Reddit reviews Light Switch Guard Cover Plates Set of 4

If I am understanding you right, wouldn't a switch "cover" be a better idea? Note: I was able to train my wife and kids to not touch the switches tho :)

Maybe something like this? (Until they learn not to touch)

Light Switch Guard Cover Plates Set of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078PPG44X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_t4t0Db246MV6P

I keep meaning to do a form response for lighting, because it's really a big issue with no easy solutions.

As tinyhands already said, smart bulbs do need to be kept on. I don't know about LifX, but Hue lights will automatically turn on when the power does - an annoyance when the power flashes off and on, but does allow them to basically work like a normal bulb.

So, solutions to your switch issue....

1. Use a switch guard (product as example only). Cheap, quick, and effective. Also, unsightly. Plus, it disables "manual" control from the wall so not a full solution in itself.
   
   
2. Replace the switches with smart switches, with the "load" wire bypassing the switch. Those will be about $50 a piece. A permanent solution, expensive, requires some electrical knowledge, and frankly redundant with smart bulbs. It also breaks building code in the US (not that anyone, including inspectors, would ever know). It is something many people do, and it does have a certain elegance to it.
   
   
3. Mount new "remotes" over the existing switches by building a frame of moulding around them. A permanent solution, [lot of work,] and moderately expensive. Obviously, you could also combine this with number 1, and just put remotes next to the existing ones. (Or, you can recess the existing switches into the wall, and mount remotes flush with the wall, but it's very difficult, requiring a couple hours per switch. I can provide instructions.)
   
   For smart switches, any - like GE - will work. For remotes, I suggest Lutron Picos, with the Pro Bridge. The bridge is $88, and the remotes are about $12 to $15 each. Lutron also makes smart switches.
   
   Of course, you need to ask yourself why you want smart bulbs. I'm a huge fan of smart bulbs, so not discouraging you from using them, but.... well, do you have reasons for wanting smart bulbs?
   
   Regardless of what solution you use, you will almost certainly need an automation controller.

If it is a switch you can tape half of a disposable cup to it with the opening facing the top to prevent him from touching it. Or get a guard like this.

It’s low-tech but I’m planning on something like this:
Light Switch Guard Cover Plates Set of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078PPG44X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_T3b2BbW9PRR0R

That way it’ll keep us from turning off the lights on accident but if we need to manually do anything it’s not a total pain (turning off breakers, etc).

In my bathroom with the motion sensor set to low light in the middle of the night I know there will be times I will need full light (kid sick or whatever) and flipping switch off and back on will be easier than grabbing my phone.

Also allows grandparents etc who are visiting to use things the “normal” way if they want / need.

I have smart bulbs (GE Wink Bulbs) in all my exterior lights that are connected to a Samsung SmartThings Hub. They all turn on a sundown and turn off at sunrise. Works great.

Put these over the switches and I dont mess with them at all: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Switch-Guard-Cover-Plates/dp/B078PPG44X

You can also get smart switches which operate with any bulb and can still be manually turned on/off at the switch without casing any issues with the automation.

The Flux component is configurable to adjust brightness over a certain time period. If the bulbs are turned off and then back on, the flux update event will be called in the next cycle and bring the lights to where they need to be (default update cycle is 1 min).

Are you trying to keep the family from manually turning off the switch? Maybe cover them up using a switch cover and a Hue dimmer:

• https://amazon.com/Mitzvah-Family-Magnetic-Switch-Switches/dp/B002WQ2UBM/
  
• https://amazon.com/Light-Switch-Guard-Cover-Plates/dp/B078PPG44X/
  
• https://amazon.com/Philips-Smart-Dimmer-Switch-Remote/dp/B07DGGYWJ9
  
  You may also want to consider the Lutron Aurora dimmer when it gets released - it fits on top of an existing toggle switch, locking it in place and allows for control of Hue bulbs:
  
  
• http://www.lutron.com/en-us/products/pages/standalonecontrols/dimmers-switches/smartbulbdimmer/overview.aspx

This is the light switch style: https://www.maxximastyle.com/electrical/single-pole-duplex-toggle-combination-light-switch-white-wall-plates-included-2-pack-MEW-SC200W-02?gclid=CjwKCAjwsIbpBRBNEiwAZF8-z7sGh1G-YgOcPITi6PhcCYKkZEalgBV6cwH7uMPPNsYSsDa89KJOcRoCf8MQAvD_BwE

This is the switch guard I have on the others: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078PPG44X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_muOiDbPSFM4JE