Are you considering a white Noise machine for your baby? Make sure you read our guide before you buy.

Babies need a lot of good quality sleep to be healthy, promote correct brain development, and be happy. But it’s not always easy to get babies to fall asleep or to ensure that they stay asleep for longer when they do.

Fortunately, experts have discovered that using white noise can make baby feel calm and relaxed, fall asleep more easily and get good quality rest, and even help them stop crying.

Sound like a miracle? Countless moms swear by white noise.

Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about white noise and the best white noise machines for babies…

What is White Noise?

In scientific terms, white noise is a sound made up of sounds of all different frequencies within the audible range of 20 to 20,000 hertz.

While this may seem like an odd concept, the resulting ambient noise can help to reduce the difference between background sounds and stressful noises which can disturb sleep, such as slamming doors or noisy neighbors.

Other, calming sounds including rainforest or beach sounds are also referred to as white noise.

How Can White Noise Help Babies?

Surprisingly, as they develop inside the womb, babies are exposed to a lot of noise.

Blood pumping through arteries, mom’s heartbeat, and the sound of air rushing through lungs, are just some of the incredibly loud symphony of sounds that are actually comforting and calming for babies.

However when a baby is born, all this noise suddenly stops, which can be stressful and confusing for little ones.

Babies actually like and need certain types of noise to get good sleep, and white noise machines for babies can provide just the right kinds of sounds to put your baby at ease and help him or her float off into a blissful slumber.

If you don’t want to buy a specific white noise machine for your baby, why not test out a white noise video to see how your baby gets on with it:

Any Drawbacks to White Noise for Babies?

There aren’t many drawbacks to using white noise for babies, but not all babies are receptive to it.

If your baby seems more relaxed in a noisy environment, chances are white noise will be a winner. However if your baby is distressed by certain noises, it may take some trial and error to find a type of white noise sound that works effectively.

It’s important to ensure that the white noise machine you choose for your baby emits sounds that aren’t too loud.

Anything over 50 decibels could be damaging to baby’s hearing, so always set sounds below maximum volume and whenever possible place the white noise machine a reasonable distance away from the crib.

Another possible drawback to using white noise for babies, is that some babies like white noise so much that they become dependent on it. This can be a problem if they need to sleep somewhere without the white noise machine, as they are more likely to kick up a fuss.

Features of the Best White Noise Machines

There are a ton of white noise machines to choose from.

Here are the features to look for that make the best white noise machines for babies stand out from the pack…

Sounds

Finding out which sounds work best for your baby can take a bit of trial and error, so it’s worth choosing a white noise machines with a wide range of sounds such as genuine white noise, nature sounds, lullabies, and heartbeats.

It’s also important that you can easily adjust the sound volume to a level that is safe and comfortable for baby.

Portability

Babies need frequent naps, so you need a white noise machine that you can take with you when you’re out and about if you want to be sure that baby will get restorative sleep even on the go.

The best white noise machines are light and compact enough to be easily transported, and can run off both the mains and batteries.

Timer

Choosing a white noise machine with an automatic timer enables baby to listen to those soothing sounds for a predetermined length of time, after which the machine will automatically turn itself off.

This is particularly useful when running the machine on battery power, as it means it won’t drain the batteries unnecessarily while your baby is asleep.

Remote control

Very handy for when you need to operate your white noise machine but don’t want to disturb your baby, white noise machines that come supplied with a remote control allow you to change the settings or turn the machine on or off without entering the room.

Lights

Nightlights are a very practical feature of the best white noise machines for babies. The lights can either be basic — emitting a soft glow — or feature projections such as starry skies which gently light up the room to help lull baby to sleep.

The Best White Noise Machines for Babies

Marpac Dohm Classic The Original White Noise Machine

Although not designed specifically with babies in mind, the Marpac Dohm Classic white noise machine boasts some great features that are ideal for both babies and adults alike.

Simple yet effective, this machine uses fans to create the ambient sound of rushing air, yet without creating any drafts or other air disturbance.

The white noise produced can be customized using the different volume, tone and speed settings.

With an elegant, compact design available in a choice of colors, the Marpac Dohm Classic fits easily into any nursery decor scheme.

Pros

• Customizable sound
• Very easy to use
• Small and unobtrusive
• Produces high quality sound
• Robust and well made
• Completely natural, non looping sound

Cons

• Limited choice of sounds
• Not portable – requires mains power

Dreamegg D1 Sound Machine

This little puck shaped white noise machine fits neatly in the palm of your hand and boasts a range of 21 different sleep time sounds including 7 nature sounds, 7 fan sounds, and 7 white noise sounds.

The volume is adjustable, and the Dreamegg D1 Sound Machine can even be used as a speaker to listen to your own sounds or music and comes complete with a convenient headphone jack.

Sounds can be programmed to turn off automatically after either half an hour, and hour, or an hour and a half using the timer function, and a cozy yellow nightlight helps baby sleep soundly.

Want to use the same settings again? The Dreamegg D1’s memory function automatically remembers the last combination of settings used at the touch of a button.

Pros

• Great range of sounds
• Useful timer and memory functions
• Small and discreet design
• Can be powered using either AC or USB
• Doubles up as a speaker for your own sounds
• Saves previous settings
• Good sound quality

Cons

• Nightlight brightness can’t be adjusted
• Some people find the looped sounds irritating

SleepyMe Smart Sleep Soother

Cute as a button, this white noise machine for babies looks like a sleepy little hatching chick.

Small and light, the SleepyMe Smart Sleep Soother is powered by 4 AA batteries so it can easily be with carried with you wherever you go.

There are 10 soothing sounds to choose from, including lullabies, heart sounds, nature sounds, and white noise.

The SleepyMe Smart Sleep Soother also doubles up as a nightlight which projects colorful stars. To optimize battery life, this machine automatically turns off light and sounds after 30 minutes, and both light level and volume can be adjusted.

Pros

• Sweet, appealing design
• Good choice of sounds
• Fantastic nightlight
• Simple to use
• Easy to clean
• Automatic shut off
• Very portable

Cons

• Automatic shut off is not ideal for babies who need continuous sounds

Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine

This best selling white noise machine for babies by Hatch Baby is super convenient.

Not only does it feature a range of sleep inducing sounds, it also functions as a nightlight with a choice of colors specially chosen to help establish encourage circadian rhythms.

But the most outstanding feature of the Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine is the fact that you can control and customize sounds, volume, and nightlight using the handy smartphone app — you can even keep track of favorite sound and light combinations and pre-program a timer to wake your baby or send him or her to sleep with your choice of colors and sounds.

Pros

• Modern design
• Very convenient
• Durable
• Intuitive to use
• Very customizable
• Great smartphone app
• Useful programmable timer function

Cons

• Machine is very sensitive to touch and may shut off unexpectedly
• Bluetooth function doesn’t work well if using app in a room too far away

MyBaby Soundspa On-the-Go – Portable White Noise Machine

Designed with portability in mind, the battery powered MyBaby Soundspa On-the-Go – Portable White Noise Machine is just 4 inches tall and pops easily into a purse for travelling, or can be securely clipped straight onto almost anything including your baby’s crib, stroller, or car seat.

This white noise machine for babies is made from robust plastic which can withstand tough handling while out and about.

Choose from 4 relaxing sounds to send baby to sleep, which can be automatically turned off using the energy saving timer which can be set for 15, 30, or 45 minutes.

Pros

• Extremely light and portable
• Choice of continuous sound or timer
• Handy integrated clip
• Long battery life
• Simple to use
• Resistant to bumps and knocks
• Low price

Cons

• Maximum volume level could be louder
• Sound quality isn’t as good as the other options on this list

Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother Sound Machine

Shushing babies to sleep is one of the most natural soothing sounds, and the Sleep Miracle Soother Sound Machine uses the sound of a genuine human voice to gently and rhythmically shush baby to remind him or her of you when you can’t be there.

A timer can be set for up to 30 minutes, after which time the Sleep Miracle Baby Shusher will automatically turn itself off.

The eye popping design in bright orange and white is fun, compact, easy to carry and clean, and is battery powered so can be used wherever you go.

It also comes with a strap so can be hung anywhere, and is made from tough plastic which won’t break if it takes a tumble.

Pros

• Simple to use
• Adjustable volume
• Small and portable
• Playful, colorful design
• Sturdily constructed
• Easy to clean
• Useful timers

Cons

• No continuous play option
• Awkward rounded design can roll easily on surfaces

Baby Sleep Soother Shusher Sound Machine

Shaped like a friendly owl, the Baby Sleep Soother Shusher Sound Machine from SOAIY will watch over your baby as he or she falls asleep.

A range of 8 calming sounds including heartbeat, shush, babbling brook, and white noise can be set to turn off automatically after either half an hour or 60 minutes, or can be played continuously.

There is also a nightlight feature with adjustable brightness levels.

This white noise machine for babies has a rechargeable battery and can be charged using a USB cable. Once charged it can be used for up to 38 hours, which means that you can take it with you anywhere without having to worry about batteries inconveniently running out.

For even more portability, the Baby Sleep Soother Shusher Sound Machine measures a dinky 5.5 by 3 inches, and features a 7 inch strap so it can be easily hung up or attached to a car seat.

Pros

• Good range of sounds
• Adjustable volume and brightness settings
• Practical yet pretty design
• Convenient rechargeable battery
• Long battery charge
• Affordable price
• Very portable

Cons

• Sound quality isn’t the best
• Nightlight can be a little dim

Bubzi Co Baby & Toddler White Noise Sound Machine 

Plush, soft to the touch and adorable, the Bubzi Co Baby & Toddler White Noise Sound Machine Sleep Aid Night Light is hidden within the body of a cute little owl and makes the perfect bedtime companion for baby.

An inbuilt nightlight projects a colorful galaxy of stars which will fascinate little ones, and you can choose between a range of 10 different lullabies, or the sound of tweeting birds or rhythmic heartbeat to help send your baby into a peaceful sleep.

Sounds will automatically turn off after half an hour of play. No need to worry if this white noise machine for babies gets a little grubby, the plush exterior can easily be removed for hand washing.

An adjustable velcro strap allows you to securely attach the Bubzi Co Baby & Toddler White Noise Sound Machine to a crib, stroller, or in the car, plus it’s battery powered, making it even more portable.

Pros

• Cute and cuddly
• Light and sounds can be played together or separately
• Nice choice of sounds
• Good portability
• Adjustable volume settings
• Washable
• Easy to use

Cons

• No continuous play option

White Noise Machine Baby Sound Machine for Sleeping

With a massive range of 20 different sounds such as different colors of noise, heartbeats, and nature sounds, you’re sure to find your baby’s favorite.

The central dome can be used as a single color nightlight, or swapped with the black cover to be used as a projector to create a multicolored starry sky in your baby’s sleeping area.

The nightlight features 3 different brightness settings, and a timer can be set to turn off sounds and lights automatically after half an hour, an hour, or 90 minutes. T

he simple design is small and light and can be transported easily. This white noise machine for babies can either be used plugged in via USB, or can run off batteries — helpful colored indicators make it easy to see when it is fully charged.

Pros

• Fantastic nightlight feature
• Sleek design
• Plenty of sounds to choose from
• Good sound quality
• Useful timer function
• User friendly
• Portable

Cons

• Nightlight is very bright

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Which do you think is the best white noise machines for babies?