I’m obsessed with using white noise sound machines to help babies sleep better. I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of sound machines to find my favorites. See my top recommendations as a baby sleep consultant.
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As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, I’m a BIG fan of white noise.
Here’s why:
- It’s a helpful sleep association and can cue to your baby’s brain that sleep is coming
- Can help your baby sleep longer stretches at night and for naps
- It’s an integral part of your baby’s bedtime routine
I have personally tested lots of sound machines and heard plenty of recommendations from the families I have worked with one-on-one. See my favorite sound machines and why these get our stamp of approval.
My 5 Favorites
Best Overall: YogaSleep Dohm Classic
The YogaSleep Dohm Classic is one of my all-time favorite sound machines. I got the Dohm when my daughter was born, and used it for 2+ years. Once she was ready for an okay to wake clock, I stole the Dohm for myself.
The sound emitted from this machine is so soothing! It has an actual fan inside, which gives it a natural noise as opposed to the canned noise that some machines offer.
Features:
- Simple design and easy to use
- Compact
- Smooth, calming noise
- Not connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Machine You’ll Use the Longest: Hatch Rest or Rest+
The Hatch Rest has quickly become one of my favorites, because of how long you’ll use it with your baby!
This sound machine with nightlight and okay to wake feature is a 3-in-1 and the extra features make it worth the price tag in my opinion. We’ve been using our Hatch for about 4 years now, so I’ve gotten a lot of use out of it!
The Hatch is so easy to use. You can pre-program your favorite sounds and lights and use the app to make any in-the-moment changes. If you need to adjust a setting you can do so without going in and disturbing your baby!
Features:
- Multiple sound options (although I recommend sticking with the wind, white noise, or water sound).
- In the newborn days I also used the soft colored lamp as a light for those middle of the night feeds.
- As baby grows you can introduce a nightlight feature with red or orange light.
- Once you transition to a toddler bed, you can also introduce it as an okay to wake clock. (This is my favorite feature!)
- Portable option depending if you choose the Hatch Rest or Hatch Rest+
Best Portable: Rohm+
You’re going to want a portable sound machine to help baby sleep during travel times.
I love my YogaSleep Rohm+ for stroller walks and when traveling! Its light and portable design makes it easy to take on the go. You charge it via USB port and the battery lasts up to 20 hours.
Features:
- Long battery life
- Light and portable
- 20 soothing sounds
- Conveniently recharge wirelessly or via USB
- Lanyard clip
- 20-hour battery life
Best Budget: LectroFan Micro2
The Lectrofan is a bit lesser known than the other two, but is still very popular.
They have multiple models, but the LectroFan Micro2 is one of the more budget friendly options.
There are cheaper machines out there, but many of them are looping sounds.
Looping sounds means it plays the same sound for 5–10 minutes, has a break, and then starts over. It can be very distracting!
Features:
- 11 Non-looping sounds
- Bluetooth stereo so you can wirelessly connect your device to the Micro speaker
- Use it at home or on-the-go
- Rechargeable
- Portable and compact
Most Versatile: Echo Dot or Google Home
Plenty of families already have an Echo Dot or Google Home and choose to use that for their baby’s sound machine.
If you go this route, just make sure to ask Alexa to turn the loop on, so that the white noise plays until you ask it to stop.
You can also create routines so the white noise turns on at the same time each night.
Features:
- 15+ sleep sounds
- Control via app or voice
- Set timers or routines
- Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
- As your child grows use it to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts
Frequently Asked Questions About Sound Machines
Do Pediatricians Recommend Sound Machines?
The AAP doesn’t recommend or warn against using a sound machine to help baby sleep, but they do advise pediatricians to talk to their families about using them safely and within the recommended guidelines.
What are the Recommended Guidelines for White Noise Sound Machines?
The AAP recommends that sound machine use be limited. Meaning, don’t leave it on 24/7. Use it for sleep and turn it off in the morning or after naps.
They also recommend that white noise be kept to 50 decibels or lower in hospital nurseries.
How Do I Know How Loud My Sound Machine Is?
You can download a decibel-measuring app on your phone, place your phone in your baby’s crib where their head usually is, (do this while baby is awake and out of the crib), and then check the volume of your sound machine.
What Sound is Best for Baby?
There is some debate over what sound machine noise is best for baby. A good rule of thumb is that if it is grating or irritating to you, it probably will be for baby too.
White noise is one of the best, but some machines have pink noise or brown noise options. Really, it comes down to personal preference.
What’s the Difference Between White, Pink, and Brown Noise?
Pink noise is a lower frequency than white noise, and brown noise is at an even lower frequency.
Here’s just a quick example:
- The sound of a fan or air conditioner would be white noise.
- The sound of a light rainfall, wind rustling through trees, or a bubbling brook would be pink noise.
- Brown noise would be a shower, a heavy rain, or crashing waves.
Most sound machines offer several choices, so play around and see which is most soothing. I personally prefer white noise.
Do Sound Machines Reduce SIDS?
There’s not enough research to show if white noise sound machines help reduce the risk of SIDS.
If you have any questions about sound machines, leave them in the comments below.
