Will A Baby Night Light Help My Newborn Sleep?

Will a baby night light help my newborn sleep? This is a question we usually hear whenever I come across the parents of a newborn.

With a new baby comes many sleepless nights, and you might be wondering if the answer to your prayers is a night light. A lot of parents think that it can help their newborn sleep better or at least make them feel more secure.

However, a baby will see the world in very different ways than an adult would, so it is important to understand what can be expected when buying one. 

This article will go over all the things you need to know before purchasing a nightlight for your little one!

Does My Baby Need Night Light for Sleeping?

The quick answer is: no, not necessarily. Nightlights are often marketed as a way to help babies sleep better, but there is no concrete evidence that they work. In fact, one study found that night lights might actually have the opposite effect and keep babies up longer!

However, some parents find that their baby sleeps more soundly with a nightlight on, and some babies even prefer sleeping in total darkness. If the light switches on and off on its own (for example, when it detects daylight or movement), this might be doubly distracting for your youngster.

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In spite of this, a night light isn’t that bad. It serves many different purposes. Let’s see how a night light can be useful for your new baby.

The Benefits of Using a Night Light for Newborns?

There are a few potential benefits to using a night light for your newborn.

Feeling of Security

Nightlights can help babies feel more secure, as they provide a sense of familiarity in an unfamiliar environment. They can also be comforting for older siblings who are transitioning to becoming a big brother or sister.

Sound Sleep

Some parents find that their baby sleeps more soundly with a nightlight on, and some babies even prefer sleeping in total darkness.

Plus, many night lights come with a built-in timer that turns the light off after a set period of time, which is an excellent feature if you want your newborn to learn how long they can expect it to be on. For example, a night light might be on for 30 minutes and then automatically turn off.

Easy Monitoring

Nightlights can also help you keep an eye on your baby during the night without having to turn on a bright light, which could startle them awake.

Moreover, a baby’s eyesight is not fully developed until about six months of age, so the dim light from a night light might be just enough to keep them comfortable without being too bright for their sensitive little eyes! Babies are also very curious, and they like to explore. 

A nightlight can help them navigate their new surroundings since they will be able to see where the walls are!

Soothing

Nightlights can help soothe babies who are afraid of the dark, and they can provide a sense of security in unfamiliar surroundings. Some night lights come with different features like music or natural sounds that can soothe your baby to sleep, especially if they are having trouble.

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For premature or low-birthweight babies, nightlights may help maintain a normal sleep-wake cycle. Some parents find that their infant sleeps better with a nightlight on, and some babies actually prefer sleeping in total darkness.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Using a Night Light for Newborns?

Sleep Interruptions

There is some concern that using a night light could interrupt sleep patterns in young babies who need darkness at night (instead of light) to help them sleep. Nightlights might also keep babies up longer if they are too bright or if they switch on and off frequently.

Some experts also worry that night lights might desensitize babies to the dark, which could lead to them having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep when they are older.

Distractions

Another disadvantage is that night lights can be a distraction when parents are trying to get their baby to fall asleep. If the light is constantly turning on and off, it can be hard for a baby to relax and fall asleep.

Finally, it’s important to remember that every baby is different. Some babies might not be bothered by a night light at all, while others might find it very disruptive. Parents should experiment with different types of night lights to see what works best for their babies.

So, will a baby night light help my newborn sleep? The answer is…it depends! 

Every baby is different, so parents should experiment to see what type of night light works best for their child.

What to Consider While Using a Night Light?

Night lights can be a great way to make sure your baby is safe and sound when they’re sleeping. You can use night lights in the playroom, for changing diapers, or even while you’re out of the room for a few minutes at home.

But, how do you use a night light safely and effectively? What kind of night light is best for your baby or toddler? Here’s what you need to know about using night lights:

Select the Right Light for Your Baby

Choose the right type of night light. There are three types of night lights: plug-in, battery-operated, and LED. Plug-in night lights are plugged into an outlet in the wall and are the most common type of night light. 

Battery-operated night lights use batteries to power them and can be taken with you when you leave the room. LED nightlights last the longest and use less energy than other types of night lights.

Location Matters a Lot!

Place the night light in a safe place. Make sure to place the night light where your child can’t reach it. Place the night light on a shelf or dresser where your child can’t climb up and grab it. Also, make sure that you do not place the night light near curtains since they could catch fire if left too close to them.

Don’t use night lights too close to the crib. Instead, place the night light far away from their bed so that they can fall asleep without seeing it and won’t be woken up by bright light shining in their face.

It is always a good idea to use a night light in the room where your baby sleeps. Don’t put it too far away, or you could risk waking up when they hear noises and think there’s danger near them.

Prefer Soft Lights

Use soft lighting at bedtime and naptime. Soft lighting is easier for young children to adjust to and can help them relax. In addition, you don’t want a bright light shining in your child’s face when they’re trying to go to sleep.

Also, turn off the night light before bedtime. Once your child is asleep, it’s time to turn off the night light. A brightly lit room can disrupt their sleep and make it harder to fall asleep.

Read Instructions Carefully

Make sure to read all instructions before using night lights. For example, some nightlights come with age recommendations, while others may need to be placed a certain distance away from furniture or walls so that there is enough room for your child to walk around.

Moreover, do not shine the night light in your child’s eyes. Using a night light that shines directly into their face can be uncomfortable and make it harder for them to sleep at bedtime or naptime.