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Martina Gregoriou

Published on April 22, 2025

From Colic to Catnaps: Why Parents Are Raving About White Noise Machines

Why Parents Are Raving About White Noise Machines

When you’re a new parent, soothing a fussy baby can feel like an ongoing mission. You might try rocking, bouncing, swaddling, or even late-night drives around the block. Anything that promises better sleep is worth a try.

Of course, every baby is different. But there is one sleep tool has consistently stood out for families across the world - sound machines. From colicky newborns to energetic toddlers who resist naps. White noise for babies has helped thousands of parents find calm during even the most difficult sleep stretches.

In this guide, we’ll explain how white noise sound works, why it help. Not to mention why Zello’s white noise machine baby range is the trusted choice for families.

Why Do Babies Struggle to Sleep?

To understand the power of white noise, it helps to look at what babies are adapting to. In the womb, babies are surrounded by constant sound. They hear the whoosh of blood, the rhythm of a heartbeat, and the muffled sounds of daily life. It’s never truly silent.

After birth, a quiet nursery can feel strange. That sudden shift from a noisy womb to a silent room can leave babies feeling unsettled. This can be especially true for babies dealing with colic, over tiredness, or over stimulation.

Many sleep challenges begin with this adjustment. That’s why creating a soothing and familiar environment can make such a big difference. Sounds including including white noise, wombs sounds, fan sounds & natural sounds can play a key role.

portable white noise machine mother and baby

How White Noise Helps Soothe Babies

White noise works by mimicking the gentle background sounds newborn babies heard before birth. It creates a steady, calming atmosphere that masks disruptions like household chatter, traffic, or creaky floors. This helps calm a baby’s nervous system and reduce their startle reflex, especially during light sleep. It can helps them fall asleep quicker and ensure they are staying asleep longer.

The benefits of using a white noise machine include:

  • Helping babies fall asleep faster
  • Reducing night wakings
  • Supporting longer naps
  • Soothing fussiness related to colic or over tiredness
  • Creating a sense of security and comfort

Whether your baby is crying during the evening “witching hour” or just struggling to nap in a noisy home. The gentle hum of white noise for sleeping can help them settle down with less stress.

white noise machine for baby sleep

Real-Life Benefits of White Noise For Families

Many parents say that white noise machines became their go-to solution during early parenting. When your baby has colic, gas, or cluster feeds, sleep can feel out of reach. A steady white noise sound at a safe sound level, helps calm their senses. It creates a relaxing space that encourages longer, more restful sleep - which is a win for parents too.

Even after the colic stage ends, white noise for babies continues to be a reliable sleep aid. As children grow, they face teething, sleep regressions, and developmental leaps. A consistent noise machine with white, pink and brown noise, acts as a signal that it’s time to wind down. This helps toddlers settle more easily during naps and bedtime.

portable white noise machine

Why Parents Love Zello’s White Noise Machines

At Zello, we understand what real-life parenting looks like. Our infant noise machines are practical, effective and easy to use.

Each Zello device comes with a variety of calming, non-looping sounds such as fan hums, soft static, and nature-inspired tones. Chosen specifically to provide white noise for sleeping, the soothing sounds create a consistent and safe soundscape.

Zello portable white noise machines are lightweight and perfect for travel. Whether you’re at home, in the car, at a hotel, or visiting grandparents. They offer a sense of comfort wherever your baby lays their head.

Best of all, you don’t need Wi-Fi, a screen, or an app to play white noise. Just press a button and let the machine do its job, quietly and reliably.

portable white noise machine with red light

Why Not Use YouTube for White Noise?

Many parents start out using white noise YouTube playlists on their phone, especially during those early, sleepless nights. While this can be a quick solution, it comes with several downsides:

  • Adverts can interrupt sleep
  • Phones may overheat or drain battery
  • Some YouTube white noise videos loop poorly or change volume suddenly
  • Constant screen exposure near your baby isn’t ideal
  • Internet connection issues can disrupt playback

A dedicated white noise machine solves these problems. Zello’s machines are made for continuous use with no screens, no ads, and no connection needed. They also offer additional features like a gentle nightlight, and a rechargeable battery.

portable white noise machine on baby pram

What to Look for in the Best White Noise Machine

When choosing a white noise machine, there are a few key features to consider:

  • Lightweight & compact: Choose a model that’s easy to move between rooms or take on trips.
  • Rechargeable battery: There's nothing more annoying that being tied to a plug socket. Opt for a rechargeable machine with a good battery life.
  • Safe materials and adjustable volume: Especially for use near babies.
  • Multiple sound options: So you can find the most effective white noise sound for your child. All babies are different and some will prefer white noise, pink noise or brown noise.
  • Simple controls: For one-hand operation when you're half-asleep
  • Night light: It's always a bonus if you can find a machine with a light that won't blind you during night feeds.

Zello’s machines tick all of these boxes. Designed with parents in mind, they blend seamlessly into your home and make sleep support as easy as pressing a button.

zello range of portable white noise machines

Long-Term Sleep Support

White noise for babies isn’t just helpful in the newborn stage. Many families continue to use their machines as their child grows. It’s especially useful for:

  • Toddlers who share a room with a sibling
  • Naps in noisy environments
  • Transitioning to a new sleep space
  • Blocking out street noise or household chatter

Zello machines are also popular with adults. Many use their white noise machine for office work, meditation, or even their own bedtime. It’s a multi-use solution that brings calm to more than just the nursery.

white noise machine for office

Final Thoughts: Sound Sleep, Happy Families

From late-night crying spells to fussy nap times, sleep can be one of the biggest hurdles in parenting. But with the right support, it doesn’t have to be. A white noise machine is a gentle, safe, and proven tool that helps your baby sleep more peacefully. A well rested baby, means a well rested you.

At Zello, we’re proud to support UK families with our trusted white noise machine baby collection. Whether you're navigating your baby’s first weeks or trying to establish a solid toddler bedtime routine, our products are here to help.

Better sleep leads to better days. And with Zello by your side, rest is always within reach - from colic to catnaps and everything in between.