In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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We tested night lights from Hatch, LumiPets, Casper, Skip Hop, and more to find the very best available
Our review includes a variety of night light styles from high-tech to projection. There is sure to be a night light here that will meet you and your baby's needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Research Analyst ⋅ Aug 14, 2024
The Best Night Lights
Need a night light? We've done the legwork for you! We researched, purchased, and tested today's 10 top night lights. Each contender went through side-by-side comparisons and hands-on testing to evaluate various factors, such as ease of use, range of brightness, durability, and more. Whether you're looking for a gentle glow for late-night feeds or something to calm your child's fear of the dark, our lineup of night lights might have what you need.
Elevate your child's nighttime routine with a top-ranked sound machine. Many contenders offer nature sounds, white noise, rain, and lullabies. Pair it with one of the best baby monitors to stay connected to all the nursery action. And don't forget, a favorite kids book can be a comforting addition to bedtime routines.
Editor's Note: After adding three new contenders to the night light competition, we updated this review on August 14, 2024.
While this contender doesn't offer fancy features, the G Keni Nursery Night Light for Baby delivers reliable performance and adequate illumination. After a full charge, this night light, with its built-in rechargeable battery, lets you roam freely and skip the hassle of replacing batteries. Plus, it boasts an impressive battery life. Although the user manual states the battery working time is 12-15 hours after fully charged, ours continued to work for several days. Operating the touch-sensitive interface is a breeze, and since it only requires one hand, it's a total game-changer when you're juggling a baby. A simple tap turns the light on or off, while a longer hold adjusts the brightness levels. The brightness settings are just right for most needs and can light up a larger room, making late-night feedings or diaper changes a whole lot easier. We also appreciate the dim setting, which gives off a soothing, comforting glow. As one tester noted, “The dim light is perfect for those middle-of-the-night moments when you don't want to be jolted by bright lights.”
There are no major flaws with the G Keni, but here are some observations from our testing. It offers a basic design, especially when compared to the Hatch Rest, which delivers a high-tech experience. The smooth plastic exterior can feel a bit slick to carry, but it's not a big deal. The brighter setting has a white light that lacks some contenders' warm, soft glow. The metal bar on the underside is designed for hanging, but it's unlikely to be a benefit for most parents unless you're camping. Overall, there's not much to gripe about. It's practical, affordable, and does what you need it to do without any fuss. Honestly, what more do you need? We'd happily recommend this product to a friend.
Experience effortless operation with the G Keni, where simplicity meets functionality. Just what you need, nothing more.
The LumiPets Bear is a perfect buddy for any child with eye-catching, bear-shape cuteness. The soft, squishy, non-toxic silicone material (free of BPA, latex, lead, and phthalate) is an adorable cuddle companion kids can hold. It is rechargeable, portable, and includes a micro USB cord. The Lumi is operated by tapping it to select one of nine colors or flowing through the color spectrum. Alternatively, you can use the remote control to choose the same color options, adjust the brightness, and set the sleep timer to 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The remote control is easy to use and exciting for children. Also, the LumiPets is dishwasher safe (what?!), a rare perk we appreciate in just about all baby gear.
The LumiPets has a few shortcomings. One tester noted, "The charging cord is short and limits where you can use it.'' Also, the remote only works if you first press the power button on the LumiPets. So, if the remote is misplaced, you lose access to features like adjusting brightness or setting a sleep timer. We feel this flaw defeats the remote's purpose, especially if you need to walk across the room to press the button. Users also mention that the battery life is great. If you leave the LumiPets on overnight, you'll need to recharge it before using it again. If you're looking for something cute but with more pizzazz, the Cloud B Twilight Turtle has a ceiling star projection that can be entertaining. However, the LumiPets is a straight-up kid magnet. We think this adorable light with multiple colors and remote operation will provide bedtime happiness.
The LumiPets Bear includes a remote control and offers a variety of fun colors.
The Hatch Baby Rest Night Light Gen 2 outshines most of the competition, packing a night light, sound machine, and time-to-rise tool into one sleek device. We were impressed by how customizable it is, along with its top-notch light and sound quality. Its standout features and performance earn it high marks. While basic functions can be managed through the touch control ring and buttons on the device, the Hatch Sleep app is essential for unlocking the full potential of this device. Through the app, you can choose your preferred color, sound, and brightness level and set the run time and length of operation. The device also features a dimmable clock display and a toddler lock option, which helps prevent curious little hands from accidentally disrupting a running program.
This glorified night light comes with its share of drawbacks. It has a steep learning curve, particularly for those who aren't tech-savvy. As one tester stated, “Even after reviewing the user manual and Hatch website, I find myself unsure about some features and how to use them. It definitely requires a lot of practice to get the hang of it.” For parents seeking a simple bedside companion, this device might feel like overkill. If you're after something more straightforward, consider the G Keni Nursery Night Light. The Hatch Rest requires you to use the app to turn off the clock display, which can be inconvenient as it means picking up your phone. The device also depends on WiFi for full functionality and lacks a battery backup for power outages. Accessing an expanded library of light options, songs, and lullabies is gated behind a paid membership. While some people might not mind paying for the membership subscription for extra features, others would rather avoid it. First, it adds an extra cost to the device purchase. Second, as you explore the app, you'll be reminded of the additional features available only with the membership, which can be annoying if you're not interested in paying more. Even though the device works well without the membership subscription, we consider the upsell off-putting. Nonetheless, if you're a tech-savvy parent and prefer an all-in-one device over juggling multiple gadgets, the Hatch might be a great fit for you. It's a sleek device that will look good in any nursery.
Tap the top of the Hatch to cycle through programs — each displayed for convenience.
If you're hitting the road and need a dual-purpose product (a night light and sound machine), the VTech Myla The Monkey might be a good choice. This adorable monkey does it all, plus the travel-friendly size makes it a must-have when you are away from home. The monkey's cheeks let out gentle light, providing a familiar glow to help soothe your child's fears of the dark while falling asleep away from home. Plus, it can work in various locations, thanks to the monkey's stretchable tail that can hook around a stroller handle, doorknob, or baby's car seat. As one tester noted, “It is truly a cute pal you'd love to have to tag along.” Customize the light's brightness with a button on the monkey's tummy, and it plays lullabies and white noise. You can also control the volume and an auto-timer (60 minutes) or choose to have it play on until it drains the rechargeable battery. We do appreciate not having to worry about ordering and storing alkaline batteries.
If you're charging the monkey while in use, keep in mind that the rechargeable cord is short, so this will limit where you can use it. Also, the Myla does not come with a wall plug. Therefore, you'll need to sacrifice a plug adapter or modern USB plug or purchase one for the monkey. If you want something with a little more bells and whistles, then the Hatch Rest has white noise, lullabies, nightlight, and time-to-wake features that can take your darkness illumination to a whole 'nother level. Despite some minor drawbacks, the Myla works well as a dual-purpose, travel-friendly product.
Myla, the V-Tech device, is a portable night light and sound machine with lullabies, nature sounds, and a sleep timer.
The Cloud B Twilight Turtle is an entertaining night light that projects eight major constellations onto the walls and ceiling in various colors, such as green, blue, and amber, or choose to have it flow through all. It's built to last; ours has held up through the years, even through the rough-housing of toddlers and kids. It will automatically shut off after 45 minutes, preserving the battery, and it's portable, so you can take the astral projections anywhere. Whether you use it to entertain your baby during tummy time, soothe your child at bedtime, or add it to your child's play, we think this contender will be a family favorite and provide years of enjoyment.
We don't view this lovable product as a main night light because it lacks some features many parents look for. However, it's a fun and entertaining addition. As one tester noted, “It's perfect for making bedtime a little more special.” If you want something for all-night illumination, check out the G Keni. Or, if you want something that lights up but doesn't project and is still adorable, then the LumiPet Bear should make your shortlist. Nonetheless, the Cloud B Twilight Turtle is perfect for families who want a kid-friendly, adorable creature with an impressive projection that will leave kids of all ages oohing and aahing. It may make the darkness seem less frightening.
We consider the Twilight Turtle a family favorite, providing lots of entertainment with its projection of constellations onto the ceiling and walls.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Compare Products
Each contender brings its unique glow and features to the review.
Credit: Molly Bradac
How We Test Night Lights
We researched and purchased top night lights for quality, popularity, and applicability for nursery use. We tested the night lights side-by-side for considerations like quality, ease of use, features for little ones, durability, brightness range, and usefulness in the nursery or to help little ones relax or sleep. We consider your different needs for a nightlight, from illuminating a pathway to a soft glow for little ones' comfort while sleeping. We also took into consideration how toddlers and older babies felt about baby-centric nightlights and the features they have for little ones.
Why Trust GearLab
Led by a pediatrician and mother of two children, BabyGearLab has tested baby-related products over the past decade, developing unique testing procedures and gaining expertise to rate and rank products. Directing our night light review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor, as well as Nanny and Newborn Care Specialist with over 15 years of experience. Molly has worked with dozens of families, and her skills include sleep training, establishing sleep routines, and providing overnight care for newborns. Molly's experiences and knowledge render expert recommendations for you and your family. Also contributing to our review are little testers who play an essential role in our testing, allowing our experts further to assess usability and durability from a child's perspective.
Not all night lights offer the same range of brightness; choose one that best meets your specific needs.
Credit: Molly Bradac
How to Pick the Best Nightlight
Choosing a nightlight can be fun and provide much-needed light for different activities. Considering why you want a light and how you will use it is the key to being happy with your final purchase.
Why do you need one?
The first thing to consider is why you need an alternate light source. If you are buying one to give your baby comfort, then your choice might be more baby-centric or adorable than utilitarian. If you are looking to light a pathway to the nursery or kitchen to get feeding supplies in the middle of the night, then a cute ceiling projector is likely not going to meet your needs. If you are unsure or need something to do multiple duties, the night lights often have prices that mean you can buy more than one to meet your needs.
The Smart Chick has silicone material on top with plastic on the bottom.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Other Features
While you might be choosing this kind of product for the light, many have other features, and you should consider if those features matter to you. If you have the choice between two similar products but one offers more, then it can help you determine which will suit your needs best. For example, some lights have sounds, while others offer motion detection or turn on automatically when the room gets dark.
The Vont Lyra LED Night Light is a wall plug-in light and will automatically brighten and dim as the ambient light changes.
The LumiPets Bear's silicone exterior is removable and dishwasher safe, which is a feature that no other product in our review offers.
Analysis and Test Results
We purchased each product in our lineup to evaluate its real-world performance. During hands-on testing and side-by-side comparisons, we focused on specific factors, such as ease of use, range of brightness, and durability. A product's overall score is a combination of scores in these metrics.
What's the Best Value?
When it comes to getting the best value for your buck, the G Keni Nursery Night Light for Baby stands out. It may not come with all the bells and whistles, but it offers a solid performance and hassle-free convenience, all without straining your wallet. We think it's a great bedside or nursery companion - simple, reliable, and there when you need it. If you're on the hunt for a night light that's functional and kid-friendly, the adorable LumiPets Bear is worth a look. This budget-friendly contender has won hearts among our testers. We think it's a fun bedtime buddy that makes the dark less scary for little ones.
With the Hatch Rest, a paid membership allows you to access premium features and an expanded library of light and sound options.
Credit: Molly Bradac
And here's something to note about the Hatch Rest Gen 2: there's an additional membership subscription you need if you want to access the expanded library of light and sound options. The device still works without the membership, but you are limited and miss out on some features. Honestly, this extra cost, on top of an already costly device, feels like an annoying upsell. In our opinion, it would've been much better if the Hatch Rest included all its features upfront without tacking on an additional subscription fee or ads encouraging you to sign up.
Some night lights are easier to use, whereas others require a learning curve.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
As busy parents and caregivers, we already have plenty to juggle, so why add to it? That's why we believe a top-notch night light should be easy to operate, portable, and capable of meeting your lighting needs without extra fuss. A product should also come with everything it needs to get started, like a charge cord and wall plug-in adaptor, so it's all set right out of the box.
If you're looking for a night light that's a superstar in ease of use, the G Keni is your go-to. It has no complicated settings or requires fiddling. It's incredibly simple to operate, which is a huge win for busy parents. Just one tap to turn it on or off and a longer hold to adjust the brightness. Plus, with its portable design and long-lasting battery, it's ready to light up your nights without any hassle.
The Eufy Lumi Plug-In couldn't be easier to use, and it provides a soft glow.
The Casper emits a glow that is one of our favorites.
Wall plug-ins like the Eufy Lumi Plug-In and Casper Sleep Glow Night Light offer a simplistic design with little to no learning curve. Just plug them in, and they'll handle the rest. There's no need to mess with settings or learn complicated features. While they don't have all the fancy features of some sophisticated contenders, these wall plug-ins are straightforward and, based on our testing, ideal for lighting up bathrooms or hallways.
Use the Hatch Rest's tap ring to cycle through programs and turn the device off.
The Hatch Sleep app provides the most comprehensive control options, while the tap ring and buttons offer more limited functionality on the Hatch Rest.
The Hatch Rest Gen 2 has WiFi and toddler lock status indicators on the underside.
Ease of use was definitely the Achilles' heel for the Hatch Rest. Sure, it offers a ton of features and customization options, which positively impacts its score, but setting it up was a real headache for us. We struggled to navigate the app and fully understand its capabilities. Also, it took us a while to discover that a long tap on the ring turned off the device. Compared to other options, the Hatch presents a steep learning curve right from the start. Even after several days of using it, we were still figuring out new things and sometimes felt unsure about how to operate it. Once you get everything dialed in and set up, it works automatically, and you gain confidence. However, just expect the initial setup and learning curve to be a bit of a journey. Furthermore, if you're not a phone person, please know you'll likely need to pick up your phone with Hatch Rest, and the device requires a WiFi connection for full functionality.
With the G Keni, you can easily switch up the brightness by just tapping the top. It’s super simple and intuitive.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Range of Brightness
Night lights with adjustable brightness and dimming options give parents the flexibility to choose and fine-tune the ideal level of illumination for various situations, whether that's late-night feeds, diaper changes, or soothing a toddler who fears the dark. We gave higher scores to contenders that offer this versatility. Those with limited range or a single fixed light level did not score either.
The Hatch Rest Gen 2 really stands out from the competition. It offers so many features and customization options that it pretty much leaves the others in the dust. If you're looking for a night light with tons of flexibility, the Hatch is where it's at. On the other hand, contenders like the Cloud B Twilight Turtle, Eufy Lumi Plug-In, and Munchkin Light My Way fall short because they don't have any brightness settings beyond a single light level. They're just not in the same league when it comes to adjusting and fine-tuning your lighting needs.
Each product in our round-up varies in material, such as plastic, silicone, or a mixture of plush fabric and plastic.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Durability
There's always a chance that a night light might get dropped or knocked over, especially if there's a curious toddler around. Therefore, durability is important, especially for anything your child will be handling. We evaluated each contender for material, sturdiness, and any areas that may raise concerns.
Among the competition, the Cloud B Twilight Turtle and Eufy Lumi Plug-In rank high. The plug-ins are nearly indestructible; from our experience, the Cloud B Turtle stands the test of time, moving from one child to the next. However, the Nestling Eggshell Night Light scores low in this metric. While testing, we noticed that the chick's eyes could fall off, which we believe is unsuitable for younger children.
We continually test new night light options to give you the most up-to-date options on the market.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Conclusion
A night light can provide a soft glow for midnight feedings and changes, a quick peek at your sleeping baby, or reassure your little one that the darkness doesn't harbor lurking monsters. No matter why you need a night light, we think most parents will be grateful to have illumination at night. We've tested a variety of styles, including child-centric choices and more straightforward lighting. Let our expert recommendations help streamline your decision-making process. We are confident there is a perfect night light here to meet your needs and budget.
