Kids are exceptionally sensitive to light at night, which makes them particularly vulnerable to sleep and circadian disruption via exposure to evening and nighttime light. In this study, we quantify the biological potency of a variety of nightlights that are marketed for use in children. The vast majority do not even meet evening and nighttime recommendations for adults. Based on our data, we conclude that if caregivers are using nightlights in the bedroom, especially for infants, toddlers and children, they should make them dim, red, and far from the bed. We call for pediatriaticans to consider nightlights alongside screen use when helping to support better sleep and circadian health in their patients. We also suggest feasible changes in nightlight design, product labelling, and policies surrounding these products.
We characterize commercially-available nightlights and report those results in the context of what we know about non-visual responses to light, such as phase shifting and melatonin suppression, in young children.