White Noise Machines, Night Lights and Baby Sleep Aids: What's Safe

Why white noise can help

• The womb is loud: a steady whooshing from blood flow. A constant, low sound can feel familiar, and it masks sudden household noises such as siblings, traffic or a door.
• It's optional. Many babies sleep fine without it. It's a tool, not a requirement.
• Types: white, pink or brown noise, a fan or rain sound. Pick a steady sound without melodies, lyrics or sudden changes.

Using it safely

• Volume: about the level of a soft shower or quiet conversation. Research found some machines can exceed recommended infant noise limits at full volume. A common guide is about 50 decibels at the crib; a free sound-meter app on a phone gives a rough check.
• Place the machine at least about 7 feet (2 meters) from the baby's head, not on the crib rail or inside the crib.
• Keep cords out of reach, at least 3 feet (90 cm) from the crib.
• Run it for the length of sleep if that helps, or use a timer. Turning it off once the baby is in deep sleep is also fine.

Night lights

• Dim and warm-toned (red or amber) is least likely to wake anyone fully. Bright blue or white light can make settling harder.
• Plug-in lights should be out of reach and away from fabric.

Sleep aids to skip

• Weighted sleep sacks, swaddles or blankets: the AAP advises against them.
• Inclined sleepers, sleep positioners, wedges, nests or loungers for sleep: not safe for unsupervised sleep.
• Stuffed toys with sound machines inside, or anything clipped inside the crib.
• Swings and bouncers for routine sleep. If the baby falls asleep there, move them to a flat surface.
• Smartphone apps placed in the crib.

Helpful extras

• A pacifier at sleep time, once breastfeeding is established, is linked with lower SIDS risk (see the pacifier guide).
• A predictable sequence: feed, burp, diaper, sleep sack, dim lights, sound on, down.
• Room-darkening shades for daytime naps and early summer mornings.

Will my baby depend on it?

• Babies can get used to any sleep cue. Some families wean off white noise between about 1-2 years by turning the volume down gradually over a couple of weeks. Others keep it longer, which is fine at a safe volume.
• For travel, a portable sound source can make strange rooms feel familiar.

When to check in

• Mention at a checkup if your baby startles at sudden sounds very little or not at all, or doesn't seem to notice voices by a few months; see the hearing and vision guide.
• Ask about any sleep product you're unsure of before using it for sleep.