How (and Why) To Use White Noise For Babies

Using white noise can lengthen your baby’s naps and help your baby sleep through the night – but how, exactly, should you use white noise? Should you use white noise all night long? How loud is too loud? Are some kinds of white noise better than others? We’re answering those questions – and more! – in this article.

How (And Why) To Use White Noise For Babies

1. Choose low-pitched, steady white noise sounds.
2. Limit the amount of time your baby is exposed to white noise.
3. Consider adjusting the white noise’s volume to match the volume of your baby’s cries.
4. When used correctly, white noise can become a positive sleep association that actually helps your baby fall asleep (and stay asleep).

1. Choose low-pitched, steady white noise sounds.

There isn’t a “right” white noise sound for your baby – all of the white noise sounds that come pre-programmed into a machine or an app are low-pitched white noise. That is, they are white noise sounds that are easy to ignore and that create a steady, monotonous, and soothing backdrop of sound. High-pitched white noise sounds are those harsh, high sounds like the beep of an alarm clock or the wail of a fire engine. Obviously, those aren’t exactly soothing, and they’re terrible for sleep! However, you want to watch out for deceptive white noise sounds that might contain high-pitched noises; for instance, some ocean white noise is full of low-pitched sound like crashing waves, but sometimes, it’s also punctuated by high-pitched sounds like seagull cries. You want to select something that is consistently steady and low-pitched for your baby.

2. Limit the amount of time your baby is exposed to white noise.

White noise is great for use at nap time and during the night – but be careful about relying on it too heavily. For one thing, you want your child to gradually become accustomed to all of the customary sounds in your home. For instance, if you live by a busy intersection, your baby will eventually have to get used to traffic noise. Exposure to different kinds of sounds will also be educational for your baby. For instance, over time, she’ll learn that the sound of the doorbell means that someone new is at the door. While you don’t have to teach your baby to sleep through noise, you do want to ensure that your baby has the chance to get comfortable with your home’s normal, daily sounds.

3. Consider adjusting the white noise’s volume to match the volume of your baby’s cries.

When your baby is wailing at top volume, you’ll want to ensure that your white noise is at least as loud as your child; in order for the white noise to be calming, your baby needs to be able to hear it over her cries. As she quiets down and settles in, however, you can lower the volume so that it’s loud enough to mask outside noises while not being overpoweringly loud. Of course, this kind of volume adjusting can be tricky, and it’s certainly not a “must”; you can just set your white noise to a mid-level volume and leave it. But for young babies (newborns in particular), adjusting the volume with their cries can be really soothing.

4. When used correctly, white noise can become a positive sleep association.

Some sleep associations are unhelpful; for instance, if your baby associates being rocked or held or nursed by you with falling asleep, then you’ll have to perform that work each time he wakes well past the point where you’re okay doing this. These are the kind of sleep associations we typically try to eliminate via the process of sleep training. However, some sleep associations can be positive – and white noise is one of them! If your baby associates white noise with falling asleep, the sound of it can be a strong signal that it’s time to go to bed, or that it’s time to fall back to sleep. And what’s great is that using white noise requires virtually no work on your part – simply turn it on at the end of the bedtime or nap time routine, and you’re all set!

White Noise Products We Love

This simple and inexpensive white noise machine is very light-weight which makes it great for traveling! It has white noise, water, rain, ocean, crickets, and three lullabies for sounds and you can use a timer with it. It has a night light and makes a great shower gift!

Marpac Dohm White Noise MachineNothing fancy and not very cute, but simple and effective! And, they have a portable white noise machine, too.

Bubzi Co Baby Sleep Aid Okay, so it’s not just a white noise machine…it’s a white noise machine, night light, and lovey rolled into one cute little device!

 
 
This is one serious white noise machine. It boasts 10 different fan sounds at varying frequencies, and its volume is incredibly precise, making it easy to adjust your white noise based on what’s happening in your home at any given moment. You can let this machine run all night long, or you can use the built-in timer for automatic shut-off.

How do you use white noise for your baby? Share your tips and stories below; we love hearing from you!

Baby and Toddler Sleep Resources That Work – Guaranteed!

  If you are tired of wading through stacks of baby sleep books that just aren't working, if you are beyond exhausted and just can't solve your child's sleep problems on your own...then personalized sleep consulting is for you. We have been around since 2008 and invite you to tap into 10+ years of experience. Our team of expert consultants will create a Personalized Sleep Plan^® just for your family and then support you through every step of implementing your plan. We encourage you to consider our personalized, one-on-one baby and toddler sleep consultation packages if you want to see real, meaningful results now. Your consultation package also includes ample follow-up help, designed to help you troubleshoot problems and tweak your plan as needed.
 
For those persistent nighttime struggles, check out The 3 Step System to Help Your Baby Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your baby sleep through the night.

If you’re looking for ways to get your baby or toddler into a healthy sleeping routine during the day, I encourage you to explore Mastering Naps and Schedules, a comprehensive guide to napping routines, nap transitions, and all the other important “how-tos” of good baby sleep. With over 45 sample sleep schedules and planning worksheets, Mastering Naps and Schedules is a hands-on tool ideal for any parenting style.

For those persistent toddler sleep struggles, check out The 5 Step System to Help Your Toddler Sleep. Using the same unique approach and practical tools for success, this e-book helps you and your toddler sleep through the night and enjoy a better daytime schedule.

Or, join our VIP Members Area packed with exclusive content and resources: e-Books, assessments, detailed case studies, expert advice, peer support, and more. It actually costs less to join than buying products separately! As a VIP member, you'll also enjoy a weekly chat with an expert sleep consultant. And the best part - members receive 20% off all sleep consultation services!