Doodlebark
A night light seems like a simple thing, but the right one can make bedtime a lot easier, especially for kids who are starting to notice the dark. Here’s what to look for and how to use one well.
Warm colors over bright white or blue
Look for a night light with a warm glow, like soft orange, amber or red. Bright white and blue light can feel more like daytime. A warm, dim light is enough for a child to see their room without lighting it up.
Dim is better
A night light is there so the room isn’t pitch black, not so kids can read. Pick one you can dim, and start low. If your child wants it brighter, you can always turn it up a little.
Features worth having
- A timer. Some lights fade out after 30 or 60 minutes, once your child is asleep.
- Cool to the touch. LED lights stay cool, which matters in a kid’s room.
- Kid-friendly controls. A tap light or a big button lets kids turn it on themselves if they wake up.
- A portable option. A small rechargeable light can go to the bathroom at night, or on a sleepover.
- Sleep and wake colors. Some lights change color in the morning so kids know when it’s okay to get up. These can help early risers.
Fun shapes help scared kids
A night light shaped like a moon, a star or a favorite animal can feel like a buddy instead of just a lamp. Let your child pick it out if you can. Kids feel braver with something they chose.
Tips for kids who are scared of the dark
- Take their fear seriously. Saying “there’s nothing to be scared of” doesn’t make the feeling go away. Try “I hear you. Let’s figure it out together.”
- Do a room check together. Turn the big light off and look at the room with the night light on. That shape in the corner? It’s just the chair.
- Give them a job. Some kids feel braver when they’re in charge of a flashlight or of turning the night light on.
- Keep the routine the same. Same steps, same order, every night. Predictable feels safe.
- Read about it. Stories about being brave in the dark help kids practice the feeling in a safe way.
In our story Penny Is Not Scared of the Dark, Penny learns that the scary shadow in her room is just her own toy box. It comes with a printable brave nights chart.
If your child’s fears seem to be getting bigger instead of smaller, or they’re not sleeping for weeks at a time, it’s worth bringing up with your pediatrician.
Questions parents ask
What color night light is best for kids?
A warm, dim color like orange, amber or red is a good choice. Bright white or blue light can feel more like daytime.
Should a night light stay on all night?
It’s up to your family. Some kids like it on all night, while others do fine with one that fades out on a timer once they’re asleep.
Do night lights help kids who are scared of the dark?
They often do, especially if your child helps pick it out. A fun shape like a moon or a star can feel like a little buddy.