Are Sound Machines Safe for Babies?
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For many families, a sound machine is one of the best tools for helping a baby fall asleep—and stay asleep. But like any baby gear, it works best when used thoughtfully and safely.
In this guide, I’ll explain why sound machines help babies sleep, how loud they should be, where to place them, the different noise types to choose from, and some popular, trusted brands I recommend as a Newborn Care Specialist & Pediatric Sleep Consultant.
🍼 Why Sound Machines Help Babies Sleep
Newborns spend months in the womb hearing constant rhythmic noise—blood flow, heartbeats, muffled voices—so silence can feel unsettling.
A sound machine provides:
A familiar womb-like environment that helps babies feel secure.
A consistent audio “blanket” to drown out household noises like barking dogs or older siblings.
A sleep cue that signals bedtime or nap time when used as part of a routine.
Research supports this: a study in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that white noise helped 80% of newborns fall asleep within five minutes, compared to only 25% without it.
🔊 How Loud Should a Baby’s Sound Machine Be?
Volume matters. Too loud and it can damage delicate hearing; too soft and it won’t mask disruptive noise.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping a baby’s sound machine under 50 decibels—about the volume of a quiet conversation or a running shower.
Quick tips to check:
Use a free phone decibel app to test the volume at your baby’s sleep space. My favorite app is Decibel X.
Start at the lowest setting that’s effective and adjust only if necessary.
📍 Where to Place the Sound Machine
Placement is just as important as volume.
Keep it at least 3–6 feet (1–2 meters) away from your baby’s head.
Avoid putting it inside the crib or directly next to the bassinet.
Aim the sound away from the crib, letting it fill the room instead of blowing sound directly at your baby.
Good placement ensures gentle, even sound and protects your baby’s ears.
🎶 Types of Noise to Choose From
Sound machines come with different options—each has its own benefits:
White noise: A steady, static-like sound that masks household noise (most common and effective).
Pink noise: Softer and deeper than white noise—similar to rainfall—thought to promote more restful sleep.
Brown noise: A deeper, rumbling sound, great for babies who like a stronger low-frequency hum.
Nature sounds: Ocean waves, rain, or heartbeats. Nice for variety, but avoid sounds with dramatic peaks (like birds or sudden thunder) that could startle baby.
Lullabies/music: Sweet but can create sleep associations that are harder to maintain if the music stops.
Many families start with plain white, brown or pink noise for consistency and simplicity.
🌟 Popular Sound Machine Brands for Babies
Parents and sleep professionals often recommend:
Hatch Rest (2nd Gen) – Doubles as a nightlight and time-to-rise clock; app-controlled and highly customizable.
Yogasleep Dohm – A classic fan-based machine that creates natural white noise without loops.
Yogasleep Hushh – Compact and portable, perfect for strollers or travel.
Homedics – Simple to use, great for secondary rooms or for traveling.
✨ Final Takeaway from a Sleep Consultant & Newborn Care Specialist
A sound machine can be a powerful sleep tool when used safely:
Keep the volume at or below 50 decibels.
Place it 3–6 feet from the crib and never inside.
Stick with steady white, brown or pink noise to avoid sudden disruptions.
Used thoughtfully, a sound machine can help your baby feel secure, block out household noise, and sleep more soundly—giving the whole family a better night’s rest.