Last updated on October 23rd, 2022 at 12:41 pm
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Why does white noise help babies sleep?
Weirdly, that scratchy sound that us adults associate with out-of-use channels on ‘80s televisions has recently become a necessity for many parents to use to help babies sleep. Yes, white noise helps babies sleep.
Why? Well, much modern research suggests that it actually helps babies to sleep and it is reported as being completely safe. The white noise helps babies sleep by providing them with a calming sound that is reminiscent of when they were in the womb.
What is white noise for babies?
It used to be what we remember as a static noise that would blare out when tuning a radio or what the little girl saw on the TV in Poltergeist.
Nowadays, it’s a lot fancier than that! Many machines out there have layers of sounds to create a more soothing white noise to help babies sleep and they are very accessible. Whether you’re searching for an app for your smartphone or wish to purchase a white noise machine for your nursery, this list will hopefully help.
Why do babies fight sleep?
Well, if other babies are like my Little Boy, it’s because they are just so nosey! Arthur is so curious about the world that he doesn’t want to miss out. Lee (hubby) and I always say that Arthur suffers major FOMO (the Fear Of Missing Out) so will try his hardest to stay awake. Sometimes, he will fight it so much that he has got little bags under his eyes and he will need to get to a point when he just physically cannot keep his eyes open anymore. Babies just do not want to miss out on this new world that they are exploring.
Our white noise machine has certainly helped with this though, particularly tying it in with Arthur’s bedtime routine too.
Should you keep white noise on all night for baby?
It’s not the best idea to keep the white noise machine on all night as research suggests that it can impair a baby’s hearing. For this reason, many of the portable white noise machines have a timer that limits your baby’s exposure to white noise.
However, if you use an app, YouTube or Alexa for this, you will need to turn off the white noise manually.
Pros and cons of white noise for babies
Pros
- Babies fall asleep easier
- It can be soothing for you also to aide with sleeping whilst baby sleeps
- It’s comforting for babies as it reminds them of being snug in the womb
- Most machines are portable
- Can be accessed via smartphones which is handy for when you’re travelling
Cons
- You and/or baby may not like the sound
- It’s annoying
- There’s a possibility that it can affect baby’s hearing
- Babies can become dependent on the noise
What is the best white noise machine for babies?
There are so many different white noise machines available nowadays that have been designed specifically to encourage babies to sleep.
I had never really considered getting a white noise machine but we were at a stage when we were encouraging Arthur to sleep throughout the night. In the end, we succumbed and I’m so glad that we did- it has been an absolute game changer and Arthur now sleeps from 7pm to 6:30am at almost five months old.
Tommee Tippee Ollie the Owl
This is the white noise machine that we use for our little boy. It’s worked wonders with his sleeping pattern at night and has various settings to suit your baby (not all babies respond well to white noise so it’s a bit of trial and error to begin with).
What I like most about the Tommee Tippee Ollie the Owl is that the sound machine has a 20 minute timer so gives baby time to fall asleep and will then go into standby mode until baby wakes up. Its cry sensor reacts quickly when baby wakes up too.
Top Tip: Click your fingers near Ollie to start off the noise again 
Click the image of Ollie the Owl to purchase yours today.
Ollie the Owl also has the heartbeat sound and the sound of rain. I have a heart murmur so don’t think my Little Boy really liked the heartbeat sound as it didn’t sound familiar. The volume can also be adjusted depending on background noise and distance from baby. Additionally, there are three lullabies to choose from so variety for you and your baby.
There is also a warm light that acts as a cosy nightlight and its brightness can be adjusted.
If you feel that the Tommee Tippee Ollie the Owl is too big, a mini version is available to attach to prams and travel cots etc.
Ewan the Dream Sleep
Aha! Ollie’s main competitor and, forgive me if I’m wrong here, I believe he is the original sleep soother!
Ewan the Sheep is an adorable teddy that does pretty much the same as Ollie the Owl. However, he has gone one greater and has got an additional soothing sound to choose from, including the sound of the vacuum cleaner. The sounds on Ewan are also real life recordings which makes them tremendously soothing for your little one. Not only that, this white noise machine for babies also has a pink noise effect. Ewan is indeed a very advanced sheep.
Click the image of Ewan the Dream Sleep to purchase yours today.
Similarly, there is a cry sensor which kicks in when baby becomes unsettled to help soothe baby back to sleep. My friend has got a Ewan and when the sleep sensor stopped working, she contacted the company and they quickly sent a replacement in the post. I thought this was great customer service and worth mentioning.
Ewan the Dream Sheep also has a soft red nightlight to help comfort baby.
LUMI White Noise Machine
This little compact white noise machine is extremely nifty. It is portable and light and is designed for adults just as much as babies.
The LUMI has a whopping 26 sounds to choose from to encourage your little one to go to sleep, including the white noise. Similarly to Ewan, it also has a gentler pink noise option if your baby doesn’t take to the white noise. In addition to these, there are lullabies available, as well as soothing sounds of nature, including crickets, rainfall and birds.
Click the image of the LUMI machine to purchase yours today.
To ensure babies are not exposed to the white noise for too long, timers on the machine are available in 30, 60 and 90 minute intervals. It also has a memory so refers back to the last settings chosen by you and there is a ten-hour battery life. This can be efficient if you only use the machine periodically but, compared to Ewan and Ollie, I’d say that their battery life is stronger.
YACHANCE White Noise Machine
This white noise machine is perfect for those wanting a sweet nightlight for their baby’s nursery. The light projects stars onto the ceiling which acts as a further aid for your baby’s sleep and there are a number of lullabies that can help to soothe your baby.
There are plenty of customisable features too to personalise this machine for your little one, such as the brightness of the light, the sounds and whether you wish to rotate the projected images. The nightlight is also suitable for those midnight feeds; this is not particularly achieved by both Ewan the Dream Sheep and the Tommee Tippee Ollie the Owl.
Click the image of the YACHANCE to purchase yours today.
The YACHANCE white noise machine does not run on batteries so would need to be connected to a power source, not proving to be the most efficient if you wish to use it for a lengthy period. However, it is perfect to use as part of your baby’s bedtime routine if that’s what you’re searching for.
MOMCOZY White Noise Machine
The Momcozy is great if you would like to use white noise to help babies sleep as there are ten different styles of white noise to choose from. Not everyone likes particular white noise sounds so this can be tailored to what you and your baby respond well to.
There are also seven soft lights to choose from for your baby’s nightlight. The light is bright enough to light up your baby’s room without stimulating them too much and affecting their sleep. You can also choose from a variety of 34 sounds that are calming to help your baby sleep.
Click the image of the Momcozy to purchase yours today.
This white noise machine for babies is one of the more technological that appeals to the more modern-day parent as it can be linked to an app on your phone. You can then use this to control the settings of the nightlight to help your baby with their sleep. Just ensure that you have both wi-fi and bluetooth.
Other White Noise Machines Available
Follow this Amazon link to access a variety of products with white noise for babies that range in price.
Does white noise reduce SIDS?
I should stress here that I am not a medical professional so can only provide information on the research I have done myself.
As a new Mom, I know how terrifying the thought of SIDS is and how paranoid you can be. Trust me, I lost many nights of sleep because I was constantly checking my baby boy throughout the night in fear of SIDS. That’s why it is so important that you choose any products very carefully to use, including that white noise machine for babies.
Please check out the NHS website to familiarise yourself with safe sleeping for newborns and infants.
Some babies don’t like white noise
I really hope that this list of white noise machines for babies has helped you to choose the most suitable one for you and your baby. It’s important to remember that not all babies like white noise so don’t be alarmed if your baby doesn’t take to it. They may prefer something else and it’s just a case of trial and error.
Good luck!
Loulabella xoxo
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I love these items – thanks for the review.
We had the dream sheep when my little one was younger.
Thank you so much! I was very tempted to have Ewan the Dream Sheep before buying Ollie the Owl. xoxo
This was a really interesting post. I didn’t know about this. I can’t wait to be able to have my own baby and learn about all these things. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren
Ahh, thank you so much Lauren. It was all new to me too when I got pregnant! I’m glad this post has helped in some way. xoxo
Ever since our first baby, the whole family sleeps with white noise now. It’s really important to find a device and sound you like.
Aww that’s really nice that you all enjoy the white noise! xoxo
I didn’t know white noise can help babies sleep! Interesting post!
http://www.Linhybanh.com
Thank you so much Linhy! xoxo
This is cool, I agree with the new machines and great new things. Now it’s much better. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much! The white noise nowadays is much softer and more soothing. xoxo
My niece always had white noise when she was little. As an adult she still uses white noise to sleep. I, too can’t sleep without white noise. I have a sound machine and use air purifiers – love them!
Thank you for sharing, Debbie. It’s amazing how we end up needing those sounds to help us sleep, even as adults. I haven’t got an air purifier… I’ve heard they’re good though! xoxo
awesome info! I never knew the other benefits to white noise. We use the Hatch And love it so much!
Thank you so much Jill. White noise has certainly changed my baby’s life with regards to sleep! (and mine haha!) xoxo