Night Lights in Your Child’s Room: What to Consider
July 18, 2022
Pop quiz: On a scale from 1 to 10, how dark should your child’s room be when they sleep?
If you’ve already read my blog on the perfect sleep environment, then you know your child’s room should be completely dark to ensure their melatonin production isn’t inhibited by any lights.
But why is having a dark room so important, and are there any situations where you can have night lights on in your child’s room?
Let’s dive into that!
Why does darkness matter?
At the foundation of a perfect sleep environment for your child, you want their room to be dark. In fact, ensuring their room is dark has many benefits:
- Melatonin (the hormone that plays a big role in your child’s sleep) is produced when it’s dark. Melatonin can help your child fall asleep and stay asleep, ensuring they get the rest their bodies need.
- When your child’s body detects light, regardless of how bright, melatonin production is inhibited. Light signals to the body that it’s time to wake up, and if your child’s room has light coming through the windows or has a lamp on all night, their body is receiving the message that it’s not time to sleep. This is one of the reasons I suggest getting blackout curtains for your child’s room.
- Light can be distracting for young children. When babies wake up in the middle of the night and see light, their attention is drawn to that (and everything illuminated), rousing them further from sleep.
Not only can a dark environment help keep your child sleeping longer, but it truly impacts the quality of sleep they’re getting. Since melatonin impacts your child’s circadian rhythm (their wake-sleep cycle), optimizing their room for sleep sets the stage for healthy sleep long term.
But what about night lights?
Even with the understanding that a dark room is best for sleep, many parents may wonder if they can use a night light in their children’s room.
My answer: It really depends – there are situations where having a night light is appropriate and useful, and situations where it’s not needed.
During the 4th trimester
During the fourth trimester when you’re stumbling through the dark to feed your baby and change their diaper, having a night light can help tremendously. In this situation, you may not need to have the night light on all night, only when you’re in the room so that you can see.
However, if you can do without a night light, then there’s no need to get one!
When your child is afraid of the dark
Later in your child’s life, when they’re around 2 or 3 years old, it could be appropriate to use a night light if your child has vocalized they’re scared of the dark. You may be able to turn a night light on at the start of the bedtime routine and turn it off after your child has fallen asleep, depending on the situation.
It’s important to note that the fear of the dark doesn’t develop until your child is in their toddler years and their imagination has begun to develop. In the infant months, your child isn’t afraid of the dark. Remember, your womb was absolutely dark, and they were perfectly safe and happy there.
Chances are, if your infant seems afraid of the dark, it’s likely another issue that’s going on, and we can always set up a consultation
to figure out what it seems to be.
What kind of night light can we use?
If you know that having a night light is appropriate and would be beneficial for your child or you, there is one key fact to remember:
Opt for orange or red-toned lights.
Traditional night lights that have white or blue light are registered by your child’s body the same way that the sunlight is: “It’s time to wake up! Stop the melatonin production!”
Red or orange-toned lights don’t have that same impact on melatonin production, so they’re the best option to use.
For some families, they find that using a regular lamp and replacing the bulb with a red or orange light works sufficiently. Others will opt for a color changing nightlight that doubles as a toddler clock to communicate expectations to their child.
Which night light you use isn’t as important as the color of the light, so keep that in mind.
Remember, if there isn’t a need for a night light, then having one isn’t a necessity. Ultimately, while a night light could be helpful in some situations, ensuring your child’s room is as dark as possible will promote the best restorative sleep.
If you’re struggling with other aspects of your child’s sleep and you’re not sure what could be done to help everyone in your house get the sleep they deserve, let’s set up a free Discovery Call
today.
In just 20 minutes, you’ll be able to share all about what’s keeping you up at night, and we can get started on a path to more restful nights.
You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot of sleep to gain!
Choosing a car seat is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about giving your child the best protection on every journey . In the UAE, where we drive long distances, face busy roads, and deal with extreme heat, the right car seat matters more than ever. But with so many options, how do you know which one to choose? Here are our top 4 tips to make car seat shopping easier — and safer. 1. PRIORITIZE SEATS THAT UNDERGO THE TOUGHEST CRASH TESTING Not all car seats are created equal. Many parents think if a seat is “legal,” it must be safe — but that’s not always true. ECE R44 : The most basic standard, now phased out in Europe. ECE R129 (i-Size) : Stricter testing with better head, neck, and side-impact protection. The Swedish Plus Test : The toughest crash test in the world — and the gold standard. What makes the Swedish Plus Test so important? It’s the only test that measures neck forces on a child’s body in a crash. Seats that pass prove they can keep neck loads below dangerous limits — a key factor in preventing serious injury. Many car seats fail completely under this extreme test, which shows just how high the bar is. 👉 If a car seat has passed the Swedish Plus Test , you can be confident it offers the highest level of safety for your child. 💡 Remember: Legal does not always mean safe . Go beyond the minimum. 2. CONSIDER YOUR CHILD'S HEIGHT, WEIGHT, AND AGE — EVEN THE SMALLEST ONES Every child grows differently, and size matters when it comes to safety. Preemies and smaller babies : Standard carriers often don’t provide the right fit. They need extra support for the head, neck, and body, plus proper harness positioning. Twins or multiples : Planning seating for two (or more) at once requires careful choice so every child gets the safest setup. As children grow, their height and weight percentiles determine how long a seat will last. We recommend car seats with at least a 25kg weight limit and 125cm height limit , which allow for extended rear-facing travel . Why rear-facing ? Research shows it is up to 5 times safer than forward-facing for children up to 6–7 years old. Better crash force distribution across the strongest part of the body. Superior head and neck protection , preventing the whip-forward motion that can cause spinal injury. Cocoon-like shell protection against front and side impacts. 💡 Bonus for UAE parents: The BeSafe Go Beyond with Preemie Inlay was designed with neonatal nurses to support even the tiniest babies. It features a removable wedge for better harness fit and breathable mesh fabric — keeping your baby safe and cool in our hot weather. 3. MATCH THE CAR SEAT TO YOUR CAR AND LIFESTYLE Your car seat needs to fit not just your car — but your daily routine . Multiple cars? Choose a seat that’s easy to install/uninstall. Growing family? Invest in a seat with a long lifespan that can be passed down. Seat placement? Consider if it will go behind the passenger, in the middle, or side by side with another child seat. Bigger families? Narrow but safe seats can fit 3-across or work well in 7-seaters, without compromising protection. Example from our family setup: Mummy’s car : BeSafe Flex Fix 2 for Sofia (8y) + BeSafe Stretch for Leo (5y). Daddy’s car: Axkid One3 for Leo + BeSafe Flex Fix 2 for Sofia. The Axkid One3 was chosen because Daddy often removes the seat, and installation takes under 30 seconds . 👉 Key takeaway: The “best seat” isn’t the one your friend uses — it’s the one that fits your child, your car, and your lifestyle . 4. DON'T COMPROMISE — BUY FROM A CHILD CAR SEAT SPECIALIST Buying from a specialized retailer ensures peace of mind: They recommend a seat that fits your child, car, and routine . They install it correctly and show you how. If the seat doesn’t fit, they won’t install it — and they’ll help you find one that does. They’ll reinstall it whenever you need , for example when changing cars, at no extra cost. At Safety On Board , we offer 1-1 car seat consultation and hands-on support to make sure your child rides safely every time. FINAL THOUGHTS A car seat isn’t just another baby item — it’s life-saving equipment. Whether you’re bringing home a preemie, juggling twins, or moving a big kid into a booster, the right seat + the right suppor t makes all the difference. If you’re unsure where to start, contact us and book a consultation with us. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your child, your car, and your family. Because every child in the UAE deserves the safest ride 💛 Sophie Huang is the founder of Safety on Board , the UAE’s first child car seat specialist. She is also a mom of 2 and an internationally certified car seat expert . With a passion for keeping children as safe as possbile on UAE road, she guides parents in choosing and installing the safest car seats. Sophie believes safety can be simple, stress-free, and empowering for every parent.
There’s something magical about a beach holiday — the sound of waves, salty air, and the promise of slow days in the sun. But let’s be honest: traveling to the beach with a baby isn’t exactly a vacation unless sleep is part of the equation. Whether you're heading to a resort, renting a seaside villa, or visiting family by the coast, here’s how to set your baby up for restful sleep — so everyone gets to enjoy that ocean breeze. Step 1: Know That Sleep Needs Don’t Take a Holiday Babies are creatures of habit. Their little bodies thrive on rhythm and predictability — even on vacation. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or go with the flow! It just means that your baby’s sleep needs are still there, and the better prepared you are, the easier it will be to keep things (mostly) on track. Step 2: Your Beach Baby Sleep Packing List Here’s your ultimate baby sleep packing list for a beach trip, broken down by category: Sleep Environment Essentials : Portable travel crib or bassinet – Choose one your baby is already familiar with if possible. Fitted sheets – Bring 2-3 just in case of sand, spills or spit-up. Also bring a gently used one to remind baby of home as he/she adjusts to the new sleep environment. Portable blackout blinds – Beach homes and rentals often have light, sheer curtains. White noise machine or app – Helps block out unfamiliar sounds like waves (yes, they can be loud!) or street noise. Baby monitor (if you’ll be in a larger space or stepping outside during naps). For more on the ideal sleep environment, have a read here . Comfort + Routine : Lovey or comfort object (if age-appropriate and safe for sleep). Sleep sack – Choose a breathable, summer-weight one. Favorite bedtime book – Familiarity brings comfort. Pacifiers – Always bring extras! Nightlight – A soft, warm one if needed for feeds or changes during the night. Weather + Climate Considerations : Lightweight, breathable pajamas – Think cotton or bamboo Fan – If your rental lacks good airflow or AC Bonus Tip: Have a “Nap-on-the-Go” Kit **For beach days that cut into nap time: Clip-on stroller fan Stroller or baby carrier your baby can sleep in Portable white noise machine Extra sun hats + baby-safe sunscreen (for after 6 months old) Step 3: Keep the Routine (Even on the Coast) Try to mirror your bedtime routine as closely as you can. If you usually do bath → PJs → book → feed → sleep, stick with it — even if it’s a quick version. Babies love the predictability, and it helps signal that it’s time to wind down, even in a new environment. Also, aim for naps in a darkened room when possible, especially after a stimulating beach outing. And if one nap has to happen in the stroller under a palm tree? That’s totally okay. Just go back to the routine as soon as you can. Getting There: Travel Day Tips Time your departure around naps if possible Use familiar sleep items (like the sleep sack or pacifier) during flights or drives Offer extra feeds — travel is dehydrating, especially in hot weather Keep expectations flexible – sleep may not be perfect, and that’s fine Beach trips with a baby can be full of joyful memories and restful nights — as long as you plan for sleep. With the right gear and mindset, your little one can stay well-rested and content, giving you more time to soak up the sun (or at least drink your coffee while it’s still warm!). And remember: sleep doesn’t have to fall apart just because you’re away from home. If you ever feel stuck or unsure about how to adjust things before, during, or after a trip, I’m here to help you build a personalized plan that fits your family’s travel style. Book your discovery call here .
October is SIDS Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It’s a time to educate parents and caregivers on safe sleep practices that can reduce the risk and help protect our little ones.. At Hushabye, safety is at the heart of our brand. Our focus is on providing parents with safe and high-quality baby sleepwear, such as sleep bags, that offer a safer alternative to traditional blankets. What is a baby sleep bag? A baby sleep bag, also known as a wearable blanket or sleep sack, is a specially designed garment for infants and young children to wear during sleep. The primary purpose of a sleep bag is to keep the baby warm and comfortable, but it also serves as a safe and convenient alternative to traditional blankets and quilts in a crib or cot.