Best White Noise Machine For Baby 2023

A decent night's rest can seem elusive for new parents. That's why sleep-deprived caregivers worldwide invest in tools such as white noise machines and swaddles, to create the coziest sleep environment possible. The best white noise machine for baby is one that helps them sleep soundly and blocks out noisy siblings, guests and neighbors.

The best white noise machine for baby blocks out household noise so little ones can get the sleep ... [+] they need.

But there's a difference between a device that makes sound and the best white noise machine for baby. Infants, after all, especially enjoy white noise, which better mimics their former life in the womb.

"A lot of babies really like white noise. It's very soothing," says Danelle Fisher, M.D., a pediatrician and chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. "I used one for my son for three years, so I’m a huge fan of using these."

White noise machines block out other sounds, so we can drift off to sleep—and stay asleep—without being bothered by household or outdoor noise. Typically, these machines play white noise similar to that of a running fan, but might include varying pitches and other calming sounds such as running water, rain, forest noises or the ocean.

Your toddler and school-age kids might also enjoy one to ward off nightmares or help drown out early morning chatter. After you finish perusing this list, be sure to check out more of our nursery favorites, including the best night lights, gliders, changing pads and diaper pails.

Amazon

Number of sounds: 70 | Power: Plug-in | Timer: Yes | Special feature: No cord

Best for: Tech-savvy parents on a budget

Many white noise machines use cords or batteries, but the LectroFan Kinder plugs directly into your outlet and is operated by a phone app. There are no cords or buttons to fiddle with—just click on your app and enjoy. Choose from more than 70 lullabies, nature sounds and ambient noises to find one (or a few) that baby enjoys. Sounds are non-looping, so baby can snooze in constant peace, while a calm nightlight gives off a rainbow of color. And, while other sleep machines with this level of convenience cost much more, the LectroFan Kinder is just $40.

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Pottery Barn Kids

Number of sounds: 30 | Power: Plug-in | Timer: Yes | Special feature: Doubles as a smart speaker

Best for: Décor-conscious parents

The Yogasleep Duet works as a sound machine, night light and wireless speaker, providing plenty of options for use in the nursery. Choose from 30 sounds, including white noise, fan sounds, songs and nature sounds. It's powered via USB. Tinker with the night light until you dim it to the perfect soft lighting for baby or while nursing. The speaker is handy when you’re hanging out in baby's nursery during wake times—you can pipe in lullabies or your favorite songs. Choose from three timer options: 45 or 90 minutes or eight hours. The whole thing also looks sleek and won't mess with your nursery décor.

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Amazon

Number of sounds: 6 | Power: Plug-in and battery | Timer: Yes | Special feature: Dial volume adjustment

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who still want a few options

Not everybody needs a wealth of sound options—which often jack up the price—when it comes to a white noise machine. This machine from HoMedics is less than $25 and gets the job done. It features six sounds, including white noise, thunder, ocean, rain, summer night and brook, and has an easy-to-use dial to turn the sound up, down or off. If you prefer the noise to turn off after a while, simply choose from 15-, 30- and 60-minute timers. The whole thing plugs into a wall, or it can be powered by AA batteries on-the-go or when there isn't a nearby outlet.

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Amazon

Number of sounds: 11 | Power: Plug-in | Timer: Yes | Special feature: Toddler alarm clock

Best for: Tech-loving parents

The Hatch Rest has plenty of bells and whistles for busy parents. It features a night light, sound machine and time-to-rise alarm (for when baby gets older) in one sleek package. Use the app to choose custom colors, brightness, sounds and volume for your child's perfectly cozy sleep situation. Choose from 11 sounds, including white noise, birds and wind, that you can program to turn off automatically. You can also adjust everything from your phone, so you don't have to worry about accidentally waking baby if you change the volume at night. There's a toddler lock feature for when your child gets older (and more curious).

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Amazon

Number of sounds: 6 | Power: Battery or plug-in | Timer: Yes

Best For: Bleary-eyed parents

When it's baby's bedtime, sometimes you just want to push a button and have the perfect sleep environment ready. The Big Red Rooster sound machine lets you do just that. This sound machine has an interface that's incredibly simple to use: Power it on, choose the sound you want and you’re good to go. Unlike some other machines, there's no scrolling through different sounds to get to your go-to choice. The volume and timer buttons are also clear and in large, easy-to-read font—even in dim light. The machine is powered by either plug or battery—your choice—making it great for road trips. Choose from white or black finishes.

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Amazon

Number of sounds: 4 | Power: Battery | Timer: Yes | Special feature: Integrated clip

Best for: Frequent travelers and those with strict nap schedules

Whether you’re taking baby on a long walk through noisy streets at nap time or want to ensure sleep stays on schedule when you’re on the road, a portable white noise machine is great to have. These portable options clip onto a car seat, stroller or diaper bag. This white noise machine from MyBaby offers four relaxing sound choices—heartbeat, white noise, ocean or lullaby—and has an automatic shut-off at 15, 30 or 45 minutes to conserve batteries. It's crafted from BPA-free plastic and is durable enough to survive accidental falls. This machine has an integrated clip to make it easy to attach to your car seat or stroller. It's also small enough to hang in your diaper bag or pack in your suitcase.

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Amazon

Number of sounds: 8 | Power: Plug-in | Timer: No | Special feature: Removable baby fox night light

Best for: Toddlers who drift off quickly

Opinionated toddlers often appreciate cute things in their space, and this white noise machine from Infantino doesn't disappoint. It features an adorable fox design that shows a mom and her cub, which glows at night to create a sweet scene. This machine plays 20 minutes of music or nature sounds and offers light projections of clouds and stars for a bedtime show. The baby fox can be removed and serve as a safe, clutchable night light. Keep in mind that 20 minutes is likely not enough run time for a newborn, but it may work to help your tot drift off.

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To choose the best white noise machines for baby, we spoke to parents, interviewed Dr. Fisher and analyzed the bestselling white noise machines for babies on the market now. I analyzed the machines for reviews, features, design and value. We’ve also used a number of these models in our own homes over the years and drew on Forbes’ expertise in the sleep space, as well as tested baby gear, including baby monitors and crib sheets.

There are a few specifics to keep in mind when choosing the best white noise machine for you and your family. Consider these before you purchase.

Odds are high that you and your baby will find a sound or two you like and consistently stick with that channel at bedtime. However, it's good to have options. More common noise machine sounds include white noise, ocean, rain, rivers and nature sounds.

Many white noise machines will give you several sound options, but some have 70 or more. Keep in mind that more sounds usually cost more money. So, if you know your baby is a white noise fan through and through, it may be better to select something with fewer options. However, if your baby can be finicky or you’re just interested in hearing what's out there, a large number of sounds can be a good fit.

White noise machines typically are either plug-ins or battery-powered, and some give the option of both. If you plan to take your machine on the road or want something that can work for stroller naps, battery-powered can be a nice option to have. However, many people find that a plug-in white noise machine works just fine.

A timer allows you to shut off your white noise machine after a designated period of time—usually anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. If you’d rather your child's white noise machine not operate all night, this is a good feature to have.

Many white noise machines offer more than just white noise. But some go above and beyond with night lights, app-enabled technology and the ability to work as both a plug-in and battery-powered machine to use on the go. A few white noise machines also allow you to pipe in your own sounds, essentially working as a wireless speaker.

It really comes down to preference for you and your baby, Fisher says. "Anything soft and soothing—and not blaring— is good," she says. While white noise is a popular option, some prefer lullabies or water sounds.

While you don't need a white noise machine for your baby, plenty of parents swear by it, especially during the newborn months. These devices are also handy if you can't create a perfectly quiet space for baby at bedtime. "It can drown out sounds from other siblings or road noise," Fisher says. "It can just help babies sleep a little better."

Fisher says there's no problem leaving a white noise machine on all night for your baby, as long as you’re not keeping the volume loud. "It can be anywhere in the room, but it shouldn't be within 6 feet of baby's head," she says.

You can keep using a white noise machine as your child gets older, but you don't necessarily want your child to use it every night, Fisher says. "If your child can't sleep without it, that's a problem," she says.