Using White Noise for Babies

White noise for babies has become a popular tool among parents seeking better sleep solutions for their little ones. Research shows that up to 80% of newborns may fall asleep faster when exposed to white noise, which helps mask disruptive household or environmental sounds. It can be especially useful in homes with multiple children or noisy surroundings. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind:

Pros:

• Helps babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer

• Masks background noise, aiding sleep in busy households

• Some machines mimic womb sounds (e.g., heartbeat), offering comfort.

Cons:

• Potential risk of hearing damage if the volume is too high or the device is too close

• Babies may become dependent on white noise to sleep

• Not all infants respond positively to it.

To use white noise safely for your baby, keep machines at least 7 feet away from the crib and below 50 decibels. In the next section, we’ll explore how white noise works, safety tips, and when it might be right or wrong for your baby.

What Is White Noise for Babies?

White noise for babies, also referred to as infant white noise or white noise for newborns, is a consistent, unvarying sound that contains equal intensity across all audible frequencies. This type of sound helps mask background noises, creating a calming auditory environment. A classic example is the static sound you hear when tuning a radio between stations.

White noise can be produced by machines or apps, or by everyday household items like fans, air conditioners, or even the hum of a vacuum cleaner. Some devices offer a variety of white noise options, including nature sounds like rainfall, ocean waves, or gentle wind.

Many parents use white noise to soothe their babies (or themselves), especially during sleep times. This is because white noise mimics the ambient sounds of the womb, which can help calm fussy newborns and promote longer, more restful sleep.

Check out some examples of white noise for babies below:

What’s the Difference Between Pink and White Noise?

While white noise includes all audible frequencies at equal intensity, pink noise distributes sound energy more evenly across octaves, which means lower frequencies are more pronounced. This creates a deeper, gentler sound, similar to a steady rainfall or rustling leaves.

Research suggests that pink noise may actually be more effective than white noise in improving sleep quality for some people, including infants, because it's less harsh and more soothing to the ear over time.

These ocean waves below are an example of pink noise:

Can Shushing be Considered White Noise?

Shushing—making a continuous “shhh” sound—is often used by parents to calm crying babies, especially newborns. While not technically white noise, shushing acts similarly by providing a steady, repetitive sound that mimics the in-utero experience. This is why it’s one of the key components of the “5 S’s” soothing method (Swaddling, Side/Stomach position, Shushing, Swinging, and Sucking).

Shushing is particularly effective because it closely resembles the whooshing sound of blood flow in the womb. Though it’s more variable than electronically generated white noise, its calming effect serves the same purpose: to soothe and settle a baby by blocking out more jarring external noises.

Does White Noise Help Babies Sleep?

Many parents use white noise to help their babies fall asleep and stay asleep. So, how does white noise work? White noise for infant sleep works by creating a calming atmosphere that helps babies drift off to sleep and blocks out other sounds that may disturb them. This is especially useful for babies who are sensitive to changes in their environment or easily startled by sudden noises. You may also decide to play soft music, such as a soothing lullaby to help your baby sleep, instead of white noise.

Common questions include  “Why do babies like white noise?” and “Why is white noise soothing?” It turns out that white noise may block out environmental sounds that may interfere with sleep; some studies also suggest that white noise can mimic the familiar sounds from inside the uterus, such as the mother’s heartbeat or the amniotic fluid waves, and can provide a sense of comfort for babies.

Benefits of White Noise for Babies

White noise may offer some benefits and advantages for babies that could help them relax and fall asleep, including the following:

Keep in mind that each baby’s response to white noise can be different. Always pay close attention to your baby's reactions and adjust the volume and timing as necessary for optimal sleep and comfort. 

When to Start Using White Noise for a Baby

If you’re considering trying white noise for a fussy baby, it’s important to prioritize responding to their needs first, such as checking if they’re hungry, unwell, or need a diaper change. Once their immediate needs are addressed, if you’re still having difficulty soothing them, you can explore other methods, such as using white noise. 

Remember, it’s normal for newborns and babies to cry or wake frequently. As they get older, they may gradually start sleeping for longer periods.

Using white noise for your newborn, baby, or toddler doesn’t have to happen at a particular age. Check that your little one’s immediate needs are met first, giving your newborn time to adjust to their new environment and establish a sleep schedule. Then you may wish to incorporate white noise sounds into your baby’s soothing bedtime routine.

How Loud Should White Noise Be for a Baby?

It’s important to keep the volume of white noise for babies at a safe, low level. So, what are safe decibel levels for infants when using white noise? According to experts, 45 decibels is the maximum recommended noise level for babies. Be sure to keep noise sources like sound machines, music, TV, and household appliances at this level or lower, and at a safe distance from your baby.

Noise above 70 decibels may damage hearing over a prolonged period, and all babies, especially newborns, are very sensitive to noise levels. If an environment is too loud for an adult, it may seem even louder to a baby or child.

When using a white noise sound machine, keep the decibel level low (about 45 decibels max), place the machine far away from your baby’s head, and turn it off once your little one has fallen asleep or calmed down.

For some context on volume levels, here are a few average estimates:

• A refrigerator hum is about 40 to 50 decibels

• A typical conversation is about 60 decibels

• Busy traffic is about 70 to 85 decibels

• A small kitchen appliance, such as a blender, produces about 70 to 90 decibels

• Sounds from a rock concert or movie theater may range from 80 to 115 decibels

• A jet plane is about 140 decibels.

When to Stop Using White Noise for a Baby

There is no set age or guideline for when to stop using white noise for babies. Some parents continue to use it until their child outgrows the need for help falling asleep, while others use it throughout early childhood. As long as the volume is kept at a safe level and it’s helping the baby sleep, there is generally no harm in using white noise for an extended period.

Is White Noise Bad for Babies?

Many parents wonder if white noise and sound machines that produce white noise are bad for babies. There’s currently no evidence that suggests white noise at low levels is harmful to babies. However, it’s important to use caution and keep the volume at a low, safe level, and make sure the noise source stays at a distance from your baby’s head. 

Potential Drawbacks of Using White Noise for Babies

Like every other tool, white noise comes with its own set of potential drawbacks. It’s crucial to be aware of these and use any white noise machines judiciously to ensure the safety and well-being of your baby.

• One potential downside is that your baby might become dependent on white noise to fall asleep. Over time, this may make it difficult for them to sleep without it. If you’re traveling or in other situations where white noise isn’t readily available, your little one may have difficulty sleeping without it.

• If the volume of the white noise is too loud or the device is too close to your baby’s head, it could potentially harm your baby's hearing. 

• Your little one simply might not enjoy white noise. What works for one baby won’t necessarily work for another. It’s best to find out what works best for your little one and consider incorporating it into your chosen sleep training method, if you choose to sleep train.

It's essential to use infant white noise responsibly and monitor your baby's reactions closely. If you notice any potential negative effects or your little one doesn’t like it, consider reducing the volume or trying other methods to promote peaceful and safe sleep for your baby.

The Bottom Line

White noise for babies may be a helpful tool to help encourage them to sleep soundly and peacefully. It could mimic the familiar sounds your baby heard in the uterus, or some other ambient sound, to create a soothing environment that can block out disruptive noises.

Always use caution and keep the volume at a safe level when using white noise for babies to avoid any potential drawbacks. Remember to consult with your child’s healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on using white noise for your newborn or older baby. 

So go ahead and give it a try if you think it might benefit your baby's sleep routine! And if you haven’t already, download the Pampers Rewards app to earn rewards on all your Pampers purchases.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}