White Noise For Babies: Pros, Cons, Safety and When To Stop.
If you’ve ever found yourself frozen in place because a floorboard creaked or the dog let out a sudden "woof" just as the baby finally drifted off, you already know why white noise is a total game-changer. It’s one of the most popular tools in the modern parenting kit, acting as a gentle, acoustic "cue" that tells your baby’s busy brain it’s time to settle down and—more importantly—stay asleep. Think of white noise as a steady, invisible shield; it’s a consistent sound that blankets those sudden household disruptions to keep the sleep environment calm and predictable.
White noise is an incredibly effective tool when used correctly. Most of the worries you’ll hear about usually aren't about the noise itself, but rather the logistics like getting the volume right, finding the safest spot in the nursery, and navigating that "will they use this forever?" anxiety. Finding the balance between safety and effectiveness is what gives you the confidence to finally put the monitor down and get some rest yourself.
In this guide, we’re going to dive into the benefits and what to look out for with sound machines, alongside the "must-know" safety rules. We’ll also look at the signs that your little one might be ready for some peace and quiet, and exactly how to wean them off the hum when that day comes.
What is white noise?
White noise combines all audible frequencies into an even, steady sound — usually heard as a soft, high-pitched “shhh”. Because it’s constant and predictable, many children find it calming, and it can make sleep easier by masking sudden noises like traffic, TVs, or voices. It’s often compared to the gentle static of an untuned radio or television.
White noise vs pink noise
There is a difference!
- White noise: all frequencies at equal intensity, so it sounds brighter or more “shhh”.
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Pink noise: lower frequencies are stronger and the highs are softer, so it sounds deeper and gentler — some babies and children may prefer it, while others settle better with white noise.
Examples of white noise and pink noise
- White noise: fan, vacuum, hairdryer, radio/TV static, running water.
- Pink noise: steady rain, ocean waves, waterfall, leaves rustling.
How does white noise work for babies?
White noise creates a masking effect, blocking out loud noises which may disturb your child’s sleep such as the television, older siblings, or traffic outside. Some white noise machines remind children of being in the womb due to the continuous background sound.
Is white noise good for babies?
The benefits of white noise for babies
- White noise can block out disruptive sounds such as older siblings, traffic outside, dogs barking, or the television.
- White noise can be adjusted depending on your child’s needs.
- Some parents and caregivers find it helps their little ones to drift off and stay asleep for longer periods of time.
- Some white noise machines have additional features, such as lullabies.
- White noise can also be a calming tool for parents and caregivers.
Is white noise bad for babies?
The short answer is no, white noise is not bad for babies—in fact, for most families, it is a safe and highly effective tool for improving sleep. However, like any baby gear, its safety depends entirely on how you use it.
The concern you might hear from paediatricians or found in recent studies isn't about the sound itself, but the volume. Some research has pointed out that certain sound machines, when turned to their maximum setting and placed right next to a baby’s head, can reach decibel levels that are too loud for developing ears. Pediatric bodies, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), caution that prolonged exposure to excessive volume could potentially risk hearing damage or interfere with language development.
However, these risks are associated with improper use, not white noise as a whole. As long as you keep the volume at a moderate level—roughly the sound of a soft shower—and place the machine at least 2 metres away from the crib, it remains a safe, evidence-backed way to help your little one settle.
Considerations for Using White Noise
While white noise can be a fantastic sleep aid, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some children may become so accustomed to it that they struggle to sleep without it, which can be challenging as they grow or if they are in childcare. Additionally, a quality machine may be an at home unit so looking for a portable white noise machine so you can maintain naps on the go or while travelling is helpful.
It’s also helpful to know that not all babies respond to white noise in the same way so if your baby doesn’t immediately respond to it, that’s ok. You can try again as they grow and develop or pass on the machine to another family.
Do babies sleep better with white noise?
White noise can help babies to sleep better as it blocks out other sounds which might disrupt sleep such as older siblings, a television in the other room, or outdoor traffic.
It can also recreate the feeling of being in the womb for some children. The womb is a noisy place with the sound of blood rushing and the heart beating. Continuous white noise can help settle your little one due to this calming effect.
What’s the best white noise for helping babies sleep?
The best white noise is whatever your baby best responds to, so having options on the one machine is the best way to get the most value from your device. Some babies love a pink noise whilst others might prefer a constant “shhhh” from Mum which is why we invented our Love To Dream Sleep Machine. The portable Love to Dream Sleep Machine is more than just a pretty shape, it has 9 soothing sounds already plus easy-to-use unique features such as bluetooth, cry detection and a personalised record function so you can record your own unique lullaby or personal brand of shhhh
When should you start using white noise for your baby?
White noise is safe to use from birth (in fact, can be a helpful tool for noisy hospitals!). Just make sure to always follow safe sleep guidelines and keep the machine away from the baby's cot or bassinet.
How to use white noise safely:
You must always follow safe sleep guidelines. Ways to use white noise safely are:
- Always turn the white noise machine off or turn the volume down if your child is distressed.
- Always place the Sleep Machine at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) from your child when in use.
- Keep the volume at a comfortable background level rather than the loudest setting.
- Ensure the sound level never exceeds 60 decibels. This is the highest machine setting (excludes Bluetooth) and the volume heard when the machine is placed 2 metres away
- Always make sure the white noise machine is out of your child’s reach and any cords are safely tucked away.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s directions, charger and safety warnings.
- Avoid placing the unit directly beside your baby’s head or ears.
- Every room’s acoustics are different - if you’d like to check your own setup, you can use a free sound level app to measure the noise where your baby sleeps.
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Please note, that the sounds played via Bluetooth mode are controlled by the volume level of the external device, eg: mobile phone, so the decibels are not purely controlled by the sound machine, therefore the volume can exceed the safe limits. It is recommended to use
How loud should white noise be?
Your baby’s hearing is delicate, so it’s important to use your Sleep Machine safely. Our lab testing shows that when placed around 2 meters away (as recommended), the Sleep Machine reaches approximately 60 dB* on its highest setting. At 1 meter, the actual volume a baby would experience rises to around 65 dB, and at 0.5 meter, around 75 dB.
At the recommended distance and volume, your Sleep Machine provides a soothing, consistent sound environment well within safe limits for little ears.
*The A-weighted decibels (dB(A)) is a measurement of sound that has been adjusted to reflect how the human ear perceives loudness. For the sound machine, the pre-set sounds are between 49.1 – 68.9dB. These results are from tests performed to EN71, the European toy standard. This is excluding any sounds played via the Bluetooth function, as the volume is controlled by the external device
Should you play white noise all night for your baby?
It’s recommended that you turn the white noise machine off when your baby is asleep but it is up to your discretion as a parent. You can either monitor your child or set the timer on your machine if you wish to turn it off overnight.
When to stop using white noise for your baby?
Every child and family is different so you can stop using white noise when it suits you. Some parents choose to stop if they feel it will impact the child's ability to sleep in a daycare for example but ultimately, there are no set guidelines on when to stop.
Weaning your child off white noise
When you choose to wean off white noise, we recommend slowly turning the white noise down (and eventually off) during their naps or night sleeps for two to three days.
Over the following two to three days, stick to the usual bedtime routine but start with the white noise machine turned down more than usual. Once your child is asleep, turn the white noise machine off.
Continue following this pattern for the next one to two weeks until you have completely removed the white noise machine from your child’s sleep routine. Remember every child is different and it may take longer for some to adjust than others.
