light, which could disturb both the baby and the parent’s sleep.
A night light can also provide enough illumination to prevent accidents for parents moving around the room at night. -
Comfort for Older Babies and Toddlers:
Some older babies and toddlers may feel more secure with a dim light, as it can help alleviate fear of the dark.
Potential Issues of Using Night Lights:
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Interference with Sleep
Exposure to light at night can disrupt melatonin production, a key hormone for regulating sleep. This disruption can affect a baby's sleep patterns. Additionally, babies might develop a dependency on night lights for falling asleep. If the night light is off when they wake up, it may cause sleep disturbances.
Tips for Using Night Lights for Babies:
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Opt for Dim Lighting
If you wish to use a night light for a baby, a dim one probably won't harm their developing eyes and harm their sleep. Warm-colored night lights are ideal as they are less likely to affect sleep compared to blue or white lights. -
Proper Placement
Position the night light so it doesn’t shine directly on your baby, avoiding direct light exposure in their line of sight. -
Assess Individual Needs
Assess whether the baby seems more comfortable and sleeps better with or without a night light. Every baby is different, and some might prefer complete darkness while others might benefit from a small amount of light.
Can I Use a Baby Monitor in the Dark?
Some babies can only fall asleep in a dark room. Many parents swear by blackout curtains during the first few years of their child's life. If your little one needs complete darkness to sleep, you can still use a baby monitor.
The best baby monitors on the market have night vision capabilities. A smart monitor like Pixsee provides crystal-clear FHD video, regardless of the light level. You can keep a careful eye on your baby from anywhere using Pixsee's award-winning smartphone app, even in the middle of the night.
In other words, you do not need to use a night light if you choose a high-end baby monitor with industry-leading, state-of-the-art capabilities. You shouldn't have to disrupt your baby's circadian rhythm to keep them safe in the dark.
FAQs Night Lights for Babies
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Do Babies Really Need Night Lights?
So, is a night light necessary?
Your baby certainly doesn't need a night light in order to sleep, and it may even impact their ability to drift off. With that said, many parents consider the benefits of night lights first. If you're concerned about your safety in your darkened nursery, there is no reason why you can't use a dim light to help you care for your sweet baby.
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Does using a night light affect my baby's sleep quality?
Yes, using a night light can impact your baby's sleep quality.
Exposure to light at night can confuse your baby's developing circadian rhythm, making it harder for them to distinguish between day and night. Light, especially blue light, stimulates the brain, potentially delaying sleep onset and reducing overall sleep quality. Even dim light can interfere with melatonin production, which can disrupt sleep patterns. While darkness is optimal for promoting sleep, a dim, warm-toned light may be useful for parents during nighttime care routines. However, reliance on night lights could lead to sleep dependencies over time, so it's best to use them sparingly and with appropriate lighting choices
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What type of night light is best for a baby's room?
The best night light for a baby's room should have a dim, warm-colored glow (amber or red tones) to minimize disruption to their sleep. Look for features like adjustable brightness, timers, and rechargeable options. Avoid blue or white lights, as these can interfere with melatonin production and sleep quality.
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At what age should I consider using a night light?
You can consider using a night light at any age, depending on your child's needs. For newborns and infants, a dim light can help parents see during night feeds or diaper changes without fully waking the baby. For toddlers and older children, night lights are helpful if they develop a fear of the dark or need to navigate the room safely.
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Does a night light help babies distinguish between day and night?
Using a night light does not directly help babies distinguish between day and night. Instead, maintaining darkness during nighttime sleep is more beneficial for developing a baby's circadian rhythm. Darkness helps promote melatonin production, which supports restorative sleep. In contrast, light, even from a night light, can stimulate a baby's brain and may disrupt their sleep patterns.
To help babies learn the difference between day and night, expose them to natural light during the day and keep the room dark at night. This contrast helps their internal clock develop and reduces "day-night confusion" commonly experienced by newborns
Finally, whether you choose to use a night light or not, Pixsee can help you keep an eye on your little one. Our industry-leading night vision technology provides crystal-clear FHD video streaming of your baby, even in complete darkness.
Visit our Pixsee Shop and Amazon online store to learn how Pixsee keeps babies safe, day and night.
