Are Nightlights Safe?

Install correctly. Plugged in lights present the greatest risks. Battery operated LED lights with no added or stuck on designs are best

Are Nightlights Safe?

A tiny light plugged into an outlet in your child's bedroom is often all
it takes to calm your child's fear of the dark. Nightlights also light the way
if your child needs to get up in the middle of the night. While small and
seemingly innocent, nightlights can pose hazards if they aren't used properly.
Install your nightlights correctly to reduce these risks so you can provide
your child with a reassuring amount of light until the sun comes up.

Benefits
Many children are comforted by the small amount of light a nightlight
gives off, which means they're more likely to settle down and go to sleep
without tears and exclamations of fear. A nightlight also makes your child's
environment safer by lighting the way if he needs to get up and go to the
bathroom or if he gets up to come into your bedroom when he has a nightmare.
The light can prevent trips, falls and tumbles down the stairs, too. They can
also prevent you from tripping or stubbing your toe if you need to get up and
go into your child's bedroom in the middle of the night.

Types
The most common nightlights contain a tiny light bulb and plug directly
into the wall. They are inexpensive, but the light bulbs usually need to be
replaced fairly often. LED nightlights give off more powerful light, but they
are more expensive. You can also buy motion or light sensitive nightlights,
which turn on if they sense movement or once it gets dark in the room.
Colour-changing or bubble nightlights are another option, but they contain
methylene chloride, which is poisonous, and shouldn't be used around small
children.

Dangers
Don't use nightlights near long curtains, drapes or bedding because that increases the risk of fire.
Nightlights can also overheat, which can cause them to melt and catch fire.
Children might also be burned by a hot nightlight bulb, so unplug them when
it's not dark. You should also plug them in out of your child's reach whenever
possible. Babies and small children can get a hold of a nightlight and play
with it, which increases the risk that the light bulb will break or that he'll
choke by putting it into his mouth. Nightlights can also pose an electrical
shock risk, if your child spills water onto them or tries to unplug or plug one
in on his own, according to the International Association of Home Inspectors .

Additional Considerations
If you have children, only use cool-touch nightlights. These don't get as hot as other nightlights, which
reduces the risk of burns. Don't use nightlights with cartoon characters or
other kid-friendly designs. These are more tempting to children, which can lead
to injury if your child plays with one. Pay attention to recalls. According to
Consumer Reports, more than 200,000 LED nightlights were recalled in 2012
because they overheated. The International Association of Home Inspectors notes
that many nightlights are recalled each year because they pose burn, fire or
electrical hazards