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
White noise for a noisy home
White noise is a steady, even hiss, a bit like a fan or the radio between stations. It does not make a baby sleep, but it softens the sudden sounds that can wake them: a door, a dog, traffic, a sibling.
1. Use it as a cushion, not a wall
- The goal is to blur sudden noises, not to drown everything out.
- Close the door and windows before you think about turning it up.
- Start low and only go higher if the house is really loud.
2. Placement matters more than volume
- Keep the phone about 2 metres (6 feet) from the crib, never next to your baby’s head.
- Point the speaker away from the crib, towards the room.
- Screen face down so the light does not keep them alert.
3. Keep an eye on the level
In a 2014 study in Pediatrics, all 14 infant sleep machines tested went above 50 dB at 30 cm when set to maximum, and three passed 85 dB. Even at 2 metres, 13 of the 14 stayed above 50 dB. Low volume and distance are what keep white noise gentle.
4. Easing off later
- If your baby depends on it, lower the volume a little over several nights.
- You can also switch to water sounds, which feel softer, before stopping altogether.
Is white noise safe every night? At a low volume and a good distance from the crib, many families use it nightly. Avoid long periods at high volume.
Should it play all night? It can, as long as it stays quiet. Some parents prefer to let a timer switch it off after their baby is asleep.
White noise or a lullaby? If the house is noisy, white noise. If you want a bedtime cue, a lullaby. Many families use both.
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.