White noise for babies: Is it harmful? Volume, distance, and alternatives

What is white noise, and why is it used with babies?

It is a steady, hissing-like sound that masks other background noises. “Infant sleep” machines produce it to make household noises, such as doors or voices, less disruptive. An article in the journal Pediatrics describes them as devices that produce ambient or masking noise to help babies sleep longer.

There are other types of colored noise, such as pink or brown noise, but we did not find pediatric sources we could cite about them, so we make no claims here about their differences. Continuous noise in general has been studied, and we will look at that below.

Is white noise bad for babies?

Not necessarily: the issue is usually volume, proximity, and duration. In a 2014 study in Pediatrics, Hugh and colleagues measured 14 infant sleep machines at maximum volume, at distances of 30, 100, and 200 centimeters, with corrections for a 6-month-old baby's ear.

At 30 cm, all exceeded 50 dBA, the recommended limit for hospital nurseries, and three exceeded 85 dBA. At that level, using them for more than 8 hours would exceed adult occupational noise exposure limits and pose a risk of hearing loss. The authors conclude that these machines can produce levels that could harm babies' hearing and auditory development.

These are laboratory measurements with machines at maximum volume; they do not say that your device causes harm at that volume. What they show is that it is worth reviewing how you use yours.

At what volume and distance, and for how long, should you use a white noise machine?

According to Children's National children's hospital, which cites AAP recommendations, the volume should stay below 50 dB, equivalent to a quiet conversation, and the machine should be at least about 60 centimeters (two feet) from the crib. It also suggests turning it off once your baby falls asleep or using a timer.

That article warns that many machines exceed 50 dB at their highest volume, so it is worth looking for one with adjustable volume. Since the numbers vary by source, treat them as minimum precautions rather than an exact rule, and ask your pediatrician.

A practical tip: you can check the volume with a sound meter app on your phone, placed where your baby's head would be; it provides a rough reference, not a professional measurement.

Does white noise help babies sleep?

The evidence is weak. A 2021 systematic review in Sleep Medicine Reviews analyzed 38 articles on continuous noise and sleep; results ranged from improving sleep to disrupting it, and the quality of evidence that continuous noise improves sleep was rated as very low.

The review's abstract does not mention babies, so we do not know how much it applies to them. If your baby sleeps better with a steady sound, using it carefully does not have to be a problem; just do not expect it to be a solution for every baby.

What lullabies can I sing to my baby?

Lullabies are an alternative that requires no devices: you sing them softly yourself, and you can stop whenever you want. These are Spanish-language classics that many families know, and you do not need all the lyrics to start humming:

• “Arrorró mi niño”
• “Señora Santana”
• “A la nanita nana”
• “Duérmete niño”

For more ideas for songs and games by age, see music for babies: musical stimulation from ages 0 to 2. If you are wondering whether classical music helps with development, read about the Mozart effect.

What role does music play for babies in neonatal intensive care?

In hospitals, music therapy for premature babies has been studied with certified music therapists; it is not something a family can replicate at home. A randomized trial published in Pediatrics in 2013 included 272 premature babies at 32 weeks or more in 11 neonatal units.

The authors report that heart rate was lower during lullaby and rhythm interventions, that parent-selected lullabies were associated with higher caloric intake and more sucking, and that music reduced parents' perceived stress. They conclude that the intentional use of live sound and lullabies by a certified music therapist may influence cardiac and respiratory function.

That is different from playing a playlist for a healthy baby at home. If you are interested in how a professional works, read what music therapy is or learn about our music therapy service. For premature babies or babies with a medical condition, follow the healthcare team's instructions.

What should you remember about safe sleep?

How your baby sleeps matters more than any sound. The Academia Americana de Pediatría recommends always placing your baby on their back, on a firm, flat surface, with an empty crib: just a fitted sheet, with no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys.

It also recommends that your baby sleep in your room, but not in your bed, for at least the first 6 months. If you have questions, ask your pediatrician.

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