Designing the baby nursery is more than just about it looking cute for your little one. It should also be a place where your baby feels comfortable, regardless if it’s bedtime or when you are bonding with him/her. For example, you can add a baby night light projector in the nursery. This nifty device can both entertain and calm your little one to make the nursery more enticing for him/her.
Compared to a typical standalone night light, a night light projector does more than just being a source of light. This nursery must-have also works as a projector, and shows different light shows and imagery to where you point it. This can keep your baby engaged and even comfort him/her if he/she is afraid of the dark.
Our list below is composed of our top 10 picks in the market. They vary in features and designs, so we’re sure that you’ll find the most suitable for your baby. And to help you further in making a decision, you can check our buyer’s guide as well.
So without further ado, scroll down below and find your baby’s next favorite night light projector.
Best Baby Night Light Projector Comparison Table
Model | Power Source | Sound Machine | Theme | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Babyfeel SleepyMe | Batteries | Yes | Stars | |
Fisher-Price SmartConnect | Power adapter | Yes | Animals | |
AnanBros | Batteries or USB cable | Yes | Stars | |
Bubzi Co | Batteries | Yes | Stars | |
Moredig | Batteries or USB cable | Yes | Space | |
Hontry Newest | Batteries or power adapter | No | Stars | |
MOKOQI | USB cable or power adapter or batteries | No | Stars | |
SOAIY | Power adapter or USB cable | Yes | Aurora | |
Delicacy 2 in 1 | Batteries or USB adapter | No | Stars and aquatic life | |
FishOaky 3 in 1 | Batteries or USB cable | No | Stars and aquatic life |
Best Baby Night Light Projector Reviews
Babyfeel SleepyMe Smart Sleep Soother – Best Night Light Projector for Newborns
The first model in our list is this cute chick soother called SleepyMe from Babyfeel. This is our top recommendation if you’re looking for a night light projector for your newborn. The reason for this is because it doesn’t look like your typical night light projector. It looks like a toy chick, with the projector at its shell. How cute is that?
Baby-Safe Design
But more than its cute and compact look, Babyfeel designed this sleep soother to be safe for young children. For newborns or toddlers, you don’t have to worry about loose cables because this is battery-operated. And since it has no cable, you can place it anywhere and even inside the crib.
The overall build of SleepyMe is also baby-safe because it has no loose or moving parts that can break off. The plastic is BPA-free too, so you don’t have to worry about dangerous chemicals contacting with your baby.
Stays Put and Easy to Clean
Another function we like is that the exterior of this night light projector is easy to clean. Simply wipe it off, and it’ll look brand new. We also find no crevices that can cause damage if liquid seeps through. And lastly, you’ll find rubber grips on the beak and feet of this chick to keep it secured if you place it on a high surface.
What is the Projection Style?
If you inspect SleepyMe, you’ll notice that it only has 4 buttons at the side. They are very responsive to touch, and the simplicity makes it easy to operate. You only need to check the logos, and then press continuously until you find your desired function. At the same time, if you intend to use this until toddlerhood, the buttons are small enough for a child to handle. Additionally, this control calms children who are afraid of the dark.
Choose Your Color and Brightness
For the projector function of SleepyMe, it comes in a pattern of stars and moon. You can choose from blue, green, or orange with rotating color scenes. But if you want, you can also select the run-all mode if your baby prefers to see all the colors. We also like the steady color option for a more calming effect. And speaking of which, the button for brightness control can also help you enhance or dim the lights depending on your baby’s preference.
Lullabies and Melodies with Volume Control
SleepyMe is also a sound machine. It comes with 6 melodies to choose from, such as the classics, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Rock-a-bye Baby, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. There are also other soothing sounds like Brahm’s Lullaby, Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and Bach’s Minuet.
But if your baby prefers to sleep with white noise, SleepyMe also offers that, including 2 nature sounds, and heartbeat. You can play them in sequence or in a repeating playlist and even control their volume.
Use it as a Projector or Sound Machine Only
The music selection and volume control are very useful in soothing a baby, especially during night time. And if you want, you can turn off the nightlight star projection feature and just use SleepyMe as a sound machine. On the other hand, you can also use this as a sole projector only. We appreciate this independent control to accommodate different preferences of babies.
Comes with Batteries
Lastly, this model already comes with 4 double A batteries, so it’s ready to use. However, note that it only plays for 30 minutes before the unit automatically shuts off. While this duration is enough for some babies, it would have been better if there were other options on the timer.
- Cute and compact design
- Portable and wireless
- Rubber grip at the bottom
- BPA-free
- Intuitive buttons
- Color sequence and brightness control
- Music sequence and volume control
- Option to use night light projector and sound machine separately
- Comes with batteries
- Only plays for 30 minutes
Fisher-Price SmartConnect Deluxe Soother – Best Smart Baby Night Light Projector
With the advancement of technology, it’s only right that you’ll find a smart baby night light projector in the market. This soother from Fisher-Price is one of our favorites because of the convenience it offers both for the parents and baby.
Backlit Buttons
For example, it has backlit buttons, so you or your child don’t have to guess the controls during the night. But if you want remote control, it comes with an app for on-the-go customization of the projector. This means you can start the projector even when you’re in the kitchen! We will discuss this smart feature in more detail later on.
What is the Projection Style?
The theme of SmartConnect from Fisher-Price is a combination of stats and animals. There are different patterns to choose from, and you can even opt to use it as a soft night light as well. Even though this review is for projectors, it’s still a nice option to have.
Are there Sounds?
SmartConnect also comes with white noise, nature sounds, and soothing music. You can control their volume to match the mood of the baby room. And like with the previous model, we appreciate the addition of white noise and nature sounds because some babies sleep better with them compared to songs and melodies.
Remote Control via SmartConnect App
Now, let’s talk about how you can control this night light projector remotely. You can install the corresponding SmartConnect app on your smartphone. With the app, you can control the unit’s lighting, sounds, and even its playback duration. In fact, there is also a unique Sleep Stages tool for a more customized experience.
Even if the unit itself isn’t portable due to the plug-in power source, having the option to control it anywhere using your phone is a huge convenience. You don’t have to wake your baby when coming into his/her room to change the lights, sounds, or time.
Sleep Stages
As for the bedtime routine, the Sleep Stages tool is your best friend. It starts off with the stage called Settle for easing your baby before bedtime itself, and then a Soothe stage to keep him/her drowsy. Lastly, the Sleep stage is the night light with your own choice of sound effect for when your baby is already asleep.
Timer
Lastly, you can shut the device on your chosen time via the app for your convenience. Overall, the app itself is much more intuitive to use than the buttons themselves. And the Sleep Stages tool is excellent for keeping your baby in a consistent bedtime routine.
- Backlit buttons
- Remote control via the app
- Sleep Stages tool
- Different selections of lights and sounds
- Volume control
- Playback control
- Timer
- Plug-in power source
AnanBros Remote Baby Night Light – Editor’s Choice
Up next on our list is another night light projector that you can control remotely. Only this time, AnanBros does not require you to install an app because it already comes with a remote control. It is also this same reason why we choose this unit as our top choice and the fact that AnanBros has responsive customer service.
Batteries or USB Cable-Powered, You Choose
And if that’s not enough to convince you, you might consider this model if you find out that you can use it with either batteries or USB cable. You don’t have to keep it by a wall outlet because you can use double A batteries. But at the same time, you can just plug the USB cable to a phone, power bank, or computer if you don’t like the idea of changing drained batteries.
What is the Projection Style?
Even though AnanBros comes with a simple look and skips the trend of looking like a toy, it still won’t look out of place in the baby room. For example, the projection of stars and moon covers a large surface area. You can even choose from 9 colors to match your baby’s preference. At the same time, the model rotates a full 360 degrees for a more immersive feel. However, we noticed that the image quality is not as sharp if you put a large distance between the projector and area.
Includes Memory Card
What’s unique with AnanBros is that it comes with a 128 M memory card already installed. Besides having 12 existing lullabies, you can choose what songs or melodies you want to add in the remaining memory. This is great because you can put specific sounds that your baby likes.
Remote Operation
As we have mentioned earlier, this unit comes with a remote control. It is capable of service as far as 32 feet, so you don’t have to come and press the buttons when changing a setting. We also like that there is a time with presets of 1 hour, 3 hours, and 5 hours, including the choice of 5 to 999 minutes for a customized setting. You can view your chosen time setting at the LED screen, which we also commend the blue backlight that’s gentle for night use.
- 32-ft remote control
- Can be used with USB cord or batteries
- Rotating projector
- With memory card
- Customizable timer
- Blue LED display
- Projection is not as sharp when the unit is far
Bubzi Co Baby Toys Owl – Best Toy Baby Night Light Projector
You’ve probably seen the Bubzi Co soothing owl in our review of toddler night lights before. However, because it is a projector, we think it is worthy of being in this list. This soothing owl is unique among the other models in this list because of its overall design.
As you can see, it doesn’t look like a typical standalone projector, like our editor’s choice. Instead, Bubzi Co made it like a plush toy with the projector at its body. It is soft to the touch, and your baby can even cuddle with it inside the crib to ease him/her to sleep better. And you don’t have to worry about potential messes or drools because you can wash this toy owl.
Since the soothing owl doubles as a plush, you can expect that it is wireless. It already comes with triple A batteries, so your little one can use it immediately. And even better, it comes with a strap if you want to hang it at the top of the crib for better projection, or by your stroller to bring it anywhere.
What is the Projection Style?
Bubzi Co is fairly simple as a projector. There are 4 buttons at the belly of the owl to turn the starry night sky projection on or off. At the same time, don’t expect other color or brightness controls. Instead, Bubzi Co continuously plays the stars in different colors, and you can’t have it steady at just one. Nonetheless, the projector isn’t too distracting or irritating on the eyes for night time use. However, the projection doesn’t cover a large area.
Are there Sounds?
The sounds, on the other hand, offer a selection from 10 lullabies, heartbeat, and bird song. Compared to the lack of brightness control with the lights, we like that with the sound, you can adjust the volume. In fact, you can even turn the projector function enitreely and just use it with a plush that plays a sound when your baby is already asleep.
Cute with a Cause
Lastly, you might appreciate the fact that Bubzi Co donates every purchase of this product towards Postpartum Support International. We like any baby product that works with a cause, so it’s great knowing that your baby is not the only one who benefits from this cuddly owl.
- Can double as a plush
- With strap
- Washable body
- Can be used as sound machine only
- Auto-shut off
- Portable
- Easy to use
- No control on brightness and color of lights
- No control on the timer
Moredig Night Light Projector – Best Baby Night Light Projector and Sound Machine
Up next on our list is a light projector from Moredig, and if you like the remote control feature of the previous model, you’ll also find it here. Again, this way, you don’t have to manually press the buttons on the device to control the lights, sounds, and timer. You can get a distance as far as 5 meters, and the remote control will still work.
USB Cable or Battery-Operated
The unit itself shares a lot of similarities with AnanBros earlier on. You can use 4 triple A batteries so that you can place it anywhere, but they are not included upon purchase. On the bright side, it comes with a USB cable so you can connect it to your computer, or via a power bank to make it portable. The only comment we have is that you have to be careful in plugging on the port because it feels rather flimsy.
What is the Projection Style?
As we have mentioned previously, Moredig is quite similar to AnanBros. You can opt to rotate the projector to make the scene more captivating. But we like that you can choose from two themes which are starry sky and animal world.
Night Light Convertible to Projector
This model, in particular, uses the starry theme. You can choose from 9 modes as well to make it suitable for the room’s mood. All the colors, which are red, green, blue, and white, are gentle enough for night time use. If you only need it as a night light, the white light is useful enough for illumination of the baby’s room. Just place the dome and the film, and the projector turns into a night light.
Are there Sounds?
What about the sounds? Moredig includes 12 songs, although there is no music like white noise and heartbeat. Nonetheless, the melodies are gentle enough to soothe a baby. At the same time, you can customize both the volume, sequence, and playlist if you want them to circulate or play by sequence.
Customizable Timer
Lastly, we’re pleased that Moredig allows control of the timer. Unlike most units that automatically shuts off after 30 minutes, this unit gives you the option to set the time from 5 to 500 minutes. There is no limit as long as you connect it using an adapter so the power won’t run out.
- Can be used as a night light only
- 2 energy source options
- Can be controlled via remote
- 9 light modes
- 12 songs
- Customizable timer
- Port does not feels well-made
Hontry Newest Nightlight – Best for Overnight Use
Up next on our list looks like your typical night light projector. And if we probably asked you to imagine a night light projector, the overall design of Hontry is what comes to mind. It is a simple-looking dome with a LED screen and control buttons at its base. You might also appreciate that this model comes with a lanyard at the top. So if you opt to hang it somewhere high to get a better field, you can use that inclusion.
The only comment we have about the unit’s overall design is that it only has letters for the label of each button. While you can memorize them overtime, it would’ve been easier for the user standpoint if there were symbols instead of letters.
Switch from Night Light to Projector
If you like the night light-only function of the previous model, you can also experience that with Hontry. Simply remove the inner plastic cover and then put the outer cover back, and the resulting warm white light can illuminate your baby’s room. We like that Hontry chooses a warm shade of white so it isn’t harsh on the eyes.
On the other hand, you can just take off the black cover when you want to use it as a projector. The design itself is a simple starry sky, and you can choose from blue, red, and green light modes. You can select one color at a time or have them rotate as well.
Are there Sounds?
There is no sound feature in this night light projector. This can be a drawback to some parents if their children react better with white noise. Nonetheless, if you want a basic model, this projector is still a reasonable consideration.
Plug-In or Battery-Operated
Lastly, the last button on the panel is also where you can set the time from 5 to 995 minutes. You can leave it overnight if you choose to plug it in the wall, but you can also buy 4 double A batteries if you need it to be portable. Overall, we are pleased that Hontry is affordable, yet you can benefit from portability and auto shut-off function.
- Minimalistic look
- Can be hanged via the lanyard
- Can be used as a night light only
- Can be used with batteries or adapter
- No sound machine
MOKOQI Star Projector – Best in Flexibility of Power Sources
Up next on our list is somewhat similar to the previous Hontry model. However, as you can see in the comparison table, Mokoqi stands out from the rest because it has 3 power source options.
3 Power Sources
You won’t be stuck in placing it near an outlet because you can use 4 triple A batteries. And if you hate having to replace them when they get drained, you can also use a USB cord and attach it to your gadgets or power bank. But here’s another great feature; if you need it to be stationary, you can also use a power adapter. We think this power source flexibility is very useful to have because the parents won’t get limited to where they can bring this model.
And if you’re worried about the consumption of energy or batteries, it does come with a timer function. You can set it to your desired duration of play from 5 minutes to 99 minutes. This saves you on consumption and also keeps you at ease to know you didn’t leave any appliances plugged in.
What is the Projection Style?
As we have mentioned earlier on, this model has a striking similarity with the former projector we reviewed. For starters, it comes with buttons labeled with letters, and also, you can convert it to a night light-only model.
Overlay and Monochromatic Colors
You can choose from 17 colors of a starry sky, and we like how there are options that do not only show one color. This means your little one can enjoy overlayed lights and combinations of colors alongside monochromatic designs. You can also rotate the lights to get a better view, but best of all, the motor itself isn’t too distracting for sleep.
Gentle Night Light
As for the night light, Mokoqi uses a similar warm white light. Simply remove the film that contains the designs, and you are good to go. We think parents will always appreciate a night light-only mode, especially when they want to check on their sleeping baby or toddler in the middle of the night. At the same time, you won’t end up getting them too energetic during diaper changes with a harsh light at 4 am. Win-win on both sides, isn’t it?
Are there Sounds?
Unfortunately, this model has no sound machine. However, we think it’s a fair compromise, especially at this price point. But on the bright side, as we have mentioned earlier, the model still has a timer. You can get it to turn off on your chosen time to save energy automatically.
- 3 power source options
- Variety of color shows
- Can be used as night light only
- Quiet rotation
- Timer
- No sound machine
SOAIY Sleep Soother – Runner-Up Favorite
If you want a projector that’s a bit different, we recommend you to check out this model from Soaiy. In contrast to the majority of units in the market that projects a starry night, Soaiy gives off a scene similar to the Northern lights. At the same time, this projector is both FDA-approved to reassure you that the lights are safe for your baby’s eyes.
What is the Projection Style?
Like we said earlier on, Soaiy projects the Aurora Borealis. We don’t know about you, but even as adults, seeing the gorgeous colors at our ceiling is one of the best ways to relax and fall asleep.
A Colorful Experience But…
You can choose from modes ranging from multiple colors to monochromatic designs of red, blue, and green. And not only that, this projector tilts at 45 degrees as well to get a wider coverage on the surface. However, the range of motion itself feels slow and somewhat limiting.
The good news though, is that if you need a night light, this unit gives you that option. Simply put the dome, and the room is gently illuminated.
Are there Sounds?
At this price point, we are amazed that Soaiy still managed to include a sound machine. Well, technically, it’s not a separate feature. But instead, it is compatible with musical devices such as a phone or a music player. You can use the included audio cable and select your own music and volume in addition to the light show.
However, if you find the timer option convenient, you might be disappointed not to find it in this projector. It just turns off automatically after an hour, which is not bad but still limiting.
- Unique light show
- Can be used as a night light only
- Can be used with music devices
- Rotates
- Auto-shut off
- Underwhelming rotation
- No timer
Delicacy 2 in 1 – Best Value for Money
We are down to our last two night light projectors, and both share a lot of similarities. But first, let us take a look at this model from Delicacy, if you want something affordable that your baby will love.
Sea Word and Starry Sky in One Device
Delicacy and the next model are both unique in this list because they both come with 2 projection films. What this means is that your baby can enjoy two themes in just one purchase. The themes are Sea World and Starry Sky. We love the diversity that both designs offer to accommodate every unique baby. Simply lock your chosen film into place, and your baby can experience the underwater world or the space.
Different Color Modes with Rotation and Night Light
Other than the two themes, you’ll get 8 modes of color. Your little one will surely enjoy the red, blue, and greens in different patterns and characters. At the same time, the model itself rotates on a full 360 degrees for a more panoramic experience. And lastly, there is a warm white option if you just need a gentle illumination of the baby room.
Are there Sounds?
On the downside, this model does not have the option to connect to a music device nor has a sound machine on its own. You will also not find a timer option, so you have to turn it off manually. But the good news is other than the batteries; you can use the USB cable and connect it to other gadgets to make it more portable.
- 2 projection themes
- Easy to use
- Rotating feature
- 8 color modes
- With warm white light
- No sounds
- No timer
FishOaky 3 in 1 – Best Affordable Baby Night Light Projector
Even though Delicacy is fairly affordable, you can experience some similar features in the more budget-friendly FishOaky. You don’t need to spend a lot to make your baby nursery more soothing and enjoyable for your little one with this device.
What is the Projection Style?
As we have previously said, FishOaky is almost a carbon copy of the previous model we just reviewed. And as you have assumed, it comes with 2 themes as well. Simply choose your preferred projector film from Starry Sky or Ocean Undersea to change the theme. At the same time, you can just use none of them to turn it into a classic warm white night light.
Another similarity that FishOaky has with Delicacy is that it comes with red, blue, green, and other color combinations for a total of 8 color modes. Your little one won’t get bored with one design thanks to these selections. And to make the experience more immersive, simply have the unit to rotate quietly.
Are there Sounds?
Lastly, while this is an affordable and enjoyable unit, it does not come with a sound feature. You also have to manually turn it off to save on batteries because it doesn’t have a built-in timer. Nonetheless, we’re still impressed with its features, especially at this price point.
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- 2 themes
- With night light only mode
- Quiet rotation
- No sounds
- No timer
Buyer’s Guide
Tips on Using a Night Light Projector
- Make sure that you place the projector in such a way where it wouldn’t be directly shining on your baby’s face. While the models in this list emit safe lights, you should still avoid getting them directly shining on your baby’s eyes.
- The lights you’re using should match the mood. For example, if you want it to be calming and soothing for night time, it should be dim and soft enough not to distract your little one. If it’s too bright on closed eyelids, it can jolt him/her awake. Reddish or amber colors like the sunset are best to prevent interfering with the sleep hormone, melatonin.
- You can use the projectors with the night light only option away from your child’s sleeping area. They can serve as your guide when checking on him/her or for diaper changes and night feedings.
What to Consider When Buying a Baby Night Light Projector
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Power Source
The first consideration is the power source of your chosen model. The most common types of power sources are plug-in, USB cord, disposable batteries, and rechargeable batteries. A plug-in is great because you don’t have to change the batteries or recharge it when the power runs out. However, you have to place the baby night light projector close to an outlet, so you are limited to its location options.
A USB cord, on the other hand, can be portable, or you can opt to have it stay plugged in. This is quite convenient since nowadays, you can charge it in virtually any gadget. And lastly, with batteries, you will need to replace them, which can be a hassle to do. Not to mention, even if they aren’t very pricey, they still add to the list of things that you must continuously buy.
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Light Bulb Type
There are basically two types of light bulbs that you can choose from. Night light projectors can use either incandescent bulbs or LEDs (Light Emitting Diode.) The former, as you have probably assumed, is cheaper compared to the latter. However, LEDs are worth the investment because they are long-lasting. At the same time, your baby’s room doesn’t have to be pitch black in order to see the projections of LED lights because they are brighter.
Overall, we recommend getting LED bulbs over incandescents. They are more durable, brighter, and even consume 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
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Light Settings
Besides the bulbs themselves, some models of night light projectors also offer different controls over their lights. For example, you might want to adjust how bright you want the projections are so it matches the mood of the room (i.e., playtime and bedtime.)
And speaking of bedtime, it’s nice to have the option to keep the images steady without too many colors. This way, it wouldn’t stimulate your baby, and instead, works as a soothing image instead.
The brightness, movements of the patterns, and the colors themselves can either soothe your baby to sleep or keep him/her awake and curious. If you have read our review of the best nightlight for toddlers, you’ll know that the best colors for sleeping should be reddish or orange. And on the contrary, blue is stimulative if you want to bond with your little one. Therefore, it’s nice to get a projector with varying colors and movements.
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Materials, Safety, and Quality
Anything that you put in the baby room must be of good quality and free from any dangerous chemicals or materials. But you don’t have to worry because all the models we included in this list are pretty impressive in terms of their overall build.
Everything from the main body up to the lights shouldn’t have anything that might fall and cause a choking hazard. At the same time, the plastic parts should be free from BPA, phthalate, and lead. And if you’re little one is sensitive to latex, you might want to check the model that you want if it contains that material.
Lastly, if it is a plug-in night light projector, the electrical wiring should be top-notch to avoid any accidents.
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Design
The last consideration that you might want to look for is the design of the model. For example, you can choose to have a theme that matches the baby’s room. If you notice that your baby loves underwater animals, then you can get a projector with sea animals or oceanic waves. You can even step it up a bit and choose a unit that plays sounds for a more immersive experience.
At the same time, consider how large you want the projection to be. If you only want a small area to contain the designs, then you can skip the bigger ones. Just focus the projector on the area that your baby always sees. On the contrary, if your baby would enjoy a more immersive experience, some models can cover extensive areas.
But regardless of the projector’s design, it would be best if it is also intuitive to use and control. This way, you can quickly customize its settings depending on your intended use.
Conclusion
Other than your typical night lights, night light projectors are also excellent inclusions in your little one’s room. They can entertain him/her during diaper changes, and even keep him/her calm if he/she is afraid of the dark.
We reviewed various kinds of models in the market, but our favorite is the AnanBros Remote Baby Night Light. It is remote-controlled, so you don’t have to distract your sleeping baby if you want to change its settings. At the same time, it can shut down on your desired time, and you can use batteries to bring it even when you’re out of town.
And lastly, you can play your desired lullabies and songs alongside the light show to make it a more enticing experience for your child.
Overall, we think that your baby will find his/her favorite model in this list. We hope that our tips above have also helped you when shopping for a night light projector. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them below.
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