White Noise for Babies: Effects, Research, and Safe Use

Many parents know the situation: The baby is tired but cannot fall asleep. Every little stimulus suddenly seems to be too much – footsteps in the hallway, a passing car, dishes in the kitchen, or voices in the next room. This is where white noise is often recommended. The steady sounds, internationally often referred to as white noise, are intended to calm babies and help them fall asleep.

But how well is the effect of white noise for babies actually supported? Is white noise for babies safe? And what is the truth behind the idea that white noise during pregnancy or after birth reminds babies of the soundscape in the womb?

The answer is more nuanced than many short guides suggest: White noise can help some babies fall asleep, especially because it masks distracting noises and creates a steady soundscape. At the same time, it is not a universal sleep solution. Volume, distance, duration, and the baby's individual reaction are crucial.

What is white noise?

White noise is a steady sound that contains many different frequencies. Technically, this means that white noise contains numerous audible pitches at the same time. To the human ear, it usually sounds like a constant, monotonous hum – similar to a fan, a vacuum cleaner in the background, radio static, or a steady "shhh".

Fig. 1: Time representation of an example discrete white noise signal (Wikipedia)

In everyday life, the term white noise is often used more broadly. Many parents do not mean only the physically exact noise, but also other monotonous sounds: rain, ocean waves, hairdryer sounds, heartbeat sounds, or gentle sleep sounds. These sounds can also serve a similar function: they create a steady acoustic environment.

This is particularly relevant for baby sleep because sudden noises stand out more in a quiet environment. A slamming door, a barking dog, or voices from the next room can more easily startle a baby if it was previously completely quiet. On the other hand, if quiet white noise is playing in the background, individual distracting noises are perceived less clearly.

White noise for babies: Why monotonous sounds can have a calming effect

The possible effect of white noise for babies can be explained primarily through three mechanisms: masking, steadiness, and ritual effect.

The first mechanism is so-called masking. White noise can cover up or dampen other noises. This does not mean that distracting noises disappear. However, they stand out less. This can be helpful, especially in homes with street noise, older siblings, or everyday household noises.

The second mechanism is steadiness. Babies often react sensitively to changing stimuli. A constant sound can be less stimulating for some babies than an environment in which new noises keep emerging. White noise for babies then creates a kind of acoustic background that remains the same.

The third mechanism is the ritual effect. If white noise is regularly incorporated into an evening routine – for example after changing the baby, while dimming the room, or during a quiet cuddling phase –, it can become a recognizable signal: bedtime has started. In this sense, white noise is less of a "trick" and more of a building block of a recurring sleep aid.

However, it is important: Not every baby reacts the same way. Red Nose Australia points out that babies can react differently to white noise and can also become accustomed to certain sleep aids (Red Nose Australia, 2025). Some babies visibly relax with monotonous sounds. Others show hardly any change or even become more restless. Therefore, white noise for babies should always be used observantly and flexibly.

Does white noise really help babies fall asleep?

One of the most frequently cited studies on white noise and baby sleep dates back to 1990. In this randomized study, two groups of 20 newborns each aged 2 to 7 days were examined. In the group with white noise, 16 out of 20 babies fell asleep within five minutes. In the control group, 5 out of 20 babies fell asleep spontaneously within this time (Spencer et al., 1990).

These figures initially sound very clear-cut. Nevertheless, they should be interpreted with caution. The study was small, examined only very young newborns, and focused primarily on falling asleep in the short term. It does not prove that white noise generally helps babies sleep better, that they sleep through for longer, or that white noise is suitable for every child.

Stated seriously, this means: The study provides an interesting indication that white noise can help some newborns fall asleep in the short term. However, it is not proof that white noise helps babies sleep better in the long term.

This interpretation is important for parents. White noise can be a practical sleep aid, but it should not be understood as a guarantee. If a baby regularly sleeps very poorly, cries a lot, seems to be in pain, or behaves unusually, medical advice should always be sought.

What studies on white noise, premature babies, and baby sleep show

In addition to the classic sleep study, there are also studies on white noise in medical contexts, for example with premature babies or newborns in clinical care. Such studies are interesting because they show that acoustic stimuli can influence physiological reactions.

A newer review of applications of white noise in maternal and neonatal care describes evidence that white noise can influence sleep onset, stress perception, and pain reactions under certain conditions (Öz and Demirci, 2025). At the same time, results from neonatology cannot simply be transferred to healthy babies at home. A premature baby in a neonatal intensive care unit is in a completely different environment than a baby in everyday family life. There are medical devices, alarms, nursing routines, and special stressors.

For a parent guide, the most important conclusion is therefore: Research shows that sound environments can play a role in babies. However, white noise for babies is not a medical measure and should be understood at home primarily as a possible, gentle sleep aid – not as a treatment and not as a substitute for safe sleep conditions.

Is white noise for babies safe?

The most important question is not only: "Does white noise help?", but also: "Is white noise for babies safe?"

In principle, white noise is not automatically dangerous. It becomes critical mainly when a device is set too loud, is placed too close to the baby, or runs for a very long time. The problem is therefore less the monotonous sound itself, but the incorrect application.

A study from the journal Pediatrics examined 14 baby sleep devices and came to an important result: At a distance of 30 cm, all tested devices were over 50 dBA; three devices even reached levels over 85 dBA. Such volumes can be problematic with prolonged use, especially because the hearing of infants is sensitive (Hugh et al., 2014).

A current review from 2024 also points out that white noise devices can pose potential risks to hearing, speech, and learning if used incorrectly or chronically. The authors particularly emphasize the aspect of incorrect application (De Jong et al., 2024).

For parents, this means: A quiet sound at the other end of the room is different from a device directly next to the baby's crib that runs at high volume all night long. White noise for babies should always be used with restraint.

How loud can white noise for babies be?

As a rule of thumb: White noise for babies should only be quietly audible in the background. It should not run directly next to the ear, not in the baby's crib, and not at high volume.

Practically, this means: The device should stand at a distance from the sleeping area. The volume should be set as low as possible. White noise for babies should sound more like a quiet background, not like a dominant sound source. If the baby is startled, becomes restless, or falls asleep more slowly, the sound may be too loud, too close, or fundamentally unsuitable.

Red Nose Australia describes white noise as a constant background sound that can mask other noises. Although the organization sees limited evidence that white noise can help some babies fall asleep, it also emphasizes that every baby reacts differently and that babies can become accustomed to certain sleep aids (Red Nose Australia, 2025).

Therefore, conscious use is sensible: white noise can be part of the bedtime routine, but should not be used uncontrollably, too loudly, or without observation.

White noise during pregnancy: What does the baby really hear?

The question of white noise during pregnancy is also frequently asked. Behind this is often the idea that babies experience a steady soundscape already in the womb and therefore find monotonous sounds familiar after birth.

In fact, auditory perception begins before birth. An MIT report on prenatal hearing development describes that fetuses can perceive some sounds from about the 20th week of pregnancy. These sounds are dampened by amniotic fluid and maternal tissue; particularly high frequencies are attenuated, while lower frequencies are transmitted more readily (Trafton, 2022). Older research on fetal hearing development also shows that the reaction to frequencies increases over the course of pregnancy and that the audible spectrum develops (Hepper, 1994).

This means: The womb is not quiet. Babies hear rhythmic and dampened sounds there – for example heartbeat, breathing, digestive sounds, and voices. From this, it can be plausibly explained why steady sounds may have a calming effect on some babies after birth.

Nevertheless, one should formulate carefully when talking about white noise during pregnancy. It is not sufficiently proven that white noise during pregnancy has a special bonding effect. The importance of voice, speech, music, and recurring acoustic stimuli is more strongly scientifically proven. A systematic review from 2023 concludes that prenatal sound stimulation through music and speech can form memory traces in the fetus and influence later neural reactions in the newborn (Movalled et al., 2023).

A PNAS study from 2015 shows this even more directly, that authentic recordings of a mother's voice and heartbeat were associated with measurable changes in the auditory cortex of premature babies (Webb et al., 2015).

The better statement is therefore: White noise during pregnancy can be perceived as part of a calm sound environment, but for bonding, closeness, voice, touch, and recurring rituals are more important than white noise alone.

White noise, music box for babies, or stuffed animal with music?

Many parents wonder not only if white noise makes sense, but also which sleep aid best suits their own baby. Various sleep aids fulfill different functions.

A music box for babies is a classic ritual. It usually plays a short melody that repeats and can be associated with bedtime. The advantage lies less in a permanent soundscape, but in recognizability: The baby hears the melody again and again in similar situations.

A stuffed animal with music combines sound with a familiar object. Which listening boxes and stuffed animals with speakers are designed for from birth, our comparison shows. For many families this can be helpful because the bedtime ritual becomes recognizable not only acoustically, but also emotionally and haptically. It is always important that the product is age-appropriate, safe, and used at a pleasant volume.

White noise, on the other hand, fulfills primarily an acoustic function. It creates a steady soundscape and can dampen distracting noises. A music box for babies, a lullaby, a calm voice, or a stuffed animal with music can act more strongly as a ritual or closeness signal.

In practice, it does not have to be one or the other. Our "Lenabies" combines all these functions, and many babies benefit from a combination: dimmed light, calm voice, closeness, a familiar routine, and if necessary, quiet white noise as an additional sleep aid.

Using white noise correctly: Tips for parents

For white noise for babies to remain sensible and safe, the application matters.

1. Start quietly. White noise should not be loud. If adults perceive it clearly and dominantly, it may be too intense for a baby.
2. Keep your distance. The device should not be in the baby's crib and not placed directly next to the head. Better is a safe distance in the room.
3. Do not let it run loudly continuously. White noise for babies can support falling asleep, but should not be understood as loud continuous sound exposure.
4. Incorporate it into an evening routine. White noise can be particularly helpful if it is always associated with similar steps: changing, sleep sack, dimming the light, calm voice, cuddling, then quiet noise.
5. Observe the baby. Some babies relax. Others do not react at all or become more restless. The child's reaction is more important than any blanket recommendation.

Common mistakes with white noise for babies

A common mistake is too high a volume. Many devices sound harmless to adults, but can be significantly more intense in direct proximity to the baby. That is precisely why white noise should never be used directly next to the ear.

A second mistake is placement in the baby's crib. Devices, speakers, or other objects do not belong carelessly in the baby's sleep environment. A placement with distance is safer.

A third mistake is the expectation that white noise reliably makes babies sleep. Baby sleep is complex. Hunger, need for closeness, stomach pain, teething, developmental leaps, or overtiredness can play a role. White noise cannot solve such causes.

A fourth mistake is continuous sound exposure without observation. If the baby sleeps well even without white noise, it does not have to be used continuously. If it seems restless, the sound should be adjusted or omitted.

The most important principle is: White noise is a possible sleep aid, not a must and not a miracle cure.

Conclusion: White noise can help – but consciously and safely

White noise can help some babies fall asleep. The effect is plausible: Steady sounds can mask distracting noises, create a quieter sound environment, and become part of a recurring bedtime ritual.

The study situation shows interesting indications, especially for short-term falling asleep in newborns. At the same time, it is not strong enough to describe white noise for babies as a general solution for sleep problems. Volume, distance, duration, and the baby's individual reaction are particularly important.

As part of a calm evening routine, white noise for babies can be sensible – especially when it is used quietly, consciously, and safely. However, for many families, other sleep aids are also helpful: a music box for babies, a familiar voice, a lullaby, a stuffed animal with music, or a short bedtime story.

In the end, it is not the perfect method that counts, but a safe, loving, and recurring framework in which the baby can find rest.

 

Frequently asked questions about white noise for babies

Is white noise good for babies?

White noise can be helpful for some babies because it masks distracting noises and creates a steady soundscape. However, it should be used quietly, with distance, and not continuously loudly.

How long can white noise run for babies?

There is no blanket duration that applies to every baby. It is sensible to use white noise primarily as a sleep aid and not as loud continuous sound exposure throughout the night.

How loud can white noise for babies be?

White noise should only be audible at a low volume in the background for babies. The device should not be placed directly next to the baby, in the baby's cot, or near their ear.

Does white noise help during pregnancy?

Babies can perceive sounds even before birth. However, the effects of white noise during pregnancy are not conclusively proven. For bonding and early sound perception, voice, closeness, music, and recurring rituals are particularly important.

Which is better: white noise or a music box for babies?

It depends on the baby and the situation. White noise is more suitable as a consistent background sound. A music box for babies is more of a short, familiar bedtime ritual.

Is a musical soft toy a good sleep aid?

A musical soft toy can be a useful sleep aid if it is used safely, is age-appropriate, and is kept pleasantly quiet. It combines sound with a familiar object and can thus become part of a recurring evening ritual.

 

 

 

Bibliography and further sources

De Jong, R. W. et al. (2024): Continuous white noise exposure during sleep and potential developmental risks. PubMed.
Further link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38663282/

Hepper, P. G. (1994): Development of fetal hearing. PubMed / PMC.
Further link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7979483/

Hugh, S. C., Wolter, N. E., Propst, E. J., Gordon, K. A., Cushing, S. L. and Papsin, B. C. (2014): Infant Sleep Machines and Hazardous Sound Pressure Levels. Pediatrics, 133(4), pp. 677–681.
Further link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24590753/

Movalled, K. et al. (2023): The impact of sound stimulations during pregnancy on fetal learning: a systematic review. PMC.
Further link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10116668/

Öz, T. and Demirci, N. (2025): Applications of White Noise in Maternal and Neonatal Care: A Comprehensive Review on Sleep, Stress and Pain Outcomes. PMC.
Further link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12818530/

Red Nose Australia (2025): Can ‘White Noise’ Help Settle Your Baby?
Further link: https://rednose.org.au/safe-sleep-and-safer-pregnancy/newborn-to-1-year/can-white-noise-help-settle-your-baby/

Spencer, J. A., Moran, D. J., Lee, A. and Talbert, D. (1990): White noise and sleep induction. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 65(1), pp. 135–137.
Further link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2405784/

Trafton, A. (2022): Early sound exposure in the womb shapes the auditory system. MIT News.
Further link: https://news.mit.edu/2022/prenatal-sound-womb-auditory-system-0525

Webb, A. R. et al. (2015): Mother’s voice and heartbeat sounds elicit auditory plasticity in the human brain before full gestation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(10), pp. 3152–3157.
Further link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4364233/