After your baby has spent so long in the womb, it can be a little stressful for them being exposed to the noisy outside world.
White noise is a parenting phenomenon, and a tool commonly used as an effective way of comforting distressed and crying babies.
What is white noise?
White noise is a calming, continuous sound that's mostly used to mask unwanted noise and mimic the continuous sounds your baby hears in the womb.
People sometimes say that white noise sounds like the static that comes from an untuned radio or television. It reduces stress, soothes them to sleep, and stops them being woken by loud or sudden background noises.
And it's not just for babies, parents can benefit from this snoozy sound, too!
Using white noise as part of baby's sleep routine
If you're interested in using sound to soothe your baby, you can consider making it a regular part of their bedtime routine.
Because we are creatures of habit (and babies are no different), it's a good idea to start getting your baby ready for bed at the same time each evening. Be sure to look out for their sleepy cues, and keep the environment around them calm.
You can lead with a warm bath and some cosy story-reading, and once they're ready to catch some ZZZ's, you can dim the lights, and switch on a soothing sound device to help them doze off.
Is white noise bad for babies?
No, white noise isn’t bad for babies. When used correctly, it can soothe newborns, mimic the sounds of the womb, and help block out background noise so your baby can sleep more soundly.
Here are a few practical tips to keep white noise safe and effective:
- Keep the volume low: Aim for below 50 decibels (about the sound of a soft shower). If you need to raise your voice over it, it’s too loud.
- Don’t place it too close: Keep your white noise machine at least 2 metres away from your baby’s sleep space.
- Use it for sleep only: White noise works best when it’s linked with naps and nighttime, not on all day.
- Wean off gradually: If you want to stop using it as they get older, phase it out slowly to avoid sleep disruption.
Think of white noise as a tool, not a must-have. It’s a great way of giving your baby a helping hand to wind down when the world feels a bit too bright or busy.
How loud should white noise be for baby
White noise for babies should be no louder than 50 decibels, that’s about the volume of a soft shower or a quiet conversation at home. Loud enough to soothe, but not so loud it risks harming their hearing or overstimulating them. If it feels calm and comforting to you, it’s probably just OK for them, too.
You should keep the white noise machine at least 2 metres away from your baby’s sleep space, whether that’s their pram, moses basket, or cot.
When to stop using white noise for baby
There’s no set age when you have to stop using white noise for your baby, it’s more about what works for your child and your routine. Many parents start to phase white noise out sometime between 12–18 months, but others continue using it well into toddlerhood and beyond.
Signs that you should wean off white noise:
- Your baby is sleeping well and doesn’t seem to need it to fall asleep anymore.
- You’re travelling more and don’t want to rely on a sound machine.
- They’re getting curious about the noise source and it's becoming more distracting than soothing.
