Should You Use a Sound Machine for Your Baby?
Sound machines—those little white noise wonders that hum beside bassinets and cribs across the country. Maybe you’ve got one already. Maybe you’re eyeing one and wondering if it’s “cheating.” Or maybe your toddler is still totally obsessed with theirs and you’re wondering if they’ll take it to college.
Here’s the truth: sound machines are not only not cheating—they’re actually mimicking a sound environment your baby already knows intimately. BUT you have to use them safely!
Your Womb Was Not Quiet
The inside of your body? Not exactly a spa. Between your heartbeat, digestion, blood flow, and the muffled symphony of your voice and movements, the womb is a steady swirl of sound. Some studies say it’s about as loud in there as a vacuum cleaner—so yeah, babies aren’t coming from total silence.
So when we place them into quiet, silent rooms and expect them to sleep peacefully, it can feel a little disorienting.
Enter: the sound machine.
What Sound Machines Actually Do
White noise machines offer consistent, low-frequency sound that:
Helps mask sudden environmental noises (hello, barking dog or sibling tantrum)
Provides a calming sensory cue for sleep
May help babies transition through sleep cycles more smoothly
Can be part of a helpful bedtime routine
In short, sound machines act like a cozy, auditory swaddle.
What Kind of Sound Is Best?
Not all sound machines are created equal. Look for one that offers true white noise or brown noise—steady, non-looping sound without music, ocean waves, or bird chirps. Those nature sounds might be lovely for adults but can be too stimulating or inconsistent for babies.
Some solid options include:
Hatch Rest+ (multi-function, grows with your child)
Yogasleep Dohm (classic fan-based sound)
LectroFan (lots of tone options)
Stick with volume levels around 50 decibels (roughly the sound of a running shower) and place the machine at least 6 feet from your baby’s head. You don’t want it right next to them, just like you wouldn’t set a stereo speaker next to their crib.
Is It a Crutch?
Not really. It’s a tool. Some babies wean off white noise over time, and others sleep better with it for years. If your family travels, moves, or has multiple kids, it can be a lifesaver.
From a nervous system perspective (hi, pelvic floor PT hat on here), rhythmic, predictable sound helps the parasympathetic nervous system kick in. That’s the “rest and digest” side of the nervous system, and it’s the one we want activated at bedtime—for babies and for us.
Any Downsides?
There’s very little evidence of long-term issues from sound machine use when used safely. The main concerns are:
Overuse at loud volumes (keep it under 50 dB)
Using it as the only sleep cue (still aim for a bedtime rhythm that includes snuggles, books, and connection)
Some people ask if it will delay hearing or speech development. So far, no good data says it will—as long as your baby gets plenty of awake time interacting with people, language, music, and real-world sound.
TLDR
White noise is not unnatural—it’s actually very womb-like.
Keep it simple, consistent, and not too loud.
It can be a beautiful part of your sleep setup—especially in a loud household.
And no, your kid probably won’t take it to college (but if they do… that’s cool too).
If you want flexibility in your baby’s sleep routine… consider that before you set up a crazy sleep environment.
Want help picking the best sound machine for your space? Or figuring out how to gently wean your toddler off theirs? Reach out—I’ve helped lots of families find rhythms that work for them, not just the books.
Love,
Emily
