White Noise for Baby Sleep: Safe Volume & Use | Parenting Hub
White noise can help babies sleep by masking household sounds. Learn safe volume limits, how to place the machine, and how to wean off it later.
A steady white-noise machine can help some babies fall asleep and stay asleep by covering sudden sounds. The key is to keep the volume low, place it well away from the cot, and use it safely every sleep.
How white noise helps
Babies are used to constant background sound from the womb. A steady, low-level white noise can mask sudden household noises — a door closing, a sibling shouting — that might startle a light-sleeping baby awake.
Safe volume and placement
White noise should be loud enough to cover background sound but not loud enough to damage hearing. Place the machine at least 1.5 metres from the cot and never inside it.
- Keep the volume at or below 50 dB — about the level of a quiet shower or soft conversation.
- Place the machine across the room, away from the cot and never on the mattress or pillow.
- Use it for every sleep, not just the tricky ones, so it becomes a consistent cue.
- Choose steady, continuous sound rather than changing tracks or music with words.
Weaning off white noise
You don't need to stop white noise unless it is no longer helpful. If you want to wean, turn the volume down a little every few nights, then move to a quieter sound, then stop. Many toddlers and adults continue to sleep with it with no harm.
When to seek help
- Volume is uncomfortable for adults in the room — it is too loud for baby
- Machine is placed inside the cot or close to baby's head
- Baby is unsettled, crying, or not feeding well — check for illness before relying on sound alone
Common questions
Can white noise damage my baby's hearing?
At safe volumes (50 dB or below) and placed at least 1.5 metres from the cot, white noise is not harmful. Avoid loud, close or continuous exposure above 65 dB for long periods.
Do I need a special machine?
A dedicated white-noise machine or a simple fan can work. If using a phone app, make sure the phone is across the room and the volume is controlled — phone speakers can distort at higher volumes.
When should I stop using white noise?
There is no set age. If it helps, it is safe to continue. If you want to stop, wean gradually. Many children use it well into preschool.