Does this need to be plugged into power all the time to work?

Hi Acacia, thank you for your inquiry, the Livley Living Aroma Snooze does need to be connected to the power unit at all times for it to work. We hope this helps. if you follow the link https://www.babyonthemove.co.nz/store-locations/ this will take you to our online store finder. Here you can find contact details for your nearest Baby On The Move Store where one of our team experts will be happy to assist you in your product search and help answer any further questions you may have.