White noise for baby sleep
White noise is the classic sleep sound for babies: a steady "shhh" that many parents say helps their little one settle and stay asleep through household noise. Chill Machine's White Noise for Baby Sleep (1 Hour) and Sleep Like a Baby with White Noise Calm are made for exactly this. Here is how to use them well and safely.
Safety first: keep the speaker well away from the cot (ideally across the room), use the lowest volume that works (quieter than normal conversation), and never put a device inside the cot or pram. Noise is not a substitute for safer sleep advice. See the Lullaby Trust and speak to your health visitor with any concerns.
White Noise for Baby Sleep (1 Hour)
Sleep Like a Baby with White Noise Calm
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Does white noise help babies sleep?
Many parents report that it does. A small, often-cited trial (Spencer and colleagues, Archives of Disease in Childhood, 1990) of 40 newborns aged 2 to 7 days found 16 of 20 (80%) fell asleep within five minutes with white noise, compared with 5 of 20 (25%) without it. It is not a guarantee, and every baby is different, but a steady sound can soften sudden noises like doors, voices and traffic.
How loud should white noise be for a baby?
Quiet. A 2014 study (Hugh and colleagues, Pediatrics, 2014) tested 14 infant sleep machines at maximum volume: all of them exceeded the 50 dBA limit recommended for hospital nurseries at 30 cm, and three exceeded 85 dBA. Keep the speaker across the room, start at the lowest setting, and check the level where your baby's head will be: you should be able to talk quietly over it.
Should white noise play all night?
Many families play a one-hour track while settling and let it end, which is why our baby releases are one hour long. If you prefer continuous sound, keep it especially quiet and use a timer when you can. The browser player above fades out on a timer.
White, pink or brown noise for a baby?
White noise is brightest and best at masking sharp sounds. Some parents prefer the softer pink noise for baby sleep or the deep rumble of brown noise for babies. Others swear by hairdryer sounds. Try one for a few nights before switching.
More from Chill Machine
For grown-up sleep, try fan noise or airplane cabin noise, or browse the full catalogue at Chill Machine. If you're worried about your baby's sleep, talk to your health visitor or GP. Read our full safe listening guidance.