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10 Best Baby Soother Projectors of 2024

Updated
Enhance your baby's bedtime routine with a soother projector, offering a serene atmosphere for a peaceful sleep.

Baby soother projectors are a wonderful tool to help soothe and comfort your baby, especially during bedtime. These devices often combine light projections with calming sounds, creating a tranquil environment for your little one.

This article will review the best baby soother projectors, focusing on features like sound quality, projection images, and user-friendliness. Ideal for creating a peaceful sleep setting, these projectors are a must-have for new parents.

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the V-Tech Baby Critters Starlight
Best Battery-Powered Projector
V-Tech Baby Critters Starlight
  • Varying lengths of auto shut-off
  • Volume control
  • Voice sensor
Product Image of the Bubzi Co Soothing Sleep Elephant
Best Plush Baby Soother Projector
Bubzi Co Soothing Sleep Elephant
  • Removable light unit
  • Strap for crib attachment
  • Heartbeat sound option
Product Image of the Infanto Musical Night Projector
Best Non-Plush Projector
Infanto Musical Night Projector
  • Detachable mini-nightlight
  • Adjustable light & sound settings
  • Subdued lights
Product Image of the Tumama Multifunctional Night Light
Best for All Ages
Tumama Multifunctional Night Light
  • Hand drum design
  • Has volume control
  • Two timer options
Product Image of the Fisher-Price SmartConnect Projector
Best Smart Baby Soother Projector
Fisher-Price SmartConnect Projector
  • Three lighting options
  • Has a sound timer
  • Modern control system
Product Image of the Bubzi Co Woodland Owl Projector
Best Portable Baby Soother Projector
Bubzi Co Woodland Owl Projector
  • Comes with batteries & screwdriver
  • Removable light & sound unit
  • Washable unit
Product Image of the Infantino Musical Projector Soother
Best Versatile Baby Soother Projector
Infantino Musical Projector Soother
  • Three stages for growing kids
  • Babysafe mirror
  • Includes cute animal mobile
Product Image of the Roccababy Sound Projector
Best Sound-Activated Projector
Roccababy Sound Projector
  • Cry sensor can be turned off
  • 10 volume levels
  • Removable light unit
Product Image of the Fisher-Price Precious Planet
Best Remote-Controlled Projector
Fisher-Price Precious Planet
  • 20 minutes music runtime
  • Two-in-one projection mobile
  • Multifarious animals featured
Product Image of the One Fire Sleep Projector
Best Budget Baby Soother Projector
One Fire Sleep Projector
  • Remote controlled
  • 7 removable films
  • 3 timer settings


The Best Baby Soother Projectors of 2024

Here are our favorite baby soother projectors on the market.

V-Tech Baby Critters Soothing Starlight Hippo

Best Battery-Powered Baby Soother Projector

The V-Tech Baby Critters Soothing Starlight Hippo lands firmly between plush and non-plush. The main body is firm plastic without hard edges or corners, and the head and limbs are firmly stuffed fabric.

Voice activation means the hippo will turn on if your little one cries in the night, and you can select between a 10-, 20-, or 30-minute light and sound duration. There is also a volume control to ensure the hippo does not wake the rest of the family.

The light display has static stars, arranged in spirals which cycle through three colors. This provides some gentle light, in multiple directions, without it becoming overly stimulating.

As the hippo is soft and light, it is easy to take along with you to family, daycare, or days out.

Pros

  • Varying lengths of auto shut-off.
  • Volume control.
  • Voice sensor.

Cons

  • Doesn’t affix to crib, so you’ll have to set it somewhere else like a dresser.

Product Specs

Age range Birth and older
Sounds 100+ nature sounds, tunes, and phrases
Lights Static stars in three colors
Power 2 x AA batteries

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Features
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

Bought this hippo toy as a baby shower gift and it's been a hit with both the new parents and their little ones. The soothing lullabies and colorful star show make bedtime more enjoyable, and the voice activation feature is a nice touch, turning on when the baby cries. The volume control allows for customization so it doesn't disturb others in the house.

Bubzi Co Soothing Sleep Elephant

Best Plush Baby Soother Projector

This cute and cuddly elephant has a removable light and sound unit. That means you can throw the body into the washer if it becomes a little grubby or if your little one spits up some milk.

A small, soft, Velcro strap makes it easy to affix the elephant to your crib or to take it with you attached to the stroller.

The only small inconvenience is the position of the light unit. As the unit is set directly into the elephant’s belly, if you want the lights to project onto the ceiling, you have to attach the projector facing upward on the crib rail. That means your baby will be looking at the rear surface of their new stuffy friend.

Pros

  • Removable light unit for safe washing.
  • Strap for crib attachment.
  • Heartbeat option.

Cons

  • Odd projection angle.

Product Specs

Age range Birth and older
Sounds Heartbeat, nature sounds, and 10 songs
Lights Static stars in 3 colors
Power 3 x AAA batteries

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Features
4 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this soothing owl has been incredible for both my 3-year-old and my 2-month-old. The calming music and starry projections on the ceiling are a perfect combination for helping them fall back asleep. While I do find the controls a bit tricky to decipher and wish it had more ambient sound options, it's still worth having. The cry sensor feature has been a lifesaver for our 2-month-old's colic, providing us with cry-free stretches of sleep. This owl has become my go-to gift for friends and family with newborns.

Infanto Musical Soother Night Projector

Best Non-Plush Baby Soother Projector

This cute and cheerful fox-shaped night light from Infanto is sure to give a pop of color to the nursery, and that’s before it even lights up.

Three tail panels fan out and pass slowly in front of each other, giving a gentle impression of movement without being overly stimulating. Meanwhile, the small fox cub that nestles in front of the adult can be removed and acts as a portable, independent nightlight.

None of the five songs the fox plays were familiar to us, but they were all pleasant, delicate musical pieces that were an excellent soothing choice for bedtime.

You can use the projector with either light alone, sounds alone, or a combination of the two. Whichever combination you choose, the projector will run for 20 minutes before turning itself off.

Pros

  • Detachable mini-nightlight.
  • Adjustable light and sound settings.
  • Subdued lights.

Cons

  • Not voice-activated.

Product Specs

Age range Birth to 36 months
Sounds 5 songs, 3 white noise sounds
Lights Stars in three colors with gentle movement
Power 4 x AA batteries

Our Ratings

Design
4.5 / 5
Features
4 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with this adorable fox nightlight has been a mixed bag. On one hand, the design is incredibly cute and the multiple light projection options provide a soothing atmosphere for my little one. However, the fact that it's battery-operated and doesn't come with a plug can be a bit inconvenient, especially if you don't have rechargeable batteries on hand. Additionally, the fox itself is a bit heavy and hard for a child to hold at night, and I've noticed some issues with the motor in the past.

Tumama Multifunctional Baby Sleep Soother

Best Soother Projector for All Ages

The styling of Tumama baby sleep soother will work just as well in an older child’s room as it will in a baby’s nursery. A large, white “eggshell” shape emits four colorful hues with adjustable audio volume. Most of its features mean it will also entertain not only the babies but those babies at heart.

You can choose between a 30- or 60-minute timer but what I personally like about this soother machine is that it promotes early developmental motor skills. Equipped with a recorder, it repeats what your child says which can be used as an interactive play alternative and not merely a soothing machine.

Pros

  • Hand drum design.
  • Has volume control.
  • Two timer options.
  • Can be used as a talking toy.

Cons

  • Battery-operated.

Product Specs

Age range Birth and older
Sounds 4 music types
Lights Stars in different colors
Power 3 x 1.5V AA batteries

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Features
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

These nightlight projector toys have provided a delightful experience for my 2-month-old, who seems to enjoy kicking and changing the colors. The variety of white noise sounds, particularly the piano, and the 30 and 60-minute playtime options make it one of the best purchases I've made. However, I noticed that the volume control can be difficult to manage and the light projection requires a pitch-black room for optimal visibility. Despite these minor drawbacks, the toy has been a charming addition to our nursery and has become an essential part of our bedtime routine.

Fisher-Price SmartConnect Deluxe Soother Projector

Best Smart Baby Soother Projector

This baby soother projector from Fisher-Price has a traditional style look with a modern control system.

There are three light modes — you can use each one alone or in combination with the others. Stars and moons of different colors can be projected upward, soft white animals can be projected outward, and a soft amber night light mode makes the base gently glow.

For sound, you can choose between music, nature sounds, or white noise, and both the lights and sounds can be set on a timer of your choice of duration or left on all night.

The one point that it fails on is that your phone must be within Bluetooth connectivity range to make adjustments to the settings. You can still use the light without your phone, but you cannot make changes to the lights or sounds from a distance.

Pros

  • Three lighting options.
  • Back-lit buttons on the control panel for easier use.
  • It works as a projector and light.

Cons

  • Cannot change settings if the phone is out of range.
  • No battery power option.

Product Specs

Age range Birth and older
Sounds Three lullabies, three nature noises, white noise
Lights Multicolor, static stars, pale white animals, glowing amber nightlight base.
Power Power cord

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Features
5 / 5
Battery Life
2 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this nightlight and sound machine soother has been positive, as it offers a variety of music and sound options for my baby. The light projector with colorful stars is captivating for my little one, but I do wish the white noise could be louder and the main white light's brightness could be adjusted. The mobile app provides convenient control of the machine, but using the physical buttons is just as simple and effective.

Bubzi Co Portable Woodland Owl Soother Projector

Best Portable Baby Soother Projector

You can choose between 10 songs, a heartbeat, or a bird song, and each one will repeat, on a loop, for 30 minutes before shutting off.

The light unit projects stars up onto the ceiling, cycling through three colors and multiple color combinations. This provides more interest than the projection of a basic mono-color star pattern but is not so stimulating it will keep your baby excited and awake.

The downside is that the owl must lay on its back to project lights onto the ceiling. You’ll have to attach it to the upper crib rail, which means your child will be looking at the owl’s back.

Also, we found the velcro strap a little short for some crib rails, while on others, it did not hold the owl firmly in place, causing it to drop down and face the floor.

Pros

  • Comes with batteries and a screwdriver.
  • Removable light and sound unit.
  • Washable.

Cons

  • Short Velcro strap.
  • Odd projection angle.

Product Specs

Age range Birth amd older
Sounds Heartbeat, bird song, and 10 tunes
Lights Static stars that cycle through three colors
Power 3 x AAA batteries

Our Ratings

Design
3.5 / 5
Features
4 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Ease of Use
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

For anyone with young children, this owl is an absolute must-have. I've used it for both my 3-year-old and 2-month-old, and it works wonders in soothing them back to sleep with its calming music and starry light display. The cry sensor feature is incredibly helpful, automatically turning on when my baby starts to fuss and successfully calming them down. However, the volume control can be a bit difficult to manage, and I do wish it had a rechargeable battery option.

Infantino Musical Projector Soother

Best Versatile Baby Soother Projector

This option from Infantino combines a traditional crib mobile and a soother projector that transforms into a table-top, toddler-friendly projecting night light.

We loved the idea of this three-stage baby soother projector, and it does deliver in most areas; however, there are a few points that let it down.

First, the fittings only allow it to be fitted to a crib where the top rail is 2.5 inches deep or smaller. If you have a deeper top rail, you cannot use it as a mobile.

Second, some babies may find the mobile animals too interesting, causing them to stay awake longer than they otherwise might. If this is an issue for you, the animals can be detached. There is also a built-in baby-safe mirror, which, again, might prove to be too much fun.

Finally, you cannot use the mobile and the projector at the same time.

Pros

  • Three stages for growing kids, so they don’t outgrow this quickly.
  • Babysafe mirror.
  • Cute mobile animals.

Cons

  • Could be overstimulating.
  • Won’t fit all cribs.

Product Specs

Age range Birth and older
Sounds Six tunes, four nature sounds
Lights Static stars in 3 colors
Power 3 x AAA batteries

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Features
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

This product initially caught my attention due to its sleek design and promising features. However, upon using it, I quickly discovered that it doesn't spin as advertised, and it emits a strange whining sound that's quite annoying. I tried troubleshooting the issue myself, but the problem persisted. In my personal experience, this has negatively impacted the overall functionality and enjoyment of the product. Despite its appealing exterior, the performance leaves much to be desired and I find myself disappointed with my purchase.

Roccababy Sound-Activated Soother Projector

Best Sound-Activated Baby Soother Projector

The jury is still out on whether to choose a baby soother projector with a sound sensor. Some users and their babies seem to adore them, while others find that having the soother turn on in response to a baby’s cries causes more disruption.

This particular sound-activated baby soother projector is a popular choice because you can change the settings to work with only the lights, just the sounds, both lights, and sounds together, or with both lights and sounds turned off.

Some users had issues with the brightness, volume, or lack of volume of the lights and the volume levels. However, we found those were all down to personal preference or circumstance, such as wanting to drown out traffic noise.

Pros

  • Cry sensor can be turned off.
  • 10 volume levels.
  • Removable light unit.

Cons

  • Falls over.
  • It’s pretty large at 10 inches tall.
  • Fixed 30-minute timer.

Product Specs

Age range Birth and older
Sounds 10 tunes and 10 sounds, including womb and heartbeat
Lights Static stars that cycle through five colors
Power 3 x AAA batteries

Our Ratings

Design
3.5 / 5
Features
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

My experience with this sleep aid has been mostly positive, especially for my 6-week-old who seems to love the stars projected on the wall. It has become a part of our nightly routine, and she usually falls asleep within minutes. The cry detection feature is a nice touch, although it can be overly sensitive at times. One downside is that it's a bit too bulky and tends to topple over, requiring some propping up. Despite that, the soothing light and music have contributed to better sleep for my little one.

Fisher-Price Precious Planet 2-in-1 Projection Mobile

Best Remote-Controlled Baby Soother Projector

This Fisher-Price projector has an excellent parent-controlled feature that allows your child to slowly unwind using the remote control without having to disturb your little one. What’s great is that there are three soothing options to calm your child. You may use the melodies alone which simultaneously play for 20 minutes, or you may accompany the music with rotating adorable animal friends, better yet you may use all three- music, motion, and projection.

The only downside with this set is that the mobile requires four D batteries whilst the remote control uses two triple A batteries.

Pros

  • 20 minutes music runtime.
  • Two-in-one projection mobile.
  • Multifarious animals featured.

Cons

  • Uses several batteries.
  • No choice of what music to play.
  • Music is mandatory on each 3 settings.

Product Specs

Age range Birth and older
Sounds Three tunes, three nature noises
Lights Soft light show
Power 4 x D batteries

Our Ratings

Design
4 / 5
Features
4 / 5
Battery Life
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

I recently purchased this baby mobile for my little one and it has been a fantastic addition to their crib. The soothing music and adorable spinning animals keep my baby engaged and help them drift off to sleep peacefully. I appreciate the remote control feature, as it allows me to operate the mobile from a distance without disturbing my baby. However, I do wish there was an option to keep the mobile running for longer than 10 minutes at a time.

One Fire Baby Sleep Projector

Best Budget Baby Soother Projector

This adorable little bunny comes with seven different rotatable films with ten bright lighting effects.

To recharge, simply remove the light unit, plug in the USB cable, and attach the other end to a charging block. The cable is included with the rabbit, but the block is not. A full battery charge takes around 5 hours and will last between 6 and 8 hours.

You can use lights or sounds or both. The timer can be set to turn this little sleeping buddy off after 30, 60, or 90 minutes.

Our one word of caution is that as this is a new product, we can’t tell how well it works long-term.

Pros

  • Easy access using the remote control.
  • Includes 7 removable films.
  • Three timer settings.

Cons

  • Battery life of 6 to 8 hours.
  • Others find the bluetooth functionality inappropriate for baby nursery because of the annoying voices while attempting to connect.

Product Specs

Age range Birth and older
Sounds Depending on your preference as it must be connected with Bluetooth
Lights 6 rotatable films in 10 colors
Power 3000mAh lithium battery

Our Ratings

Design
3.5 / 5
Features
3.5 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

Excellent little projector light that is perfect for children and even appreciated by teenagers. I did struggle with removing the plastic film on some slides, but once it was off, the light worked well and displayed bright and vivid images. The remote control is convenient, although there were some slides where the light didn't filter through as nicely, causing a shadow. It would be great if there were options to purchase extra slide cases and built-in sounds. Despite the minor drawbacks, this projector light is a good value for the money and a fun addition to any room.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Age range Sounds Lights Power
V-Tech Baby Critters Starlight Battery-Powered Birth & older 100 tunes Static stars in 3 colors 2 x AA batteries
Bubzi Co Soothing Sleep Elephant Plush Birth & older 10 songs Static stars in 3 colors 3 x AAA batteries
Infanto Musical Soother Projector Non-Plush Birth to 36 months 5 songs Stars in 3 colors 4 x AA batteries
Tumama Multifunctional Soother For All Ages Birth & older 4 music types Stars in 4 colors 3 x AA batteries
Fisher-Price SmartConnect Smart Projector Birth & older 3 tunes Multicolor, static stars, pale white animals Power cord
Bubzi Co Woodland Owl Soother Portable Birth and older 10 tunes Static stars that cycle through 3 colors 3 x AAA batteries
Infantino Musical Projector Versatile Birth & older 6 tunes Static stars in 3 colors 3 x AAA batteries
Roccababy Sound Soother Sound-Activated Birth & older 10 tunes Static stars that cycle through 5 colors 3 x AAA batteries
Fisher-Price Precious Planet Remote-Controlled Birth & older 6 tunes Soft light show 4 x D batteries
One Fire Baby Sleep Projector Budget Pick Birth & older Depends on your preference 6 rotatable films in 10 colors 3000mAh lithium battery

What Are Baby Soother Projectors?

A baby soother projector displays lights and images on the walls and/or the ceiling of a room. Some baby soother projectors also play music or sounds.

Benefits of Using Baby Soother Projectors

There are several benefits to using one of these projectors, including:

  • It can provide a low level of light for nighttime feeds and diaper changes. That helps you reduce the chances of overstimulating your child by turning on a light.
  • The relaxing environment that a baby’s soother projector creates can help babies who struggle to transition from waking to sleeping.
  • Some babies and children become distressed if they wake up to a different environment than the one they fell asleep in. A baby soother projector creates and recreates the same feeling to the room, no matter when your child wakes (1).
  • If you turn this projector on when you put your child down in their crib when they are awake but drowsy, it may help soothe them into sleep.

How to Choose the Best Baby Soother Projector

There are several factors to consider when choosing a soother projector for your baby.

Child’s Age

Always check that the projector you are considering is appropriate for your child’s current age. This is especially important if you are looking at a crib-mounted projector.

Safety

Toys manufactured or imported into the U.S. have to pass stringent safety standards before reaching the stores.

The best way to ensure that the toy you are considering is safe for your child is to check the packaging. This will tell you the age range for which the toy is recommended.

Sound Options

Decide whether you want a device that has sound and lights. Some baby soother projectors play music, some play ambient noises such as bird songs, and others offer white noise or a similar function.

Some sleep experts recommend white noise to help your child sleep through the night.

Power Source

A power cord limits portability, but it does mean you don’t have to worry about having spare batteries on hand or the batteries running out in the middle of the night.

Portability

Consider whether you want to use the projector in one location or whether you want one that is easy to pick up and take with you. If you have a portable one, you can use it on vacations so your baby has something to remind them of home.

Versatility

Some allow you to choose between a range of light patterns, sounds, and songs. Others double as a baby mobile or baby monitor.

Style

Plush projectors can double as a cuddly companion. However, they can be challenging to keep clean. You also need to remember never to leave the projector on the mattress in your baby’s crib as they sleep — your baby is safest when there is nothing in their crib (2).

Non-plush projectors are easy to keep clean, but hard surfaces or edges can give a nasty bump if your child falls against them.

Educational

Projectors that show different colors and shapes can add an educational component to your light show. However, these projectors are meant to ease your child gently off to sleep, so don’t choose something that is overly stimulating as it will defeat the purpose.

Ease of Use

We looked for projectors that were simple and convenient for parents to use and those that were easy to maintain.

Helpful Features

Look for additional features that will make your life easier.

  • An automatic shutoff function means you do not have to tip-toe in and turn the projector off at night.
  • Voice-activated projectors will respond to your child’s voice, so you do not have to get up and turn it on for them.
  • A projector that allows you to adjust volume or light brightness will enable you to choose settings appropriate for your family’s needs. You can use a louder setting if you live somewhere with lots of traffic noise.

The Joy Of Sleep

Baby soother projectors can help your child settle down and transition to sleep without relying on another person to be there. This is an essential skill for your child to master, and anything that helps them achieve this milestone is good.

However, while some children respond well and are helped by soother projectors, others are excited or disturbed by them, making such units counterproductive.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell which side of the fence your child falls on unless you try one, but the ten options above are great products that will give you a fighting chance.

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Headshot of Patricia Barnes

About the Author

Patricia Barnes

Patricia Barnes is a homeschooling mom of 5 who has been featured on Global TV, quoted in Parents magazine, and writes for a variety of websites and publications. Doing her best to keep it together in a life of constant chaos, Patti would describe herself as an eclectic mess maker, lousy crafter, book lover, autism mom, and insomniac.