Amber and red are colors that are often cited as relaxing for babies. These colors have longer wavelengths than other colors, making them less likely to disrupt sleep. Dim red or red-hued lights are often suggested for use as night lights. Additionally, blue is considered a calming and relaxing color, slowing down respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Why Amber and Red Work Best:
- Longer Wavelengths: The longer wavelengths of amber and red light minimize melatonin suppression, crucial for sleep regulation. Unlike shorter wavelengths (like blue), they don't interfere as much with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Familiar Comfort: For newborns, red might be soothing because it's a familiar color from the womb.
Other Calming Colors:
- Blue: This color has a proven calming effect, lowering physiological arousal. It's a popular choice for bedrooms.
- Soft Purples (lavender, lilac): These softer hues also promote relaxation.
- Green: This color is associated with calmness, serenity, and nature. It can help create a peaceful atmosphere.
It is important to remember that individual responses vary, and what soothes one baby may not soothe another. However, the research suggests that warm colors like amber and red, along with soft blues and purples, offer the most promising results for promoting relaxation and sleep in babies.
