Putting the finishing touches on your nursery room? Have you considered investing in a white noise machine for your baby? If you value good sleep and want to set your child up with potentially great sleep from the very first day, it could make a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll explain what white noise is, why it can benefit some baby’s sleep, and our 5 favourite baby white noise machines in Australia.

What is white noise for babies?

White noise is the audible frequencies of sound. In more simple terms, this is what you hear with TV or radio static, sort of like a shh sound. This frequency works to block out loud, disruptive sounds that can wake you from your sleep, sort of acting like a mask. Specifically, baby white noise is the same frequency as white noise in general. However, the difference is that for an infant, white noise sounds very similar to what they heard in the womb and has an extra comforting feel to it. Taking this a step further, a baby white noise machine is a device that emits a sound similar to that of a rushing fan or waterfall, which is thought to help babies sleep.

Why do babies sleep with white noise?

In the womb, babies are surrounded with what essentially sounds like white noise. Therefore, white noise machines work by mimicking this same sound and help babies to calm down and drift off to sleep. This sound is thought to mimic the sound of the womb, which can help to soothe and relax babies. The best place to set up your baby noise machine, is in your nursery near to your crib. Who knows, maybe mum, dad and the entire family will benefit from some calming background noise!

When to stop using white noise for baby?

Most baby white noise machines have a timer function, with the average machine offering between 30 and 60 minutes of continuous play. When your newborn is 3-4 months old, the calming reflex from hearing white noise will fade. However, if you’ve used a white noise machine during these months they will have learnt to associate the sound with sleep and therefore it can still be beneficial to include in their sleep regime. It’s perfectly safe to continue to use white noise throughout childhood and adolescence. If you do want to start weaning your toddler or child off, then simply turn it down, bit by bit, every night until they no longer need it.

What Are The Benefits of White Noise Machines

There are many benefits associated with using white noise machines for babies. Most importantly they provide a comfortable environment for babies to rest and sleep in, assisting babies to have longer and higher quality (deeper!) sleep which is crucial for development at this age. Further benefits of using white noise for babies include:

• Drowns out background and random noises that would have woken you or your baby.
• Fewer disruptions equals a more solid and deeper sleep helping you (and baby) to rise feeling more rested and restored.
• Sleep consultants recommend white noise as it reminds your baby of being in the womb, forming a frame of sleep association.
• White Noise creates a consistent sound environment for a longer, more restful sleep cycle.

How To Choose The Right White Noise Machine For Your Baby

There are many considerations to think about when shopping for your baby white noise machine. White noise machines are available in a variety of styles, including portable ones that can be attached to a stroller or car seat, and ones that play continuously or have a timer. To help you choose the best white noise machine for baby, we encourage you to consider:

• Safety: Be sure to keep the volume below the maximum level and 2 metres from your child’s bed.
• Ease of use: You can go the hi-tech option with 20 sound options, or keep things a little more simple and pared back with 3 sounds to choose from.
• Affordability: If price point is important to you (we get it, this having a baby thing is kind of expensive!) then you’re going to want to make sure you consider this. Prices for white noise machines can range from around $50 to over $120.
• Portability: Do you travel frequently? Perhaps consider opting for a portable device.
• Add-ons: Do you also need a nightlight or want it to double as a comforting toy?
• Volume control: The average machine has a volume control, with most machines offering between 10 and 20 different volume levels.

Here Are The Best Baby White Noise Machines Available in Australia in 2022

Here is our uncomplicated guide to the best white noise machine for your baby in Australia. We’ll guide you through 5 different white noise machines and recommend who each one is best for. So let's get into finding the right baby sound machine for you!