What Is The Best Night Light Color For Newborn Babies?
A nightlight is a worthwhile investment if you have a baby in the house. It can help reduce your infant’s fear of the dark and make it easier for you to move around at night without disturbing your bundle of joy.
However, if you have an infant, you may have noticed that many nightlights come in a variety of colors. Not many parents are aware of the best color night light for babies and that the wrong choice may help spell out sleep disasters for their little ones.
Knowing the best night light color for your baby can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep for them and yourself. Let’s explore what color light helps babies sleep and what colors should be avoided.
What Night Light Colors Help Babies Sleep?
Amber and red are the best color night light for newborns and babies. Due to their having a longer wavelength than other colors, they are less likely to disturb your baby’s natural sleep cycle. On the other hand, blue light has been proven to have a "hyper alert" effect. This is because when detected by the eye, it signals to the brain that it is daytime by suppressing the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep cycle. Exposure to blue light during sleeping hours will disrupt this cycle, causing your baby to stay awake longer and possibly have difficulty falling asleep.
When selecting a nightlight for your baby’s room, be sure to pick one with an amber or red bulb. This will help ensure that your baby’s circadian rhythm remains undisrupted and encourage them to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer.
When choosing a nightlight, be sure to find one that is small and unobtrusive. This will ensure that it doesn’t overwhelm your baby’s room and won’t be too bright.
Thankfully, these warm and subtle tones won’t keep your baby awake as you go about your nighttime activities in the nursery or playroom. The dim lights provide just enough illumination so that you can safely navigate around the room. It can also keep away the dark especially if your baby is afraid of the dark or has separation anxiety.
What Night Light Colors Do Not Help Babies Sleep?
While amber and red are the best night light colors for babies, white, purple, and blue should be avoided. These colors have far shorter wavelengths than amber and red, meaning they can disrupt your baby’s natural circadian rhythm much more easily.
White light is especially harsh on the eyes, making it difficult for babies to settle down and sleep. Purple light may be pretty and aesthetically pleasing, but it can also be too stimulating for your baby’s eyes.
Blue light should also be avoided, as it increases alertness and can make it hard for your little one to fall asleep. In addition to a light bulb and ambient sunlight, blue light is also emitted from digital devices such as TV, smartphone, tablet, or computer. Excessive exposure to blue light from these devices has been linked to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue and can harm your baby's sleep so should be avoided during the pre-bedtime hours.
We also recommend not using tech devices as night lights in your baby's room. In fact, there should be no TV, tablets, computers, or smartphones in the bedroom at all. Instead, use an amber or red night light that has been proven to have a calming effect and encourage better sleep.
Amber And Red Are The Best Night Light Colors For Babies
When it comes to night lights, amber and red are the best colors for newborns and babies. Not only do these two colors have longer wavelengths, which means they won’t disrupt your baby's circadian rhythm but they also boast a ton of other benefits.
Amber and red light for babies mimic the color of a twilight sky, allowing them to drift off into dreamland without any distractions. They are also known for their muscle relaxing effects, which can be especially helpful for babies who suffer from restless nights.
Also, studies show that red light can lessen sleep inertia, the grogginess you feel when you first wake up. This means that your baby can get up in the morning feeling well-rested and energized.
See Why Thousands of Busy Moms Swear by the Shusher Firefly
When it comes to your baby’s development, quality sleep is essential—and the right night light can make all the difference. The Shusher Firefly is specially designed with sleep in mind, casting a warm amber or red glow that’s gentle on baby’s eyes and won’t disrupt their natural circadian rhythm. Unlike harsh white, blue, or purple lights, Firefly creates a calming environment that promotes longer, more restful sleep.
Pair it with the original Baby Shusher, known for its rhythmic, womb-like sounds that soothe even the fussiest of babies. Together, this dynamic duo helps create the ultimate sleep sanctuary—something thousands of moms trust night after night.
With the Shusher and Firefly, your baby can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer—giving you both the rest you deserve.
