By Angelica Videla — Certified Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant, London | Supporting families across the UK, Europe, US, and Australia
Quick Answer
The best night lights for baby sleep use warm red or amber tones — these are the only colours that do not suppress melatonin. White, blue, and green light all interfere with sleep hormone production. For night feeds, a dim red night light allows you to see without fully waking your baby. For toddlers, an amber night light can address fear of the dark without disrupting sleep quality.
Why light colour matters for baby sleep
Light affects sleep through its impact on melatonin — the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Blue and white light wavelengths suppress melatonin production most effectively. This is why screen exposure before bed disrupts sleep — screens emit significant blue light.
Red and amber light wavelengths have the least impact on melatonin. A warm red or amber night light allows enough visibility for night feeds and nappy changes without triggering the melatonin suppression that makes it harder for your baby to fall back asleep.
This is not marketing — it is well-established sleep science. The colour of light in your baby’s room matters.
Best night lights for babies (0 to 12 months)
Hatch Rest (red/amber setting)
The Hatch Rest allows precise colour and brightness control through the app. Set to a dim red or amber tone, it provides enough light for night feeds without disrupting melatonin. Also functions as a white noise machine and toddler clock. The best all-in-one option.
Tommee Tippee Groegg2 (night light mode)
Functions as both a nursery thermometer and a subtle amber night light. The light is very dim — enough to see the room but not bright enough to affect sleep. Practical for families who want a thermometer and night light in one device.
VAVA Night Light
A simple, portable, rechargeable night light with adjustable brightness and warm tone options. Touch-activated with a child-safe design. The warm white setting is not ideal — the warmer amber tones are better for sleep.
Best night lights for toddlers (12 months to 3 years)
Hatch Rest (toddler clock mode)
Programmes different colours for sleep time and wake time. Set red for sleep and green for morning. Gives your toddler a concrete visual cue for when it is okay to get up. The most effective toddler clock and night light combination.
Gro Clock
The classic toddler clock. Shows a star for sleep time and a sun for wake time. The screen dims to a very low level during sleep. Works well for toddlers who need a clear visual rule for staying in bed. The light emission is minimal in night mode.
Lumie Bedbug
A sunset simulation light that gradually dims from warm amber to off over a programmable period. This can help toddlers who resist bedtime by providing a gentle visual wind-down cue.
Night lights to avoid
- Any night light with blue, green, or bright white light — these suppress melatonin
- Projector night lights that display moving images on the ceiling — these stimulate rather than calm
- Night lights that are too bright — if it casts shadows, it is too bright
- Musical night lights that play for a set time and then stop — the silence when they stop can trigger waking
- Night lights with automatic colour-changing features — changing light disrupts the visual consistency that supports sleep
Do babies actually need a night light?
Babies under 12 months do not need a night light for their own benefit. Total darkness is ideal for baby sleep. A night light is useful for the parent — to navigate the room during night feeds and nappy changes without turning on a main light.
Toddlers from around 18 months to 2 years may genuinely benefit from a dim amber night light if they develop fear of the dark, which is a normal developmental phase.
For more on toddler bedtime challenges: toddler separation anxiety at bedtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour night light is best for baby sleep?
Red or amber. These are the only colours that do not suppress melatonin. Avoid blue, green, and bright white.
Should I use a night light for my baby?
Babies under 12 months sleep best in total darkness. Use a dim red night light only for night feeds and nappy changes. Toddlers may benefit from a dim amber light if they develop fear of the dark.
Do night lights affect baby sleep?
White, blue, and green night lights suppress melatonin and can disrupt sleep. Red and amber night lights have minimal impact on sleep hormones.
What is the best toddler night light?
The Hatch Rest in toddler clock mode combines a night light with a visual sleep and wake cue. The Gro Clock is a simpler and cheaper alternative.
Can a night light help with fear of the dark?
Yes — a dim amber night light can provide reassurance for toddlers who develop fear of the dark from around 18 months to 2 years.