How to use it now
- Volume low, softer than a quiet chat
- Phone about 2 m (6 ft) from the crib
- Lights off, screen face down
Quick guide
Gentle water sounds for an overtired baby
Rain, a stream, soft waves: water sounds are steady like white noise but warmer to the ear. With no melody to follow, they suit babies who are overtired and fight sleep when there is too much going on.
1. Lower the stimulation first
- Dim the lights and keep your voice slow and quiet.
- Hold or rock your baby calmly while the sound plays in the background.
- Avoid screens near your baby, including the phone playing the sound.
2. Set it up safely
- Phone or speaker about 2 metres (6 feet) from the crib and never inside it.
- Volume softer than a quiet conversation.
- Baby on their back, in their own crib, with nothing loose around them.
3. Why the volume stays low
A 2014 study in Pediatrics found that every one of 14 infant sleep machines tested passed 50 dB at 30 cm on full volume, and three passed 85 dB. Gentle sounds only stay gentle when the volume is low and the device is far enough away.
4. When it is not working
- Give it a few minutes; babies often settle gradually.
- If crying gets stronger, check the basics: hunger, nappy, temperature, wind.
- If something seems off or the crying is unusual, talk to your paediatrician.
Rain or waves: which is better? Whichever your baby settles to. Try one for a few nights before switching.
Can I use it for naps? Yes. Using the same sound for naps and nights helps your baby link it with sleep.
Does it help with colic? It can help you both feel calmer, but it does not treat colic. Your paediatrician can help if crying is frequent or long.
Other sounds
Source: Hugh SC et al. “Infant Sleep Machines and Hazardous Sound Pressure Levels”. Pediatrics, 2014. PubMed. This page is for general information and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.