10 Best Baby Noise Machines to Soothe Your Little One
If there’s one thing every new parent needs, it’s sleep—both for baby and themselves. For many families, a sound machine is a helpful tool in the pursuit of a restful night’s slumber. Infants tend to be soothed by white noise, likely because it reminds them of the ambient sounds they were exposed to in the womb. Plus, it helps block out other household noises that could potentially wake them up during a nap or bedtime. Ready to find the best sound machine for baby? We’ve done the research and selected the best sleep soothers to help fast-track your little love to sweet dreams.
When it comes to using a sound machine for baby, the benefits are ample. Not only does it comfort babies (especially those in the fourth trimester) by mimicking sounds heard in the womb, it also offers a consistent, steady sound in the sleep environment, says Jillian Thistel, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting in Ontario, Canada. They’re especially useful for the room-sharing period (which the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends for at least baby’s first six months) to block out noises like a snoring parent, adds Rachel Mitchell, a certified sleep specialist and the founder of My Sweet Sleeper.
Of course, the best white noise machines are those that grow with your family’s changing needs. Older babies and toddlers can also benefit from having these soothing sounds in their rooms, as the devices help create a routine by signaling the bedtime process, says Mitchell.
But before you crank up the volume on any old sound machine and call it a day, there are a few more things you need to consider. First, you’ll want to keep the volume of your white noise machine low (under 50 decibels) to protect your child’s hearing. If you aren’t sure how loud it is, download an app to check the sound level, suggests Thistel. All in all, a baby sound machine should block external noises, but not be too overwhelming, too loud or too close to your child’s sleep space, she adds. That said, it’s also important to place baby sound machines out of arm’s reach from the crib (ideally seven feet away from the crib, as per the AAP) so that it doesn’t pose a potential hazard. If you’re worried about your curious toddler playing with the device’s wires, opt for a wireless sleep soother. Alternatively, Mitchell recommends placing the baby sound machine close to the door to further neutralize any noises. If baby is sharing a bedroom with a parent or a sibling, you could even double up on sound machines and place one on either side of the space for extra coverage, says Mitchell.
On the hunt for the best sound machine for baby? Keep these dreamy features top of mind while browsing to find the perfect fit for your family:
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Multiple sound options. While white noise is the go-to for many, some little ones may prefer other relaxing sounds, like rain, waves or their parent’s voice. According to the AAP infants naturally prefer human voices to other sounds (particularly if the voice in question is that of a caregiver). If your infant has trouble falling asleep without you there, opt for a baby sound machine that includes a human shushing sound; some devices even give parents the option to record their own voices.
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Continuous sound. Many baby sound machines offer timer settings, which can be helpful for naps or to calm baby. However, those that turn off after a certain period of time can interrupt your child’s sleep. Instead, Thistel advises parents to choose devices that play continuously throughout the night to reduce the chance of waking early.
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Volume control settings. The best sound machines have volume control settings. This way, you can easily curate a calming ambience for baby with the press of a button. Plus, if you’re using it while out and about, or if your living space is ever noisier than usual, you can adjust the volume as needed.
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Adjustable lighting. Squash your child’s fears of the dark with the help of a baby sound machine that doubles as a night light. Many feature calming glows in various colors to soothe little ones; opt for warm tones such as deep blue or dark red, suggests Mitchell. When going this route, choose an option that has adjustable lighting so that you can adapt the brightness to your kiddo’s (or your) preference. These designs are also helpful for late-night feeds or diaper changes!
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Multipurpose designs. Looking for a baby sound machine that will transition with your kiddo once they reach toddlerhood? Consider choosing one that doubles as a time-to-rise clock. Other two-in-one options include baby sound machines with night lights, star projectors and even ones shaped like cuddly stuffed animals.
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Portability. Sleeping in a new space, like a relative’s house or a hotel room, can be disorienting for an infant or tot. To maintain a similar sleep environment as you travel, be sure to pick up a portable baby sound machine. Many of these lightweight designs can even be attached to strollers or car seats to soothe your little one while you’re on the go.
Now that you have all the facts about baby sound machines, you’re probably ready to pick one out for your kiddo and incorporate it into their bedtime routine asap. Below, shop our favorite models on the market, from portable options to innovative designs. Sweet dreams await!
Overall best sound machine for baby
- Smart device can be controlled via app
- Calming night light feature
- Create a custom sleep program tailored to baby’s routine
- Versatile design is perfect for infants, toddlers and big kids
- WiFi connection required for use
- Can’t be used without the app
Talk about smart: Not only can you set up this white noise machine from your phone, but you can even create customized sleep programs for bedtime and naptime. The top-rated device comes with 11 soothing preset tracks, including nature sounds and three classic lullabies. Plus, the sound machine for baby has a dimmable clock and a built-in nightlight that emits a rainbow of calming colors. Control the smart device with the handy companion app or by using Alexa voice commands. This standout sound machine is also great for toddlers, thanks to its gentle time-to-rise and time-to-bed features that help your little one create consistent routines.
On July 3, 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of over 900,000 power adapters sold with Hatch Baby’s 1st Generation Rest Sound Machines. These devices were sold on Hatch.co and at BuyBuyBaby, Target, Walmart, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn Kids and Best Buy from January 2019 through September 2022. They were also sold on Amazon.com from January 2019 through May 2024. Note that this recall is for the 1st Generation Rest Sound Machine, not the 2nd Generation Rest Sound Machine listed here.
Dimensions: 3.5" (L) x 6.3" (W) x 3.5" (H) | Weight: 0.4 lbs. | Number of sounds: 11 | Batteries required: No
Best affordable baby sound machine
- Portable design that doubles as a night light
- User-friendly volume control settings
- Affordable price point
- Fewer sounds than some other options
- Only plays in 10-, 20- or 30-minute intervals
Creating a tranquil sleep environment for your little love doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. Case in point: This budget-friendly sound machine for baby. Though it rings in at under $20, it has all the features you could want in a white noise machine. We love how this pick works as a soother and a night light. What’s more, its compact size means it can easily be toted in your diaper bag.
Dimensions: 4.3" (L) x 3" (H) | Weight: 0.4 lbs.| Number of sounds: 3 | Batteries required: Yes
Best natural baby sound machine
- Uses natural sounds to soothe baby
- Adjustable volume controls and timer settings
- Compact, portable design with a removable wrist strap
- Only one sound option
- Some parents say the sound takes some getting used to
Shushing is a tried-and-true trick for calming fussy babies—but sometimes a parent can only do so much soothing themselves. For moments when you run out of steam, try this doctor-tested (and approved) sound machine for baby that makes a rhythmic shushing sound that mimics those in-utero noises. Volume controls help ensure these sounds will be heard even over baby’s loud cries.
Dimensions: 3.5" (L) x 6.3" (W) x 3.5" (H) | Weight: 0.4 lbs. | Number of sounds: 1 | Batteries required: Yes
Best portable sound machine for baby
- Lightweight, portable design
- Volume control settings
- Gentle LED night light
- Fewer sounds than some other options
Next up on our list of the best white noise machines for baby is the Yogasleep Hushh. This clever device has three different modes that emit variants of its signature ambient sound of rushing air: bright white noise, deep white noise or gentle surf. The lightweight sound machine is easy to transport and operates overnight on a single charge, making it the perfect travel companion. It also offers great sound quality, and you can control the volume from whisper-soft to very loud. Plus, a gentle amber LED night light provides just enough glow to see by without being too bright for you or baby.
Dimensions: 3.4" (L) x 1.6" (W) x 3.9" (H) | Weight: 0.3 lbs. | Number of sounds: 3 | Batteries required: No
Best baby sound machine with a nightlight
- 34 sounds, including white noises, fan sounds and lullabies
- Customizable colors and adjustable brightness level
- Smart device can be controlled via app
- Alarm clock function
- Some sound options may be over the recommended decibel limit for infants; double-check the level before using it in your child’s room
Next up on our list of the best white noise machines for baby is this pick with a multicolored night light feature. For your convenience, you can control the device via your smartphone (you won’t have to tiptoe through baby’s room to change the settings as they sleep). This pick is equipped with 34 sounds to choose from, including several white noise options and calming lullabies. Best of all, you can customize the night light by choosing any color on the spectrum and adjusting the brightness level as needed.
Dimensions: 6.3" (L) x 4.6" (W) x 4.6" (H) | Weight: 14.9 oz. | Number of sounds: 34 | Batteries required: Yes
Best smart baby sound machine
- Several nature-inspired sounds to choose from
- Custom timer option
- User-friendly volume controls on the device
- WiFi connection required for use
- Can’t be used without the app
Smart baby sound machines don’t have to be complicated to use. Take this option from Hatch, for instance. This mini version of their best-selling Hatch Rest is perfect for parents looking for a straightforward soothing solution—plus, it’s budget-friendly. When setting it up for a peaceful slumber, you can choose between eight sounds, like white noise, rain, heartbeat and waves, to name a few. In the app, you can even create a custom timer setting that lasts for however long you need it.
Dimensions: 4" (L) x 4" (W) x 2" (H) | Weight: 9.3 oz. | Number of sounds: 8 | Batteries required: No
Best versatile baby sound machine
- Discreet design available in multiple colors
- Twist to easily adjust the sound level
- Versatile sound machine can be used by all ages
- Offers a fan sound rather than white noise
This classic white noise machine is simple and oh-so-effective. The unique asymmetrical fan creates a constant, smooth swooshing sound of rushing air without the disturbance of actual moving air. You can choose from two fan speeds for different noise options. It may not have tons of fancy features, but it does have the approval of thousands of Amazon reviewers. Best of all, this versatile pick can be used throughout your home whenever you need to create a calming environment.
Dimensions: 5.8" (L) x 5.8" (W) x 3.2" (H) | Weight: 1.6 lbs. | Number of sounds: 1 | Batteries required: No
Best baby sound machine for strollers
- Lightweight, portable design with a clip for on-the-go use
- Timed or continuous play settings available
- Adjustable night light feature
- Some reviewers say the buttons can be hard to read
You’ll never have to go without baby’s white noise machine again thanks to this clever, portable design by Fridababy. The compact, lightweight sound machine features a baby-safe clip that can be attached to a stroller, car seat or crib. It offers five soothing sounds, including shushing and noise that echoes a heartbeat. Better yet, it’s USB rechargeable and boasts a nightlight with three different glow levels. It’s proof that good things really do come in small packages.
Dimensions: 7" (L) x 4.4" (W) x 2.3" (H) | Weight: 8.4 oz. | Number of sounds: 5 | Batteries required: No
Best baby sound machine with a projector
- 3-in-1 design is a sound machine, a stuffed animal and a projector
- Three color and five sound options
- Volume control settings
- No white noise sound option
- Only plays in 15-, 30- or 45-minute intervals
Baby sound machine? Check. Stuffed animal? Check. Projector night light? Check. This sleep soother does it all. If your little one is afraid of the dark, they’ll appreciate the starry night sky this pick can project on their wall. Choose from three colors and five relaxing sounds to create a dreamy sleep setting for your child.
Dimensions: 11.5" (L) x 6.5" (W) x 4" (H) | Weight: 1.3 lbs. | Number of sounds: 5 | Batteries required: Yes
Best white noise machine for toddlers
- User-friendly volume control settings
- Available in several adorable stuffed animal options
- Machine washable (after removing the sound box)
- No white noise sound option
- Only plays in 23- or 45-minute intervals
Last but not least on our list is a cuddly white noise machine for toddlers. This super-soft bunny is equipped with eight soothing sounds to help your little mover and shaker relax and fall asleep with ease; simply choose between nature-inspired melodies or tranquil lullabies. Plus, a white noise machine that doubles as a stuffed animal is a great way to remedy any bedtime anxieties your child may be struggling with. This cuddly companion is also machine-washable.
Dimensions: 6.9" (L) x 7.5" (W) x 9.5" (H) | Weight: 1 lb. | Number of sounds: 8 | Batteries required: Yes
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Jillian Thistel, is a certified pediatric sleep consultant in the Toronto area in Ontario, Canada. She is a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting.
Rachel Mitchell, is a certified sleep specialist and former night nanny based out of Denver, Colorado. She is also the founder of My Sweet Sleeper, a business that provides pediatric and maternity sleep consulting services and coaching sessions.
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
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