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Is White Noise Safe for Babies? What the Experts Say

At Zello, we know how important sleep is for the whole family. A good night’s sleep is essential for both babies and parents. That’s why we create safe, soothing, and parent-approved white noise machines for babies, newborns, infants, and adults.

But is white noise actually safe for newborns? Let’s dive into what the experts say—and how to use it safely and effectively.

Is White Noise Actually Safe For Newborns & Babies?

The short answer is: yes, it absolutely is. White noise can help babies sleep better by mimicking the sounds they heard in the womb. These sounds, like gentle whooshing and soft hums, make babies feel calm and secure.

In this post, we’ll explain what white noise is, how to use it properly, and what experts say about it. You’ll also learn why so many families trust white noise as part of their baby’s bedtime routine.

Baby yawning after waking up from a nap

Benefits of White Noise for Babies and Newborns

Babies are born into a noisy world. From loud conversations to barking dogs and slamming doors, even small household sounds can disrupt their sleep. That’s where a baby white noise machine can make a big difference. It provides a steady, calming sound that helps block out sudden noise, creating a peaceful sleep environment.

White noise works by mimicking the constant, soothing sounds babies hear in the womb. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that this can help newborns feel calm and secure, just like they did while inside the womb. Sounds like gentle fan sounds, ocean waves, or even womb sounds can help babies feel more relaxed and settled. This makes it easier for babies to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, without being disturbed by external noises.

According to The Baby Sleep Site, white noise helps babies sleep soundly by providing a consistent sound environment. The steady hum of white noise acts as a sleep aid, creating a natural barrier to outside sounds. This makes it easier for babies to stay asleep, even in noisy or unfamiliar places like hotels or while traveling.

Is White Noise Safe for Babies?

Yes, when used responsibly. White noise is considered safe for newborns, infants, and older babies. Here's what we recommend:

Keep the Volume Low
Your white noise machine should stay below 50 decibels. All Zello products are designed with built-in safe volume limits to protect delicate hearing.

Place at a Safe Distance
We suggest keeping your white noise machine for baby at least 6–7 feet (2 meters) from the crib or cot.

Use for Sleep Time Only
White noise is most effective when used consistently during naps and overnight sleep. It’s a great tool to help babies associate sound with rest and build healthy sleep habits.

baby sleeping with a zello white noise machine a safe distance away from the cot

Best Portable and Plug-In White Noise Machines for Babies

At Zello, we offer a range of top-rated white noise machines designed to suit every bedtime and nap time. Whether you're at home, on the go, or somewhere in between, we have the perfect solution to create a peaceful sleep environment for your baby. From plug-in nursery machines to travel-friendly sleep aids, there’s something for every family!

Zello Portable Pro Max White Noise Machine

The Zello Portable Pro Max is our best-selling sleep aid, designed specifically for busy families who want to create a calm, soothing sleep environment wherever life takes them. Whether you're looking to help your baby sleep soundly during naps, bedtime, or while traveling, this portable white noise machine makes it easy to bring the benefits of white noise along for the ride.

✅ Variety of calming natural sounds and white noise

✅ Gentle night light

✅ Up to 50 hours battery life

✅ Lightweight and rechargeable battery

✅ Built-in safety volume controls

Whether it's for naps, bedtime, or travel, this versatile and reliable machine is the best portable white noise machine you can find. It’s ideal for helping babies fall asleep faster, sleep soundly, and stay relaxed, whether at home, in the pram, or in the car seat.

zello portable pro max white noise machine

Zello Original White Noise Machine

If you’re looking for something reliable for everyday use in the nursery or bedroom, the Zello Original White Noise Machine is a simple and effective plug-in white noise machine. Designed to provide a steady, soothing sound environment for your baby, this machine helps create the ideal sleep environment for restful nights and peaceful naps.

✅ 30 high quality non-looping sound settings

✅ Soft dimmable night light

✅ Consistent plug-in power (no recharging needed)

✅ Winner of Loved By Parents Best Sleep Aid

✅ Safety volume limits included

toddler sleeping with zello original white noise machines

Final Thoughts from Team Zello

We created Zello to help families get the rest they deserve. Whether you're using a white noise machine to help your baby sleep soundly or for your own rest and relaxation, we design our machines with safety, simplicity, and effectiveness in mind. At Zello, we believe that every family deserves the best sleep environment possible, and our white noise machines are here to make that a reality. With soothing natural sounds like fan sounds, ocean waves, and womb sounds, our sound machines help create a consistent, calming atmosphere that helps everyone fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Whether you're dealing with sleep disruptions while traveling or seeking a reliable sleep aid for your newborn, Zello's products are designed to meet your needs. From portable options with long battery life to plug-in devices for consistent power, each machine is built to be simple to use and safe for babies of all ages. Plus, with adjustable volume settings and safety volume limits, we ensure that your little one’s sensitive hearing is protected while enjoying the benefits of soothing sound.

Still have questions? Check out expert resources like The Baby Sleep Site for safe and effective tips on how to use white noise for baby sleep.