I’m a big fan of the humble light night. A few nights ago my husband was making his way from the bedroom to the bathroom and somewhere along the way he stubbed his toe in the dark. I, of course, giggled at his little mishap. Then a night or two later I did the exact same thing, but it wasn’t as funny. None of this would have happened if our night light was working.
I also like a night light because I have a little (read big) fear of the dark, even as an adult. My imagination has me seeing monsters lurking in the corners and bogeymen coming out the cupboard. For little ones who believe in fairies and dragons, monsters and aliens with three heads, it’s the perfect protection against the dark.
They’re also great for nurseries when you need just enough light to see what you’re doing, but not too much in case it wakes up baby. As kids get older and start sleeping in their own room, it gives them a sense of security and empowerment while they get used to their new sleeping arrangement. My children share a room and dim night lights work well for both of them, especially when one wants to read ‘just a few minutes more’ but the other is ready to hit the sack.
I’ve put together my absolute favorite night light options for baby, right through to your tweens and teens—because you’re never too big or cool for a night light.
Best Night Light Ideas
 | Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light | Check price at |
 | The Very Hungry Caterpillar Baby Soother and Musical Night Light | Check price at |
 | Playskool Lullaby Gloworm Toy Lowest Price | Check price at |
 | Marshall Monkey Skip Hop Zoo Take-Along Nightlight | Check price at |
 | Gummygoods Nightlight | Check price at |
 | Miffy Dimmable LED Light | Check price at |
 | Super Moon in My Room Remote Control Wall Décor Night Light with Sound | Check price at |
 | LED Cinema Lightbox with Changeable Letter Tiles | Check price at |
1. Cloud b Twilight Constellation Night Light
When my baby girl first arrived home one of the first things I bought was her very own Twilight Turtle. As a teeny tiny baby it served me well, letting me see what I was doing in dark without disturbing her sleep, and as she got older she loved watching the starry night sky, which the plush light created on the ceiling. Sometimes we would lie together and wish upon as many stars as we could before she would fall asleep and other nights we would try and identify the different constellations. Nowadays my two kiddies, seven and four, still use this night light in their room. There is a 45-minute timer that ensures complete darkness during your little one’s deep sleep, which is recommended by pediatricians.
Best for: Creating a calm atmosphere and learning the constellations.
Ages: 2 and up, although mums have used it for their babies under 11 months.
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Baby Soother and Musical Night Light
Nom nom nom! Who doesn’t love The Very Hungry Caterpillar? One of my all time favorite books, there was no way I couldn’t include this caterpillar night light. It has four different modes to choose from: two lullabies, one soothing rain sound and a light-only mode. As per paediatricians’ recommendations, this light also has a 40 to 45-minute timer which automatically switches off. What I love about it is that it runs on 3 AAA batteries and also has an AC Adapter, so you’re not frantically scratching in the dark trying to find batteries.
Best for: Calming your little one down before bedtime.
Ages: All ages.
3. Munchkin Light My Way Night Light
Who-who‘s afraid of the dark? No one with this owl-shaped portable night light. Designed with little people in mind, this is the perfect carry-around light for trips to the toilet, trips to mum and dad’s room or if they’re having a nightmare. The one-button switch means it’s easy to use. It is completely battery operated so your little one’s favorite night light can travel with on camping trips and getaways, without worrying about charging stations. Just remember to have extra 3 AAA batteries with you.
Best for: Portability and travelling.
Ages: 2+
4. Playskool Lullaby Gloworm Toy
Snuggle time is everyone’s favorite time of the day and this cute little gloworm is the perfect nighttime companion.Give him a squeeze and his face glows with a sweet lullaby. There are three different modes: short play, with soft light and one lullaby; long play with 10 minutes of light and a few lullabies and also a glow-only mode. I have no choice but to give this night light a ‘glo’ing’ review!
Best for: Developing fine motor skills and sensory development and as a sweet sleep companion.
Ages: Newborn +
5. Marshall Monkey Skip Hop Zoo Take-Along Nightlight
I love this portable night light for little boys or girls who are growing in independence and want to do things on their own. The Marshall Monkey night light is a cute and comforting companion for those solo trips to the loo or for little ones learning to fall asleep alone. The oversized handle and on/off button is perfect for small hands and easy to operate. The night light has a 30-minute auto-off, which slowly dims and is 100% battery operated so your little one’s cheerful chimp can go wherever you go; sleepovers at grandparents, camping trips or holidays.
Best for: Developing fine motor skills and independence, as well as being super cute.
Ages: 12 months +
6. Gummygoods Nightlight
The world over everyone loves gummy bears and now you can fall asleep with your very own one. Available in blue, red, clear, purple, green and pink, the iconic gummybear Gummygoods night light feels and looks like the real thing, except that it’s about 100 times bigger! Battery operated, you squeeze his belly to switch him on and off. He can be wall-mounted too, which is pretty cool. Perfect for your tween or teen and anyone in between.
Best for: Who cares. It’s a gummybear night light!
Ages: Everyone.
7. Miffy Dimmable LED Light
I love Miffy, the iconic little bunny. From the moment I met this sweet Dutch storybook character turned pop culture rabbit, created by Dick Bruna, I was in love. Not just ‘anybunny’, Miffy has been around for over 60 years, has 30 books about her adventures, her own movie and thousands of fans around the world. Sizewise the Miffy night light is 20h x 10w x 10″d and is made of heat-resistant polyethylene. It’s the perfect addition to a nursery or toddler’s room—even for older fans.
Best for: A stylish night light, heat resistant and safe.
Ages: All ages.
8. Super Moon in My Room Remote Control Wall Décor Night Light with Sound
This is the coolest out-of-this-world night light. The Super Moon in My Room has a built in electronic clock that matches the real moon outside, in 12 lunar phases with authentic moon detail. The remote controlled super moon has an auto shut-off and features very cool night time and moon landing sound effects. It’s an awesome centrepiece for any room, especially for slightly older kids.
Best for: Cool tweens and teenagers.
Ages: 6+
9. LED Cinema Lightbox with Changeable Letter Tiles
Not a conventional night light but still very cool, this cinema lightbox is inspired by the old vintage cinema signs. Create your own personal messages with the interchangeable clear plastic sliding tiles. Turn on your lightbox and the words light up. It’s perfect for use in the bedroom or if you’re looking for fun ideas for milestone announcements, photo shoots, weddings, engagements, anything really. It’s battery operated, lightweight and can be taken anywhere.
Best for: Hipsters and cool kids.
Ages: All ages
Feature image courtesy of Flickr, mripp.