Can Babies Be Scared of the Dark?

If you’ve ever tiptoed out of your baby’s room after bedtime only to hear crying the moment the door clicks shut… it’s totally normal to wonder: can babies be scared of the dark?

It feels logical, right? Lights go out, parents leave, baby cries, so the darkness must be the problem. But the real answer might surprise you, because brain development, not darkness, drives the tears.

So… can babies actually be scared of the dark?

Short answer: No.

Longer explanation: Still no, at least not in the way toddlers and older children can be.

Babies under the age of 2, typically until around 19-24 months, simply don’t yet have the cognitive abilities required to imagine spooky things lurking in the shadows. During the sensorimotor stage (0-2 years), their minds focuse on exploring the world through their senses and actions. They can’t picture monsters, they can’t create scary stories in their minds, and they definitely can’t distinguish between fantasy and reality. These skills come later, usually around age 2 or 3, when imagination blossoms and nighttime shadows suddenly have ‘personalities.’ This understanding is supported by research in child development and pediatric expertise, reassuring parents that infants’ lack of fear is a normal part of their developmental journey.

So if your 6-month-old or 15-month-old is crying when the lights go off, they’re not thinking, ‘Uh-oh, there’s a creature under my crib.’ Their brains just aren’t wired that way yet.

Then why do babies cry at bedtime?

Great question — and this is where things get interesting.

If your baby is fed, dry, comfortable, and otherwise doing great, nighttime tears are more likely related to separation anxiety than darkness. This crying signals impressive brain growth, as your baby is developing object permanence around 6-12 months. This means they are starting to understand that when you leave the room, you still exist somewhere, just not with them. Celebrating this stage of development can reassure anxious parents, as it highlights the healthy progress their little one is making, even if it sometimes results in nighttime disruptions. Separation anxiety is typically a temporary phase that often peaks around 10-18 months and gradually fades as your child grows more secure.

Cue the dramatic wails.

This developmental milestone is exciting (your little one’s brain is growing!), but it can also lead to big emotions — especially when bedtime means “bye-bye parent.”

Other common reasons for crying at bedtime include:

• Overtiredness
• Teething
• Illness
• Habitual sleep associations (like being rocked to sleep)

But fear of the dark? Not yet.

When do kids actually develop a fear of the dark?

Real fear of the dark typically shows up around ages 2–3, when imagination starts to outpace logic. At this age, toddlers can visualize scary things and don’t yet have the experience to tell what’s real and what’s pretend. A shadow on the wall suddenly looks like a dragon. The closet becomes suspicious. The mind runs wild — especially at night when there are fewer distractions.

So how do we help babies who cry at bedtime (even if it’s not because of the dark)?

Here are some gentle, practical ways to make bedtime smoother and more comforting for your little one:

1. Add extra connection at bedtime

A few extra minutes of snuggles, a lullaby, or a calm, reassuring voice can work wonders. Even if your baby doesn’t understand every word, your tone helps them feel safe.

2. Practice short separations during the day

Peek-a-boo really is teaching something! Show your baby that you always return. This confidence carries over into bedtime.

3. Use a comfort object (for babies 12 months and up)

A soft, crib-safe lovey or blanket can become a soothing source of security when you leave the room. For younger babies under 12 months, it’s important to avoid comfort objects in the crib due to safety concerns, such as the risk of suffocation or SIDS. Instead, consider safe alternatives, such as gently patting or rocking your baby or using a white noise machine to create a calming environment.

4. Keep the bedtime routine predictable and peaceful

A warm bath, gentle massage, happy books — baby sleep routine help cue the brain that sleep is near.

💡7 Tips to Get Baby to Sleep

Where does a night light come in? And what about baby monitors?

Even though babies aren’t afraid of the dark, a soft light can still be useful — especially if:

• you want to minimize stimulation during nighttime check-ins
• your baby prefers a slightly lit environment
• you want to create a soothing sleep space without bright overhead lights
• you need peace of mind while monitoring your baby

This is where the Annie Baby Monitor app fits in beautifully. While any soft, safe night light can help create a calming atmosphere, Annie offers remote activation and customizable hue features, making it an indispensable tool for parents seeking enhanced convenience and adaptability in creating a soothing sleep environment.

✨ The Annie Baby Monitor Night Light Feature

The Annie Baby Monitor includes a gentle night-light option you can turn on remotely without tiptoeing back into the room, causing accidental wake-ups, or using harsh lighting. The soft glow creates a cozy, comforting atmosphere while still keeping the room dark enough to support melatonin production. For safety and optimal use, it’s advisable to keep the night light dim and positioned away from your baby’s crib to ensure a restful sleep and prevent any direct light exposure.

It’s especially helpful during:

• nighttime diaper changes
• quick visual check-ins
• separation anxiety phases when your little one just needs a tiny bit of extra reassurance

Plus, with HD video and reliable monitoring, you get the peace of mind every parent deserves — without disrupting your baby’s rest.

The Bottom Line

If you’re wondering “can babies be scared of the dark?”, the answer is a reassuring no. Babies simply aren’t developmentally capable of that fear yet. Crying at bedtime is usually tied to separation anxiety, overtiredness, or normal developmental leaps — not shadows on the wall.

The good news? With consistent routines, a little extra comfort, and tools like the remotely controlled night light in the Annie Baby Monitor app, you can make bedtime feel safe, peaceful, and predictable for your little one.