What are the best blinds to blackout light?
The best blackout blinds are those that fit flush to the window and minimise gaps, as light usually creeps in around the edges rather than through the fabric itself. Products such as Magic Blinds (which use static cling) and Bloc Blinds (which fix into a lightweight frame with Velcro) are popular because they sit directly against the glass, helping to block out a very high percentage of incoming light when fitted correctly. This can be especially helpful in a baby’s room during summer months or for daytime naps.
From a safety point of view, The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping sleep spaces calm and uncluttered, so blinds that don’t require cords or dangling mechanisms are often preferred in nurseries, as they reduce the risk of entanglement once babies become more mobile.
Do blackout blinds keep the light out?
Yes - when well designed and properly fitted, blackout blinds can significantly reduce light levels in a room. Unlike curtains, which hang away from the window and often let light in at the sides or top, blackout blinds are designed to sit closer to the glass or within the window recess. Systems that use Velcro frames or suction cups can be particularly effective because they reduce the gaps where light usually leaks through.
That said, no blind needs to create total darkness to be safe or effective for sleep. The NHS and Lullaby Trust both stress that a baby’s sleep environment should be darkened but not unsafe, meaning blinds should be securely fitted, kept well out of reach, and used alongside other safe-sleep measures such as placing babies on their backs to sleep and keeping the cot free from loose items.
How do you completely blackout a bedroom?
To achieve near-total blackout, most parents use a combination approach: a fitted blackout blind close to the window, sometimes paired with curtains for extra insulation and light control. Brands like Magic and Bloc are designed specifically to reduce edge light and are often praised by parents for creating a very dark room, even in bright daylight.
However, it’s worth remembering that complete blackout isn’t a requirement for safe sleep. According to the Lullaby Trust, what matters most is that babies sleep in a safe, clear cot in a calm environment, rather than achieving absolute darkness.
How effective are blackout roller blinds?
Blackout roller blinds can be very effective, particularly made-to-measure versions that fit snugly within a window recess. However, because they are free-hanging, they can sometimes allow light in at the sides or move slightly if a window is open. This doesn’t make them unsafe, but it can reduce how dark the room feels.
If using a roller blind in a nursery, make sure it complies with UK child-safety standards, has a secure chain safety device or is cordless, and is fitted so that cords or controls are completely out of reach — advice supported by both the NHS and child-safety charities.
How can I make my room darker at night?
If you’re trying to make a bedroom darker - whether for your own sleep or your baby’s - a well-fitted blackout blind is usually more effective than curtains alone. Made-to-measure blackout blinds can be particularly helpful because they reduce light leakage and sit neatly within the window space.
For babies, darkness can support longer stretches of sleep by helping them distinguish day from night, but the NHS emphasises that temperature, ventilation and safe positioning are just as important. A dark room should still be comfortably ventilated and kept at the recommended temperature of 16–20°C.
Is it best to sleep in pitch black?
A darkened room can be helpful for sleep, but babies do not need pitch-black darkness. The NHS and the Lullaby Trust advise that sleep environments should be calm and low-stimulus, rather than completely black. Many parents choose to use blackout blinds alongside a dim night light for feeds or reassurance, which is perfectly fine as long as the light isn’t bright or stimulating.
The most important factors for safe sleep remain consistent: babies should always be placed on their backs, in their own clear sleep space, with no loose bedding, cords or hazards nearby
How do I blackout a room without curtains?
You don’t need curtains to create a dark room. In fact, blackout blinds that attach directly to the window - such as suction-cup or Velcro-based designs - are often more effective than curtains alone because they don’t shift in a breeze. These types of blinds can also be useful for travel or temporary setups.
From a safety perspective, blinds without cords or chains are often preferred for nurseries, aligning with Lullaby Trust guidance to reduce potential hazards in a baby’s sleep environment.
What are the best overall blackout blinds for a baby’s room?
For many parents, the best blackout blind for a baby’s room is one that balances light control, ease of use and safety. Products like the Tommee Tippee Sleeptight Blackout Blinds are popular because they use suction cups and optional adhesive pads, are easy to fit and remove, and don’t involve trailing cords. They’re also practical for holidays or visits away from home.
While Mumsnet users often rate this type of blind highly for convenience, it’s important to remember that no blind replaces safe-sleep practices. Always ensure blinds are securely fitted, kept out of reach, and used alongside NHS and Lullaby Trust recommendations for a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
How we chose our recommendations
We believe that when you’re considering buying a new baby product - such as blackout blinds - it’s invaluable to have recommendations from other parents who’ve tried and tested them already. That’s where Mumsnetters on our talk boards come in - we reckon that between them, they’ve bought, used and reported back on the majority of blackout blinds on the market right now. With over 8 million users on our forums each month, that’s a staggering wealth of knowledge and experience to share.
To compile our list of blackout blinds, we studied reviews of blackout blinds on the Mumsnet forums and directly from retailer sites to find out which blackout blinds parents had tested and rated. We consulted baby sleep experts including The Lullaby Trust to confirm that all curtains and blinds complied with current safe sleeping advice and guidelines.
Finally, we collated all that information and compared them to other online reviews to see which were the bestsellers and which received rave recommendations. We then cross-referenced our findings to select the blackout blinds that had won the most praise and recommendations across the board, to bring you a selection of the best at various price points.
Why you should trust us
At Mumsnet, we believe parents should be able to access impartial and honest advice about products and services they may purchase.
We consult real parents as well as experts so we can offer the benefit of honest experience and we don’t take payment for our reviews from companies.
Our team of writers is made up of experienced consumer and parenting journalists who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge at their fingertips.
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022 and, as part of the core Baby & Child team, has been responsible for the Bedtime category of articles, buyers' guides and review content for most of this time. She has extensive experience of researching, testing and reviewing a wide range of baby and toddler sleep items from cribs to swaddles, baby monitors and toddler beds.
A mum of three, Jenny has done her fair share of late-night Googling in search of the best baby sleep aids - and now puts that experience to good use by ensuring Mumsnet’s reviews and buyers' guides are practical, trustworthy and based on genuine insight. She works closely with medical and industry experts and Mumsnet’s community of parent testers to make sure every product recommendation truly lives up to the site’s goal of making parents’ lives easier.