Toddlers don't generally experience night-time anxiety until they're about two or three years old. Some toddlers do experience anxiety at bedtime and some wake a number of times in the night and can be scared if their bedroom is pitch black. Sometimes young children experience night terrors which is very frightening for you as well as the child. Generally though it is a good idea to try to understand what is scaring your child. If it is simply they need a night light for comfort and when they wake up they simply roll over and go back to sleep and settle themselves then adding a night light could provide some reassurance and comfort to your child. If it means helping them feel safe and secure in their environment and promotes better sleep for all, then it’s not a battle you need to have.
If you are planning to use a night light for feeding babies and checking nappies then night lights are perfect for you as the soft glow will be enough for you to creep in and out. It is probably a good idea to turn it off once they are sleeping through the night.
For older toddlers that you are in the midst of potty training, night lights are a useful way to allow them to make trips to the bathroom and the small plug in night lights that go into the normal plug switches are great way light up hallways and landings en route to the bathroom.
However, if your child is using the night light to play when they wake up in the night then it really is worthwhile going through the initial pain and encourage a dark sleep environment. Reading a bedtime story togther in the comforting glow of a night light is very relaxing but make it part of the routine to turn it off; say goodnight to the light and now its time for sleep.
Dealing with toddlers can be very frustrating, especially at bedtime when everyone is overtired. You know your child and if you feel having a night light is going to be comforting then choose one together and make it part of your bedtime routine. There are some beautiful designs that enhance a bedroom and become a friend! Some emit a gentle light with slowly moving images, some have snow globe effects that turn off after a set time and others are simple kids night lights that glow in the corner of a childs bedroom.
See our range of kids night lights and our favourite picks are below: