What should the lighting in a nursery be like?

Baby room lighting guide

When planning lighting for a baby’s room, it’s best to adopt a layered approach. This means combining three basic types of lighting so the room can meet different needs:

General lighting is the main light source that illuminates the entire room. Ideally, this light (typically provided by a ceiling fixture) should be positioned so it doesn’t shine directly into the baby’s eyes and should have a dimmable feature. This allows you to brightly illuminate the room during playtime while creating a softer, more subdued atmosphere during bedtime preparations.

Task lighting refers to lights that target specific areas, such as a changing table or a nursing chair. A wall sconce or lampshade used in these areas makes your tasks easier without needing to turn on the general light.

Accent or night lights, on the other hand, are the most important elements for meeting the baby’s nighttime lighting needs. These lights provide a soft glow throughout the night, allowing you to check on your baby or move in and out of the room without fully waking them.

What colour light helps babies sleep? Do they sleep better under red light?

The quality of a baby’s sleep is closely linked to the colour of the light. The brain regulates melatonin (the sleep hormone) production based on light. Blue and bright white lights mimic daylight, suppressing melatonin production and increasing alertness. For this reason, they are not suitable for a sleep environment.

On the other hand, warm-toned lights like red or amber have almost no effect on melatonin. These colours resemble the natural tones of sunset and signal to the body that it is time to rest. For this reason, letting your baby sleep under red light can help them stay peaceful throughout the night without disrupting their biological rhythm.

Where should lighting be positioned in the nursery relative to the crib?

The basic rule when positioning lighting fixtures is that the light should never shine directly into your baby’s eyes. Considering that your baby will spend most of their time lying on their back, a ceiling light positioned directly above the crib can be quite distracting.

Indirect light sources: You can opt for lighting that reflects light off the ceiling or walls to diffuse it throughout the room.

Strategic placement: You can position the main light in the centre of the room, but slightly away from the crib. Spotlights and wall lamps can be mounted on the wall opposite the crib or on the side walls. A table lamp placed on the dresser can also be both a modern and functional solution.

Safety: Make sure all cords are out of your baby’s reach and that the outlets are safe.

Should a newborn baby sleep in the light or in the dark?

Newborn babies cannot yet fully distinguish between night and day. It is important to establish a deliberate lighting routine to help them learn this cycle. The consensus is that daytime naps should take place in a well-lit environment, while nighttime sleep should occur in a dark environment. Allowing a newborn to sleep with the lights on, especially during the day, can help establish their day-night rhythm. However, at night, sleeping in the dark supports melatonin production, leading to deeper and more uninterrupted sleep. For situations like nighttime feedings, using only a dim nightlight is sufficient. Allowing the baby to sleep in the light can negatively affect sleep quality, especially during nighttime hours.

What kind of lighting should you choose for nighttime feedings and diaper changes in the nursery?

When you wake up in the middle of the night to feed or change your baby, turning on a bright overhead light can completely disrupt both your baby’s and your own sleep. The goal is to create an environment that’s bright enough for you to see but dim enough not to disturb sleep.

Dimmer switches and smart bulbs: Installing a dimmer switch on the room’s main light allows you to adjust the brightness to your desired level. Smart bulbs take it a step further by letting you control not only the brightness but also the color of the light (such as soothing warm yellow tones) via your smartphone app.

Night lights: Night lights, available in plug-in or battery-powered models, are one of the most practical solutions for this purpose. Be sure to choose a model with a low wattage that emits warm, yellow light. Placing a night light near the changing station will make your job much easier. Night lights featuring animal figures or cute designs can also serve as decorative objects.

Wall lamps and LED strips: Instead of direct overhead lighting, you can opt for a wall-mounted sconce. Sconces that reflect light upward or downward provide gentle, indirect lighting that doesn’t strain the eyes. Similarly, LED strips hidden behind the crib or cabinets can add a soft, modern glow to the room.

How should you choose curtains for a baby’s room in terms of light transmission?

Choosing the right curtains for a baby’s room is a factor that directly affects your baby’s sleep quality. It’s important to allow natural light into the room during the day while also being able to darken the room sufficiently, especially for daytime naps. The most effective way to strike this balance is to use a layered curtain solution.

Inner layer: Sheer curtains filter the harsh sunlight that fills the room during the day, creating a soft and even glow. While they provide privacy by blocking the view from the outside, they also prevent the room from feeling gloomy. They help keep the room bright and airy during your baby’s waking hours.

Outer layer: Daytime sleep is crucial for a baby’s development. Blackout curtains block light almost entirely, making it easier for your baby to sleep in a dark environment; even during the day. These curtains also contribute to thermal and sound insulation, helping to make the room more comfortable. Available in various colours and patterns, blackout curtains can easily complement the room’s decor. By using both types of curtains together, you can maintain full control over light levels at any time of day.

How should you arrange a baby’s room to make the most of natural light?

Natural light has a positive effect on both babies’ moods and their development. When planning the room layout, aim to make the best use of natural light.

Crib and bed placement: Avoid placing the crib or bed (your baby’s sleeping area) directly in front of or below a window that receives direct sunlight. Direct light can disrupt your baby’s sleep and cause discomfort. The ideal setup is to position the crib against a wall that receives indirect light from the window.

Play and activity area: You can designate the brightest and sunniest corner of the room as a play area. A play mat or activity corner with plenty of light allows your baby to burn off energy and have fun while awake.

Changing table: You can position the changing table near a window, if possible, to take advantage of natural light. This ensures you can see everything clearly during diaper changes.

Using a mirror: A large mirror hung on the wall opposite the window reflects daylight into the room, helping the space feel brighter and more spacious. Light-colored furniture and walls also create a similar effect by better reflecting light and giving the room an airy atmosphere.

What lighting products can be used in nurseries?

There are many lighting products you can choose from to ensure your nursery is both safe and comfortable: For general room lighting, you can choose a ceiling light with a dimmer that diffuses light softly. Children’s lampshades placed on a dresser or nightstand add a warm layer of light to the room. With their cute designs, they also make wonderful decorative pieces. There are many different night light models available, including those that plug into outlets or run on batteries, featuring animal figures or cloud shapes. You can opt for LED models that emit a dim light gentle enough not to disturb your baby. Today’s technology makes lighting control easier than ever. With smart lighting products, you can control the brightness and colour of the light from your phone and set timers to have the lights turn on and off automatically at specific times. This is a great feature that allows you to adjust the light without entering the room while your baby is sleeping.