Nightlights for kids - what are the pros and cons?

The Pros

They comfort your kids

Nightlights are perfect for overcoming a fear of the dark, at least in the short term (see cons later on). They prevent kids’ imaginations from running wild while little heads rest on pillows and there are plenty of lights that block out the sound of strange bumps in the night too. If your child struggles with bedtime, a model that play soothing jingles could make all the difference.

They ‘brighten up’ the room

It takes a quick online search to see the choice available when buying a night light. Some models project colourful constellations into a room or use lampshades to cast fun silhouettes on walls and ceilings. There’s a light to suit every kid’s taste and many of them look great before they’re even switched on. The perfect nightlight could even complement or complete the theme in your child’s favourite room.

They have many uses

The latest nightlights are much more than a simple light source. Added features include clocks and gentle jingles, while more sophisticated models can measure room temperatures or double up as baby monitors. The extra features can be invaluable if your kids struggle at bedtime.

Cons

They promote fear

We’re not born with a fear of the dark. In fact, it develops with our imagination as we become toddlers. You could argue that lighting a dark room to pre-empt fear actually contributes to the feeling of dread. And relying on a light to comfort your little ones could make sleepovers in a different home trickier than they have to be.

They affect your kid’s natural body clock

If rooms are filled with blue or white light shortly before bed it can trick our brains into thinking we should be awake. This effect on our circadian rhythm, or natural body clock, can prevent your children from falling asleep at an age when they need it most. If your kids insist on brightening up the room, try looking for lamp that uses red light instead.

They can be expensive

Looking after a newborn doesn’t come cheap, and a nightlight could be one more item to scrap from your shopping list to make much-needed savings. There’s not just the upfront cost to consider but the electricity bills or price of batteries if they’re needed too. Eco-conscious parents might want to pass on making a purchase to avoid using unnecessary electricity.