Is White Noise Safe for Babies? What the Research Says
Any parent will tell you—sleep is one of the most precious things in the early months with a baby. Rest can feel rare, and routines can be inconsistent. From short naps to long nights, getting your baby to sleep often feels like a full-time job.
That’s why many families turn to white noise. It’s a simple, soothing sound that can make a big difference. White noise helps babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. For parents, that can mean fewer wake-ups and more rest.
But how safe is white noise for babies? And what does the science actually say about using a white noise machine?
In this guide, we’ll break it down for you. You’ll learn what white noise really is and how it works. We’ll look at the latest research and explain how to use white noise in a safe and effective way.
Most importantly, you’ll discover how a good sleep tool can help your whole family feel more rested.
Zello’s range of sound machines are designed with real parents in mind. They’re trusted by families across the UK—and once you try one, you’ll see why.
What Is White Noise Noise?
White noise is a type of consistent sound that contains all audible frequencies at equal intensity. It’s similar to a soft “shhh,” the hum of a fan, or static on a radio. This type of sound frequency helps mask background noise, which is why it’s used to promote better sleep for both babies and adults.
There’s also something called pink noise, which sound softer to the human ear and reduces high-frequency sounds. A pink noise machine offers a more balanced experience, which some older babies and adults may find more soothing. Zello’s products include both white and pink options so you can choose the baby sleep sounds that work best for your little one.
What Research Says About White Noise and Baby Sleep
The idea of listening to white noise for babies has been studied for many years. Researchers have identified a number of benefits of white noise for infants who have trouble settling or staying asleep.
1. It Helps Babies Fall Asleep Faster
One of the most well-known studies on white noise was published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood (Spencer et al., 1990). In this study, when a continuous white noise sound was played, 80% of the babies fell asleep within five minutes. In a quiet room, only 25% fell asleep that quickly.
That’s a big difference. For tired parents, this can mean faster bedtimes and less time spent rocking, patting, or pacing the room.
2. It Supports Longer, More Restful Sleep
Sleep isn’t just about falling asleep—it’s also about staying asleep. A 2014 study published in Pediatrics found that continuous white noise helped babies transition more smoothly between sleep cycles.
Why does that matter? Babies have much shorter and lighter sleep phases than adults. They wake more easily, sometimes from the smallest sound. White noise helps mask those background noises, reducing the chance of sudden wake-ups and helping babies stay in a deeper sleep for longer.
3. It's Used in Hospital Settings
White noise isn’t just for the nursery. It’s often used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where premature babies are especially sensitive to sound. A 2006 study in the Journal of Neonatal Nursing showed that white noise reduced crying and improved sleep duration in noisy hospital settings. In these clinical environments, where rest is vital for recovery and development, white noise has become a valuable tool.
Want to read about what the experts say? Check out this blog post!
Are There Any Risks?
Used properly, white noise machines for babies are considered safe by doctors, researchers, and sleep consultants. However, it's important to follow safe usage guidelines:
- Place the white noise machine at a safe distance from your baby
- Keep the volume at or below 50 decibels, which is about the same as a soft shower.
- Use coloured noise for sleeping only during sleep times — not all day.
- Choose steady, loop-free sounds that don’t change suddenly in pitch or tone.
There were some concerns following a 2014 Pediatrics study. The study tested white noise machine sound at maximum volume, placed directly next to the cot. However this isn't how parents typically use white noise at home.
The study did help raise awareness and prompted companies like Zello to focus on safer design. Zello’s best white noise machine models include built-in volume limits. As well as preset safe sound levels, and gentle, non-looping audio, all developed with infant safety in mind.
Why Not Just Use YouTube or a Phone App?
Many parents try using YouTube white noise or white noise apps on their phones at first. While this can seem like a convenient way to play white noise, it often leads to issues:
- Advertisements can interrupt playback and wake your baby.
- Phones may overheat or run out of battery when playing sound all night.
- Screen exposure near your baby’s sleep space is not recommended.
- Volume levels are not always reliable or safe.
- Buffering or poor internet connections can cause the sound to stop.
A dedicated white noise machine baby product, like those from Zello, avoids these problems entirely. There are no ads, no screens, and no internet required. There is just simple, constant, white noise for sleeping wherever and whenever you need it.
White Noise vs. Pink Noise: What’s the Difference?
Both white noise and pink noise are types of coloured noise that can support sleep over long periods of time. The difference lies in the tone and frequency.
White noise refers to a steady sound that includes all frequencies at once, often played around 50 decibels. The higher frequency mimics womb-like sounds, similar to an air conditioner or fan. It helps block out sudden background noises.
Pink noise has a softer, more soothing sound. The energy is more balanced across lower frequencies, making it ideal for older babies, toddlers, and adults.
Zello offers both white and pink noise across its range of sleep aids. This lets you try different tones and find what works best for your child’s sleep. Like choosing between white light and a warm glow, it’s all about what feels right.
Why Parents Trust Zello
Zello designs their white noise machines with safety, science, and real parenting needs in mind. Each machine includes:
- A variety of calming baby sleep sounds, including white and pink noise
- Volume control with built-in safety settings
- Non-looping sounds that remain consistent through the night
- Long-lasting rechargeable batteries
- A portable white noise machine baby design that’s easy to carry
Zello machines are compact enough to travel and powerful enough to become part of your daily bedtime routine. Whether you’re using them at home, on a walk, or on holiday. They provide the dependable sleep support every family needs.
Final Thoughts: Backed by Research, Built for Real Families
Sleep is one of the most important foundations of a baby’s development—and a parent’s wellbeing. The research is clear: white noise is a safe, proven method to support better sleep in babies and young children. It helps little ones drift off more easily, reduces night wakings, and promotes longer, more restful sleep. The gentle, consistent sound eases fussiness, lowers stress levels, and creates a comforting sleep association.
But it’s not just babies who benefit. When your baby sleeps better, so do you. Parents often report feeling more rested, less anxious, and more in control of their routines with white noise as part of their sleep toolkit. It’s a small change that can make a big difference to family life.
At Zello, we understand the real, everyday challenges parents face. That’s why our range of white noise machines are designed to be practical, portable, and easy to use. Whether you’re settling a newborn at bedtime, or are needing quiet focus during your work-from-home hours. Our machines are thoughtfully created to suit modern family life, with features that grow with your child.
Trusted by parents, backed by science, and built with care—Zello gives you the sound of sleep, wherever and whenever you need it.
