Scared of the dark? Give them a friend who stays on.
The short answerA warm, dimmable nightlight with a timer keeps the room feeling safe without keeping them awake. Red or amber light disturbs sleep far less than white or blue.
The fear is real. The fix is small.
Fear of the dark usually shows up around two, when imagination outruns understanding. You can't argue with it. You can make the room feel known.
Warm, never white.
White and blue light tells the brain it's daytime. Red and amber don't. Lou's three colours are all on the warm side for a reason.
Let them own it.
A nightlight they can tap to change is a nightlight they trust. Ownership beats reassurance every time.
Off once they're under.
Set it to switch off after 15 or 30 minutes so the room goes properly dark for the deep sleep that matters.
A glow for every age.
Asked at 5am, answered here.
Won't a nightlight keep them awake?
A dim, warm one won't. Brightness and colour are what matter. Keep it low and red or amber, and use the timer.
Door open or nightlight?
Both is fine, but a nightlight gives them something in the room that's theirs, which is usually the thing that ends the calling out.
What if they want it brighter?
Let them turn it up for stories, then agree it goes to the low setting for sleep. Lou has four levels for exactly this negotiation.
