If you're a parent, you've likely heard that white noise helps babies sleep. But does it still work for toddlers? Should you keep using it as your child grows? And which white noise machine can UK parents actually trust?
In this guide, we’ll explain how white noise can help your baby sleep at every stage, which sounds work best, and how to adjust as they grow. Whether you need a portable machine for naps on the go or something to soothe a restless toddler, we’ve got you covered.
What Is White Noise? In Simple Terms
Simply put, white noise is a steady, unchanging noise that blocks out background noise. It sounds similar to a fan, radio static or the hum of an air conditioner. Babies tend to love it as it imitates the sound they heard in the womb. A whooshing, comforting sound that made them feel secure.
Pink noise uses lower frequencies, making it softer and deeper than white noise. Parents tend to report that pink noise works better as their little one gets older.
Why Do Babies Love White Noise?
The womb isn’t quiet for newborns - it’s full of whooshing sounds like blood flow, mum’s heartbeat, and more. White noise comforts babies by mimicking that familiar, safe environment.
It also helps by:
- Blocking out any sudden noises, like slamming doors or barking dogs
- Forming part of a sleep routine
- Becoming a sleep association that babies link with falling asleep.
How to Use White Noise in Your Daily Routine
Using white noise works best when it becomes part of your baby's regular sleep routine.
Start by using it every time your baby sleeps - day or night. The more consistent you are, the more your little one will connect the sound with sleep. Over time, the sound becomes a signal that it's time to relax and rest.
Make It Part of the Sleep Cues
Babies and toddlers love knowing what comes next. When you use white noise the same way each day, it creates a sense of comfort. Pair it with other sleep cues to build a strong routine.
Try this:
- Nappy change
- Dim the lights
- Short cuddle or feed
- Turn on white noise
- Lay baby down to sleep
Keep it simple and repeat the steps at every nap and bedtime. This helps your baby feel safe and ready for sleep.
Using White Noise For Newborns (0–3 Months)
This is the time when babies are adjusting to a world outside the womb. They sleep in short bursts, and they often need help to settle. White noise machines can be an absolute game-changer here.
Using white noise for newborns:
- Use a portable white noise machine for naps in the pram or while you're out and about.
- Pick one that plays a steady, non-looping sound to avoid sudden changes that might wake your baby.
- Keep the volume at a safe level—around 50–60 decibels (about the same as a running shower).
Our top tips:
- Use white noise every time your baby sleeps, both day and night.
- Keep the machine at least a metre away from your baby’s head.
- Pair it with other sleep cues such as swaddling and dim lights.
For more newborn sleep tips, read our New Parent's Sleep Survival Guide
Using White Noise For Babies (3 to 6 Months)
Your baby might start sleeping longer at night, and you’ll probably settle into a more regular nap routine during the day. White noise is still helpful during this time and should continue to be part of both daytime and nighttime sleep.
Why it helps:
- It blocks out household noise, especially if you live in a busy area or have older kids.
- It signals that it’s time to sleep, particularly when used as part of a soothing bedtime routine.
What changes:
- You may want to switch from simple white noise to different baby sleep sounds like rain, ocean waves or even pink noise.
- If you’re away from home, travelling or staying over at grandparents, a portable white noise machine for baby is perfect for the job!
- Make sure you use white noise for the full duration of sleep and not for just getting baby off to sleep.
Using White Noise For Older Babies (6 to 12 Months)
As your baby starts rolling, sitting up, and crawling, they begin to sleep for longer stretches. This is when a white noise machine becomes even more useful, helping your little one stay asleep and making things easier for parents.
Challenges at this stage that naturally appear:
- Teething, growth spurts, and separation anxiety can all disrupt sleep.
- Babies can wake in between sleep cycles, white noise will help them fall back asleep without you being around.
Top tips:
- Think about a soothing white noise machine sound, heartbeat sounds or pink noise can work wonders.
- If your baby’s nursery is close to a busy road, white noise will be your best friend.
- Now is a great time to start using white noise during your baby’s sleep. Keeping it consistent and repeating it each time helps it work best.
Using White Noise For Toddlers- Does It Still Work?
We know that toddlers can benefit from white noise as much as babies.
Toddler sleep challenges:
- Early waking
- Night time fears
- Making the transition from cot to bed
- Naps during the day becoming shorter
How white noise helps:
- Creates a cue that it’s time to rest and sleep
- Masks the usual noises from the rest of the house, such as TV
- Keeps things consistent when you’re away from home
Try these sound suggestions for toddlers:
- Ocean Waves
- Gentle rain
- Forest sounds or soft winds
These noises are all classed as baby sleep sounds for little ones who are more aware of their surroundings.
Nursery, Travel, and On-the-Go Naps
Once your baby starts sleeping away from home often, a portable white noise machine quickly becomes a must-have.
Whether you're dropping off at nursery, visiting friends, or heading on holiday, bring your sleep routine with you. Babies and toddlers sleep best with familiar comfort, sounds, and cues.
A compact, white noise machine portable model, translates into consistency, wherever you are. Some models even have clips for bags, prams or car seats. Just make sure the settings are the same as the machine you use at home, so your baby doesn't pick up the differences.
What About Pink Noise?
You have probably heard about pink noise before, but you may be unsure exactly how it differs from white noise. Simply, it’s a softer, more natural version of white noise. It can be the sound of wind rustling through trees, distant thunder or a gushing waterfall. Many toddlers prefer it as it’s deeper and more soothing.
Studies have suggested that pink noise improves deep sleep and memory for older children and adults.
If your baby has moved past the newborn stage, try using a pink noise machine - it might be just what they need to keep enjoying those long naps.
Can White Noise Be Harmful?
When used safely, white noise is completely safe! Sleep experts and consultants often recommend white noise for creating a perfect sleep environment.
Here’s how to use white noise safely:
- Keep the volume at the recommended, safe level, around 50-60 decibels
- Place the machine at least a metre away from baby
- Do not put it inside the cot. An empty cot is important to prevent SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome.
- Avoid continuous stops and starts by using continuous sound
Remember, white noise is just one part of a good bedtime routine. For better sleep, also use dim lighting and include a calm wind-down period before bed.
When Should You Stop Using White Noise?
You might think about stopping white noise if:
- Your child sleeps well without it
- Keeping part of your routine is hard.
- The sound seems to distract more than calm them
To phase it out gently:
- Turn the volume down a little each night
- Use it for less time at bedtime
- Swap it for a lullaby or bedtime story
Choosing the Best White Noise Machine UK
How do you pick the best white noise machine? Don’t let the options overwhelm you. Keep it simple and look for machines that offer:
- Easy to use, even with one hand
- Play continuous loops
- Have safe volume control
- Offer a choice of white noise, pink noise, and baby sounds
- The portable options are rechargeable
- Safe and durable for curious toddlers who love pressing buttons!
At Zello, we design our machines with real families in mind. Whether you need something travel-friendly or a feature-packed machine for the nursery, we’ve got you covered.
You’ll find models for every stage - newborns, growing babies, and curious toddlers. All with gentle, soothing sounds to help them sleep better and longer.
Final Thoughts
White noise isn’t just for newborns - it’s a simple, powerful tool that helps your baby sleep better at every stage. It blocks out everyday distractions and helps build strong bedtime routines. Choosing a white noise machine UK parents trust can truly be a game changer.
As your baby grows, their sleep needs change - and white noise can grow with them. Whether it’s the gentle sound of a fan, soft rain sounds, or pink noise, these soothing sounds can help your child sleep more soundly and wake up happy.
Need help finding the right one? Check out our range of simple, trusted white noise machines and give your baby the gift of better sleep.
