Best Sound Machines of 2023
Most new parents will do just about anything to keep their baby snoozing soundly. While your instinct may be to keep your baby’s sleep environment quiet enough to hear a pin drop, the right kind of white-noise sound machine can actually help them fall (and stay) asleep. A sound machine can drown out noise—like sirens, barking dogs, and older siblings—and prevent your sleeping baby from being startled awake.
Do You Need a White Noise or Sound Machine?
A sound machine really can work magic on your baby’s sleep routine (there’s a reason they’re one of our most popular registry items). Not only do they muffle potential sleep disturbances, they can also become part of a sleep routine that signals to your baby that it’s time to unwind and drift off to dreamland.
There are 2 types of sound machines on the market for your little one:
- All-purpose sound machines that produce white noise. They typically have multiple volume controls and timers, but aren’t necessarily geared towards baby and child usage (in fact, adults benefit from white noise machines, too).
- Sound machines that produce a variety of soothing sounds, typically sounds occurring in nature, like rain, ocean waves, thunderstorms, and birdsong.
The right type of sound machine for your family may come down to what your baby prefers, and/or what works best at concealing background noises heard in your home.
How Do Sound Machines Work?
Before your baby was born they spent months in the womb, a loud environment with a constant background of ambient noises. Your baby was blanketed in sound, and they were probably louder than you’re imagining—around ninety-one decibels (about the same volume as a vacuum cleaner). White noise sound machines create a soothing and comfortable womb-like environment for newborns, calming them and helping them fall asleep faster.
White noise sound machines can also help your baby sleep longer by drowning out noises during periods of sleep arousal. Infants experience durations of lighter sleep during regular intervals throughout their sleep cycle. Newborns wake more easily during these stretches of light sleep, so an unexpected ring of the doorbell or barking dog can make nap time come to a screeching halt. And if your baby begins to wake, the predictable drone of a white noise sound machine can help them settle back into sleep.
What Is White Noise?
White noise is a type of sound that is created by combining different frequencies at equal intensities. It is a constant sound that is often described as a hissing or shushing sound, similar to the sound of a waterfall or a static radio station.
White noise is different from other types of sounds because it contains all frequencies that are audible to the human ear, making it a type of sound that can mask other sounds in the environment. This makes it useful for creating a consistent and soothing environment for babies, which can help them to fall asleep and stay asleep for longer periods of time.
White noise machines have become increasingly popular among parents of newborns and infants as a way to create a peaceful sleeping environment. These machines work by emitting a consistent and gentle sound that can help babies to relax and feel secure, mimicking the sounds that they may have heard in the womb.
Studies have shown that white noise can have a calming effect on babies, helping to reduce their crying and promoting longer periods of sleep. This is because white noise can create a sensory experience that blocks out sudden noises and distractions that may wake a baby up. It can also help to drown out external noises that can cause disruptions to a baby’s sleep, such as car alarms, barking dogs, or household appliances.
If you’ve ever heard the static emitted from an untuned television or radio (still workshopping a Gen Z equivalent), you’ve heard white noise.
Can You Use a White Noise App?
White noise apps are software applications that provide access to a variety of different white noise sounds that can be played through a smartphone or tablet. These apps typically feature a range of sounds that mimic ambient sounds, such as rain, ocean waves, or a fan, as well as traditional white noise sounds.
A white noise app can be a super convenient option when your little one needs to nap outside of your home. 4 of the most popular white noise apps are:
Most white noise apps offer a variety of sound options that can be customized to meet individual preferences. Some apps offer timers or alarms, allowing users to set the app to turn off or on at a specific time.
Additionally, many white noise apps offer a range of other features such as meditation programs, guided breathing exercises, and nature sounds. While not helpful for babies, it allows the apps to serve a dual purpose and help mom and dad sleep, too.
If you choose to use a white noise app rather than a physical sound machine, make sure to put it on airplane mode (cell phones emit radio-frequency radiation) and place it a safe distance from your baby’s sleep space (never inside the crib or bassinet with baby).
Are Sound Machines Safe?
While using a sound machine isn’t inherently unsafe, you’ll still want to make sure you’re using them properly. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a study in 2014 that recommended the following:
- Place sound machines at least seven feet away from your sleeping baby.
- Never use the maximum volume setting on your sound machine.
These guidelines help ensure a decibel level that doesn’t have the potential to damage your baby’s hearing. Additionally, only use white noise for calming fussy babies or during periods of sleep (and not all day).
Another potential risk of sound machines is dependency. Some babies may become more or less reliant on the sounds of a sound machine to fall asleep quickly or to stay asleep. While this may not be harmful in and of itself, it may make it more difficult to sleep without the machine in the long term. It’s a good idea to have some sleep times without the machine, just so your child is comfortable with both the white noise and silence/background noises.
When Should You Stop Using White Noise?
There’s really no limit on how long you can use white noise as part of your baby’s sleep routine—caregivers may choose to stop at any time, or allow older children to decide for themselves. If you choose to wean your baby from using white noise to fall asleep, simply lower the sound gradually over a week or two until it’s off.
Albee Baby Sound Machine Picks
Our sound machine picks are the perfect mix of tried-and-true parent favorites and innovative standouts we love.
Best Smart Sound Machine
Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen Night Light + Sound Machine with Battery
The Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen is a super smart do-it-all sound machine, night light, and time-to-rise system controlled by an easy-to-use app on your phone. It’s fully customizable and programmable, with eleven soothing sounds and choose-your-own night light hues. It even has an eight hour backup battery for use in different rooms (or if you suddenly lose power—it’s 100% snooze protection). Use the Hatch to establish a bedtime routine with your infant, and as your kiddo grows, use personalized colors to demonstrate sleep and wake times (red means stay in bed, green means it’s time to get up).
Hatch also offers expert-curated music, dreamscapes, sleep stories, and guided rest exercises with a Hatch Sleep Membership.
Is It a Match? Some Good-To-Knows
The Hatch system requires the app to function, so if you don’t have a smartphone or tablet, this isn’t the sound machine for you.
Noteworthy specs:
- Includes: 11 sound options and 10 preset light options (or choose from a color wheel)
- Power source: AC and 8 hour battery
- Dimensions: 5.5″ x 5.3″ x 8.6″ H
Best Sound Machine with Projector
Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Nightlight Baby Soother
This decor-friendly night light from Skip Hop has multiple options for soothing your little one: Play a sweet melody, turn on gentle nature sounds, use a dimmable night light for a warm glow, or project a starry sky onto your nursery ceiling (or any combination of the above). A timer can be set for 15, 30, and 60 minute intervals, or you can choose continuous play.
Is It a Match? Some Good-To-Knows
This Skip Hop sound machine doesn’t have a battery option, so it will need to be plugged in at all times. And although the night light is long lasting—as in years of daily use—the bulb can’t be replaced.
Noteworthy specs:
- Includes: 8 sound options, night light, and moon and stars projector
- Power source: AC
- Dimensions: 5.5” x 4.5” x 6”
Best Sound Machine for Travel
The Hushh from Yogasleep is a super compact and portable sound machine that’s smaller than a dollar bill. Ideal for vacations, on-the-go naps, or for babies who don’t love long trips in the car, it has three relaxing sound options: Bright white noise, deeper-toned white noise, and soothing surf. An amber LED night light provides just enough light for you without waking your baby, and its volume can be adjusted. When you’re in need of a recharge, just plug its USB cord into your laptop or your phone’s power adapter wall plug.
Is It a Match? Some Good-To-Knows
The Hushh doesn’t have a timer, so you will need to turn it off manually.
Noteworthy specs:
- Includes: 3 sound options and night light
- Power source: Rechargeable lithium battery with USB cable (cable included, power adapter wall plug not included)
- Dimensions: 3.4” x 1.6” x 1.75”
Best Responsive Sound Machine
Tiny Love Sound ‘n Sleep Projector Soother
This adorable and multi-use Marie Hedgehog sound machine, night light, and projector is a perfect sleepy time pal for your little one. A personalized combination of light and soothing sound is activated any time your baby cries, and a timer can be set at fifteen, thirty, and sixty minute intervals. Bonus use: You can download up to an hour of your baby or toddler’s favorite nursery rhymes and have your very own kiddo-approved playlist for play time.
Is It a Match? Some Good-To-Knows
Some parents find that the maximum volume level isn’t quite loud enough to calm a fussy baby.
Noteworthy specs:
- Includes: 22 sound options
- Power source: Rechargeable lithium battery with USB cable (cable included, power adapter wall plug not included)
- Dimensions: 5.63” x 7.88” x 8.88”
Best Responsive Sound Machine for Kids
Skip Hop Cry Activated Soother
This huggable sound machine from Skip Hop soothes your baby with sweet songs, nature sounds, or a customized recording of your own voice. Even better, this cozy bedtime friend has a smart sensor that’s activated by your baby’s cries, so everyone gets a better night of sleep. As your baby grows, you can remove the sound module and your toddler gets a new squeezable BFF.
Is It a Match? Some Good-To-Knows
This soother has a timer that shuts off sounds after twenty minutes, so there’s no option for continuous play. Additionally, make sure you are attaching the soother to the crib for the first year of your baby’s life, and never within their sleep space.
Noteworthy specs:
- Includes: 6 sound options
- Power source: 3 AA batteries (included)
- Dimensions: 6” x 4” x 11”
Best Classic Sound Machine
Yogasleep Dohm Natural Sound Machine
The Dohm is a straightforward classic—it’s been helping babies get to sleep since 1962 and is endorsed by the National Sleep Foundation. Using an actual fan to produce white noise (and not a recording), the Dohm is especially effective at drowning out all background sounds. And although it does produce just one type of sound, you can customize the speed, volume, and tone for the perfect sleep prescription for your little one.
Is It a Match? Some Good-To-Knows
The Dohm only plays one type of sound, and doesn’t have a night light or any timer options. It also doesn’t have a battery option so it will need to be plugged in at all times.
Noteworthy specs:
- Includes: 2 fan speeds
- Power source: AC
- Dimensions: 5.8” x 5.8” x 3.2”
Bonus! Best Sound Machine for Grown Ups
Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Assistant
In completely unsurprising news, increased sleep improves parental mood—so why not let the Hatch sleep assistant improve your quality of sleep? Hatch Restore is a sound machine, sunrise alarm, smart light, meditation app, and alarm clock that creates a routine to maximize restorative sleep. A soft glow reading light without blue hues prevents eye strain, and a customizable sunrise alarm that supports healthy cortisol levels.
Noteworthy specs:
- Includes: 2 fan speeds
- Power source: AC
- Dimensions: 5.8” x 5.8” x 3.2”
Finding What’s Right for You
Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents, and hope you’re feeling empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or by email at [email protected].