As any parent knows, better sleep for babies and toddlers means better sleep for everyone. For some little ones (and let’s be honest–adults too!) darkness is key. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy cave in the middle of a sunny day or block the annoying streetlight that’s right outside the window, blackout curtains can help.

Typically made from two or three layers of tightly woven fabric, blackout curtains can submerge their nursery or bedroom into total darkness at any time of day. Since they’re usually thicker than regular drapes, some versions also help to dampen sound and insulate the room throughout the seasons. Hello, optimal sleep conditions!

Related: 14 stylish nursery rugs that last well beyond the baby years

While there are tons to choose from, the most important thing to keep in mind is safety–especially if you’re looking for blackout curtains for their nursery. Avoid any styles that have long cords which can pose a hazard for little ones and if at all possible, you may want to stick with shorter lengths overall. No matter how many toys they have, nothing is more exciting for babies than yanking on things they shouldn’t. (I mean, you probably haven’t worn necklaces or dangling earrings in ages, right?)

We’ve rounded up some of our personal favorites along with some top-rated blackout curtains for bedrooms for cave-loving babies, toddlers and their parents.

Best blackout curtains for bedrooms

Nicetown Blackout Lined Curtains

Nicetown

$25.99

Blackout Lined Curtians

If you’ve got a light sleeper on your hands, you know every bit of soundproofing helps. Enter Amazon’s best-selling curtains. With over 45K 5-star ratings, these triple-layer blackout curtains  block light and sound. They’re thicker than standard drapes (more like a hotel curtain!) and can also help to regulate temps in all seasons. Choose from a ton of colors and dimensions, each of which come with two panels per set.

Amazon Basics Blackout Curtains

Amazon Basics

$29.99

Blackout Curtains

Similarly, the Amazon Basics version get rave reviews for their ability to block light, sound and UV. In fact, one enthusiastic reviewer suggests, “Once you put these bad boys on your window, the room will turn into a black hole of darkness that will engulf both soul and body.” Welp, sold.

They’re available in a variety of muted colors and stylish lattice and herringbone patterns that work as well in nurseries as they do your own bedroom. Included in each set you’ll find two panels and two velcro tie-backs.

Claysville Geometric Max Blackout Curtain

Corrigan Studio

$105.99

Claysville Geometric Max Blackout Curtain

Blackout curtains with a stylish pattern are almost impossible to find, so obviously these caught our eye. The all-over mustard block print offers a mid-century modern vibe that’s playful enough for a kid room but sophisticated enough for yours. They’re sold as single panels and come in three lengths.

evelyn linen blackout curtain panel l

Pottery Barn Kids

$109

Evelyn Linen Blackout Curtain

If you’re up for making an investment, we suggest the splurge-worthy Evelyn Linen Blackout Curtains from Pottery Barn Kids. The neat and tidy pleated design can be hung four different ways with rings/hooks or directly on the rod itself and pairs perfectly with their top treatments. Without any grommets to create gaps, they’re superb at blocking light as well as muffling outdoor sounds. The linen and cotton fabric has a gorgeous subtle texture and comes in seven muted colors that coordinate with any aesthetic.

Prices start at $109 per panel.

Freemansburg Room Darkening Curtain Panel

Freemansburg

$41.99

Room Darkening Curtain Panel

A top-rated and oft recommended pick, the single panel curtains from Freemansburg are as effective as they are attractive. Though they’re made from polyester, the textured fabric has more of a linen look and high-quality feel. Opt to hang with hooks or via the rod pocket for near complete darkness. They come in 14 different colors from light neutrals to bold earthy tones and sold in single panels.

Efird Tulle Overlay Blackout Curtains

Efird

$92.73

Tulle Overlay Blackout Curtains

Ok, so if total cave-like darkness is what you’re going for, these aren’t it–but we love them too much not to include. Ideal for kids’ rooms, these whimsical curtains feature tiny star cut outs to let light sparkle through in the most magical way. I mean, what kid wouldn’t delight in their own little fairyland? The tulle overlay adds an ethereal touch and softens the light as well. They’re available in nine colors and three lengths.

Amazon Basics Portable Blackout Curtains

Amazon Basics

$41.98

Portable Blackout Curtains

For sleepy time away from home, these portable blackout curtains come in clutch. They’re designed with suction cups to easily affix to the window and feature velcro edges that allow you to customize the dimensions. There are several colors and patterns to choose from which each come packed in a convenient travel bag.

Whether you’re expecting in months or mere days, let Motherly guide you with our registry featuring curated collections of essentials for you and baby. Click here to check out Motherly’s essential registry guide. 

A version of this article was published June 2, 2022. It has been updated.