If you’ve ever sat rocking your toddler to sleep in the dark or fumbled through a dimly lit diaper change, you know how useful it is to have a good night light. But the best night lights are more than just a small light, they’re equipped with helpful features like adjustable dimness, white noise and even wake-up functions. For instance, we love the Hatch Rest: It emits a gentle but powerful light, has soothing bedtime sounds and a whole host of programmable features. The portable and mom-approved Munchkin Light My Way night light is our top pick for bigger kids, particularly those who want the freedom to turn it off and on themselves.
From soothing kids to illuminating dark hallways, the best night lights can help with everyone's ... [+] nighttime routines.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
“Using a night light for you baby or toddler can be an essential ingredient in establishing and maintaining consistent nighttime sleep,” says Ann Marks, sleep consultant and founder of Full Feedings. In addition to being comfort objects for kids, night lights are beneficial for parents. “It can also help navigate any middle of the night care without further stimulating or fully waking your baby up,” Marks says. That said—and based on our extensive research and personal experience as parents—we gathered the best night lights to help restore order to your family’s sleep routine, whether you have a baby, toddler or big kid.
Some say the Hatch 1st Generation (not Wi-Fi connected) was more foolproof
There’s a reason this is the top favorite among parents interviewed for this story (co-author Lex Goodman included). In addition to providing a soothing glow in a rainbow of colors, The Hatch Rest is also a sound machine, an okay-to-wake sleep trainer and an audio monitor, eliminating the need for extra gear in the nursery. It’s all easy to control via an app or manual touch controls. You can activate features on a schedule to create a routine and choose to plug it in or use it untethered and on the go. There’s also a toddler lock option so curious little hands can’t mess with the manual settings.
If you choose to purchase a Hatch+ subscription, you can also enjoy features such as expert-curated sleep stories and modern lullabies. If you want a version that uses a rechargeable battery and doesn’t need to be plugged in at all times, consider upgrading to the Rest+ 2nd Gen.
What the parents say: “I love the Hatch light,” mom Lauren Kauffman says. “It offers a dim light (of any color) as well as various sounds, and I can control everything from my phone. I give it a 10 out of 10.”
Best Night Light For Kids
Cute And Easy For Kids To Use Independently
Amazon
Munchkin Light My Way Nightlight
Dimmable: No | Power source: 3 AAA batteries |Extra features: Kid-sized carry handle, auto-shutoff timer, soft LED light
Pros:
Easy for kids to turn on/off and operate
Auto-shutoff feature saves battery life
LED light helps keep it cool to the touch
Cons:
20-minute runtime may be too short for some kids
Not only is this cute little owl night light a great price at less than $20, but it’s also a wonderful option for kids who’ve worked hard to develop some autonomy, because they can independently turn it on and off. It also has an easy-to-use handle so your child can take it to the restroom for middle of the night potty trips.
Keep in mind that this portable little light shuts off automatically after 20 minutes. It also requires batteries to run, though parent testers told us the batteries seem to last for quite some time, perhaps because of the auto-shutoff.
What the parents say: One mom tells us that her daughter turns this light on by herself when she wakes up early and reads books in bed. Rose Gordon Sala, Forbes Vetted deputy editor, shares that her kids use this nightlight more for playtime, given its limited runtime. That said, they can easily use it themselves.
Best Night Light For Nurseries
Easily Portable With A Long-Lasting Battery
VAVA
Vava Baby Night Light
Dimmable: Yes | Power source: Rechargeable battery |Extra features: Tap on, toggle to warm hue, 8 light colors, 1-hour timer
Pros:
Portable and lightweight enough for kids to use
100-hour battery life
Settings can be adjusted easily with a tap
Cons:
It flashes a bright blue light during standby mode that can be disruptive
The Vava night light brings some ease to a not-so-easy portion of parenthood. Ideal for newborns, infants and babies, this portable night light provides eight color options and 100 hours of long-lasting battery life to make night wakings so much easier. The Vava also includes a one-hour timer so you don’t have to worry about leaving it on and draining the battery if you fall asleep.
What the parents say: “I used to tap this little egg night light on with a toe or an elbow as I raced in to feed my babies in the middle of the night,” shares Sala. “I love the warm light option, too—it’s bright enough for nursing and a diaper change but wouldn’t wake the baby too much. It has continued working well as the kids have gotten older, but still want a little night light to chase away bad dreams.” Goodman says, “I vividly remember this light being a huge help during the early days with my son when he slept in a bassinet next to the bed but would feed and have his diaper changed in another room.”
Best Night Light For Toddlers
A 'Clock' With A Smiling Face And Colorful Light To Keep Them In Bed
Amazon
LittleHippo Mella OK to Wake Alarm Clock
Dimmable: No | Power source: Plug-in | Extra features: Backup battery for power outages, sound machine, ready-to-rise clock, timer, child lock
Pros:
Durable and comes with a one-year warranty
“Face” on the clock is kid-friendly and helpful for sleep training
Comes with an optional pre-wake light
Cons:
Brightness and volume levels are pre-set
Can be tricky resetting the clock
Many parents swear by ready-to-rise (or okay-to-wake) clocks for toddlers. They help some toddlers understand when it’s okay to get out of bed with the help of a big smiling visual, including a dim glow of red, green or yellow light. While this clock also serves as a standard night light during bedtime hours, it’s most helpful in aiding with impulse control, especially as your little one transitions from a crib to a toddler bed.
You set the time, and the clock glows to indicate that it’s alright for your tyke to get out of bed. The one downside is that you have to rely on the four pre-set brightness and volume levels instead of being able to adjust them yourself.
What the parents say: “All three of my kids have used this toddler clock as I tried to keep them in bed a bit longer,” says Sala. “It’s lasted us nearly a decade now and is currently sitting on my preschooler’s bedside. The night light gives off a just-right dim glow that you can also face away from them to make it darker if you like. I can’t promise your tot will follow the ‘okay to wake’ settings, but it has worked for us to get them back on track, and I like that it introduces the concept of time in a friendly way, too. I do find it a pain to reset the clock and the alarm settings.”
If the Hatch isn’t in your budget but you’re a fan of the aesthetic, you’re in luck. The G Keni has a similar shape and portability with a much smaller price tag, making it our best value night light pick. This baby-friendly night light has touch activation, a dimmable light, a brightness memory setting and a hanging hook tucked into the base. Plus, it’s easily rechargeable and can glow for up to 50 hours (depending on the brightness level) when fully charged.
Looks aside, it’s worth noting that unlike the Hatch, the G Keni does not have a built-in sound machine, multicolored light options or smart features. However, its rechargeable design is great for parents who want to avoid cords, and at around $20, you can snag a few for multiple rooms.
Best Sound Machine And Night Light Combo
Three Handy Devices In One
Amazon
Fridababy 3-In-1 Sound Machine, Air Purifier And Night Light
Dimmable: Yes |Power source: Plug-in |Extra features: White noise, HEPA-grade air purifier, four light hues, auto-shutoff timer, three fan speeds
Pros:
Three-in-one gadget clears up space
HEPA filter can rid the air of up to 99% of air pollutants
Attractive modern design
Cons:
Not rechargeable
Only two sound options
While several products on this list include a sound machine and night light, this option from Fridababy includes the addition of a HEPA-grade air purifier, a major plus when thinking about setting up your nursery. The combination of three products in one frees up space in your child’s room and means fewer items to purchase, too. The night light on this gadget includes four light hues. There are also two white noise options, three air purifier fan speeds and an auto-shutoff timer with options of two, four or eight hours.
What the parents say: “I used this nifty night light, sound machine and air purifier combo while out of town one weekend and was very pleasantly surprised,” Goodman says. “The one downside that I, and most reviewers, point out is that it isn’t portable or rechargeable, which isn’t a deal-breaker but would make it even more convenient.”
Best Character Night Light
This Silicone Option Comes In Several Huggable Characters
Amazon
LumiPets Junior Nursery Touch Night Light
Dimmable: Yes |Power source: Rechargeable battery |Extra features: Remote control, nine color options, timer
Pros:
Many character options
Touch control is easy to use
Silicone material is soft to the touch and easy to clean
Cons:
Some reviewers question its durability
These adorable night lights are a hit with kids. They’re available in a wide array of popular animals and characters (think: dinosaurs, unicorns, astronauts and bunny rabbits) so no matter what your child is interested in, they can be able to pick something that fits their taste. The exterior of the light is made from high-quality silicone so it’s soft to the touch. It’s also portable and rechargeable, making it great for travel or sleepovers at Grandma’s house. Each LumiPet night light offers a rainbow of nine changing colors and is just over 5 inches tall.
Best Motion Sensor Night Light
A Subtle Plug-In Pick That Gradually Brightens With Motion
Amazon
Casper Sleep Glow Night Light (2-Pack)
Dimmable: Yes (motion-activated) |Power source: Plug-in |Extra features: Motion sensor technology, backlit design, Night Owl and Sleep modes
Pros:
Comes with two lights to put in multiple rooms of your home
Backlit design is very easy on the eyes
Motion detection gradually increases glow so eyes can easily adjust
Cons:
Only turns off when it is unplugged or when a bright light is turned on
For an option that works equally well in your kid’s room as it does in the bathroom, hallway and guest room, sleep brand Casper delivers with this clever night light. It features a unique backlit design (in the default Sleep mode) so that the soft, indirect glow won’t keep you or your tyke up at night.
When you set it to Night Owl mode, the gadget gradually brightens just enough when it senses nearby movement, but not so much that you wake Baby while you’re changing a diaper. Two modes makes this night light quite versatile: Keep one in the calming glow of Sleep mode in the bedroom, and put another in Night Owl mode in the hallway or bathroom so it brightens whenever someone is navigating in the dark.
Best Smart Night Light
A Smart, Versatile Option That Helps Kids Sleep—And Much More
Amazon
Echo Glow
Dimmable: Yes |Power source: Plug-in |Extra features: Alexa-compatible, rainbow countdown timer, wake-up setting, routine-setting feature, dozens of color options
Pros:
Many commands are easy for kids to learn
Can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times
Budget-friendly
Cons:
Must be plugged in to function (no batteries)
Does not work with other voice assistants
If you live in an Echo-equipped home, the Echo Glow offers many uses beyond just being a night light. Compatible with all Alexa-enabled devices like the Echo Dot and Echo Dot Kids, you can choose to adjust the smart lamp’s color and brightness using either voice control or with a tap. It also has a useful and fun color-changing Rainbow Timer that provides a visual countdown to help kids with various activities, like their bedtime routine, getting ready in the morning or putting toys away. It also has a wake-up setting that gradually increases the night light’s brightness to help kids ease into waking up.
Not only is the smart light extremely useful for adults (you can pre-set countless rules and color and brightness combinations, and its versatility is helpful with nighttime activities like diaper changes and feedings), but older kids will also have a blast asking the Glow to match colors with their outfit that day or turn on their favorite color pattern to match their mood (pre-loaded ones include Disco, Valentines and Campfire).
Author Lex Goodman is a mom and parenting writer, and she has used several of the night lights recommended in this guide. Co-author Alicia Betz is a mom to three, parenting writer and product tester. She has also used some of the night lights in this guide with her kids.
Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala is a mom to three and has covered parenting for about 10 years. She has also used several of the night lights we recommend, and approved all of our picks.
To help us learn more about how to use and pick night lights, we interviewed Ann Marks, a sleep consultant and founder of Full Feedings.
Our editorial team regularly updates our recommendation lists, making sure that the picks above are still in stock, accurately described and—in our opinion—the best of the best. This article was last updated in June 2024 by Betz.
How We Chose The Best Night Lights For Kids
To choose the best night lights, we tapped into our own experience as well as the experience of other moms and experts.
As mothers themselves, Goodman and Betz, co-authors of this story, have tried a number of these night lights firsthand.
We gathered insights from other parents, including Sala, who previously served as Forbes Vetted’s baby and kids gear editor.
For each night light on this list, we thoroughly researched features and compared specs. We also browsed customer reviews. All of our picks have an average star rating of over 4 out of 5 stars or higher.
From feature-heavy options like the plug-in Hatch Rest to simple, portable options like the Munchkin Light My Way, we made sure to cover options for different nursery needs, age ranges and budgets.
What To Consider When Buying A Night Light
When shopping for a night light for your child, consider some of the following factors.
Brightness And Color
Some night lights only have one brightness level while others allow you to adjust the level from barely perceptible to pretty bright. In most cases, it’s nice to be able to adjust the brightness, which gives the night light more versatility.
Some night lights also allow you to change the color of the light, which is a nice feature for babies and a fun and exciting feature for toddlers and older kids.
Run Time
Consider whether you want a night light that can stay on all night or that shuts off automatically after a set period of time. If you don’t want your child sleeping with a night light that’s turned on all night, or if you’re going to use it during nighttime feeding sessions and don’t want to have to worry about turning it off, a night light with an automatic shutoff might be for you. However, if your child will get upset or scared if they wake up in a dark room, then you’ll want one that can stay on all night.
Safety
Particularly for babies and toddlers, safety is a major concern. You’ll want a night light that doesn’t get too hot, doesn’t have small parts, and doesn’t have any glass or other material that could break easily. If the night light runs on batteries, make sure the battery case is secure with screws.
Additional Features
Other features can be fun for your kids and may make nights easier for you. Some night lights are also sound machines, and some include smart features like app control, okay-to-wake settings, gradual brightening and more.
Portability
Some night lights need to be plugged in while others can run on batteries. For people who need a night light in more than one room or who might need to move it around the room for diaper changes and feeding might prefer a battery-operated night light.
Are Night Lights Safe For Kids?
Adding a night light to your child’s room is a safe way to create a more comfortable sleep environment, as long as it checks a few boxes. You’ll want to make sure the design is kid-friendly and age-appropriate (in other words, that it doesn’t get hot or have small parts that could pose a choking hazard) and that it’s placed in a safe spot. Marks notes, “When utilizing a night light, make sure its placement in the room is not too close to baby’s crib.” For corded options, you’ll want to make sure the cord is well out of reach, too.
Do Kids Sleep Better With A Night Light?
Simply put: Some do, some don’t. Like many aspects of parenting, this depends on their temperament. Trial and error will show you if your kid likes a lighter sleep environment or if they thrive more in a pitch-black room.
“If you find that your baby prefers to sleep without a night light, as some do, I would still recommend keeping one in the room,” Marks shares. “That way you can turn it on if you need to see where you’re going in the night to provide care and comfort.”
She adds another tip: “If possible, find a dimmable night light so you have options for brightness to accommodate your baby’s preference.” Almost all of our top picks (except for two) are dimmable, including the Hatch Rest, our best overall pick.
What Is The Best Color Night Light For Sleeping?
This ultimately is up to parent and kid preference but some research shows that red light is most optimal for prime sleeping conditions. “I highly recommend a red light night light, as they are known to help our bodies produce melatonin naturally, which helps promote better sleep,” Marks points out.
