Best blackout blinds 2024 for baby's nursery, kids' bedrooms and on-the-go

If you want a blackout blind to use anywhere, whether you’re staying at home or travelling the world with your baby, the Tommee Tippee Gro blind ticks every box. It’s certainly the best travel baby blackout blind we’ve found but it also works well at home.

Each side of the blind contains velcro patches and suckers all the way along. This is what the manufacturer refers to as the blind’s ‘clever re-sizing system’ because it allows you to modify the blind to around a third of its maximum size, ensuring that you can fit it to any window perfectly. The maximum size is 130cm x 198cm.

The blind's newest version features the popular Ollie the Owl design (also featured in our guides to the best nightlights and white noise machines). When not in use, you can stash the blind away in its useful storage bag and it’s lightweight too - just 200g - so it’s handy for chucking in a suitcase when you’re on the go.

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If you’d rather avoid installing new blinds in your baby’s nursery or any other room where they’re likely to be sleeping, there’s good news - you don’t have to do so. Instead, you could buy a roll of cheaply priced light blocking window film. All you have to do is cut it to fit your window, remove the backing sheet and smooth it onto the window. Reviewers report that the film really does do what it promises, by blocking out all light.

A word of caution though; as the film needs cutting before use you’ll need a clean, dry and spacious surface for doing the cutting. You’ll also need to smooth out any air bubbles when applying it to the window - a credit card can be helpful for this. As it can be slightly fiddly to apply you'll want to leave these up, so it's worth getting a soothing night light for your baby's room too. But, if you want to block out light from a window for a considerable chunk of time without the faff or expense of installing new blinds, it’s ideal.

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This award winning blackout blind comes in a pack of two - you’ll get two 1m x 1.3m blinds that can be used together or individually. Like the Tommee Tippee blind, each blind weighs just 200g. However the Daydreamer blind works differently in that it attaches to your window frame with velcro to ensure no slipping. Each blind also includes securing straps, meaning that you can roll it up to the top or gather it to the side when not in use.

The benefit of this system is that the blind can be left in place - unlike the Sleeptight blind which you have to take down if you want to let some light in and then put back up when darkness is required. The drawback of the velcro fastenings is that it isn’t suitable as a travel blind - most hotels wouldn’t approve of guests sticking velcro pads over their window frames. Reviewers say that although the thick blackout fabric used isn’t the prettiest, it’s effective at its job - even in bright sunlight. As with many blackout blinds, it also traps in heat which is something to remember during hot weather.

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This travel blackout blind fits to windows with strong wide suction cups and additional optional frame fasteners. These fasteners reduce the risk of slippage when in use.

The blind is almost identical in size to the Sleeptight blind, at 130cm x 200cm. Using the hook and loop resizing system means that you can adjust the blind to fit almost any window - without having to faff about with cutting to fit. It makes an ideal on the go travel blind and comes in a handy silk printed black and silver storage bag too although the manufacturer warns that there may be imperfections on the bag’s print.

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Another blackout blind which attaches to a window frame with velcro pad, this reasonably priced offering from easynight will do the job if you don’t want to install permanent blackout blinds. The blackout blind attaches to uPVC or painted wooden window frames with self adhesive, removable velcro pads and it’s available in a variety of sizes but can also be cut to fit, making it super versatile. The XL size is 145cm x 240m - the largest temporary blackout blind on our list.

While the blind comes in a cotton storage bag, you wouldn’t want to use this blind as a travel blackout blind, due to the sticky velcro pads (even if they are described as ‘easily removable’ by the manufacturer. However, there is a travel version with just suction pads, which would be fine to use when staying in hotels or other people’s homes.

Bloc Blackout ('Blockout') Blinds offer some impressive features such as light blocking side rails and a rubber bottom seal to ensure no sneaky slivers of light sneak in. It’s ideal if you need to block out even the strongest sunlight during your baby’s naps. The manufacturer claims that these blinds offer year-round climate control with the thick thermal fabric reducing heat loss by up to 43% but also blocking out the sun’s rays on hot days.

The child safe design uses a cord-free spring-operated system and some designs can be upgraded to a motorised operation. Of course, all high-spec design comes at a price. While every quote is individual, you should expect to pay considerably more for bespoke blinds than for a budget friendly option on our list such as Lifetree Total Blackout Window Film. Also bear in mind that you’ll have to measure up and install the blinds yourself.

A similar product to Lifetree Total Blackout Window Film - although double the price - this blackout Blind comes on a roll that you simply cut to size. It then clings with static to the window, blocking out all light. As no adhesives are needed (although a spray of water can help create static) and you can peel the film off a window without leaving a mark, this blind is marketed as a travel blackout blind.

Whether you would want to be peeling the blind on and off a window on a regular basis when travelling is down to you. Some families may prefer to use a fabric travel blackout blind with suction cups. However, Mumsnetters really do rate Magic Blinds for being a mess free solution for a peaceful night’s kip for the whole family.

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If your baby’s nursery window is a standard size, then you may be able to buy a readymade blackout blind. Dunelm has a great reputation for quality window dressings at affordable prices. This cordless Blackout Roller Blind is no exception. Available in five sizes and two different colours - Grey and Navy - all styles are adorned with glow in the dark stars which will add a bit of sparkle to your baby’s room once the lights are off - although not too much sparkle to keep them awake, we hope.

It’s worth knowing that the blind can be trimmed for a perfect fit if your window isn’t standard.

The blind is cordless - you open and close it using a twist safe mechanism. You will need a drill and low level DIY skills to install the blind. While the blind is supplied with all fittings, it’s worth knowing that the width stated is for fabric only - you should allow an extra 3.2cm for the brackets and mechanism.