The Best Sound Machines for Babies That Help the Whole Family Sleep Better

With calming white noise, nature sounds, lullabies, and more, these devices can help everyone get some rest.

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Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine, Night Light | 2nd Gen

Parents / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

Whether it’s naptime or bedtime, getting your baby to go to sleep and stay asleep can feel like an impossible feat. Even the best sleepers need a little help now and then. The best sound machines for babies can help create a relaxing environment and drown out noise to help your baby sleep better night after night. “It helps drown out other noises in the house like the dog barking, doorbell ringing, or an older sibling yelling, running, and banging things,” says Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, a mom of two. Plus, better sleep for your baby means more rest for you.

White noise and sound machines can soothe babies by mimicking the sounds newborns hear in the womb and some come with a variety of useful features, such as night-lights, OK-to-wake features, app controls, and even humidifiers. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends them too, as long as the volume isn't too high as loud sounds can harm babies’ hearing. You should also place the machine several feet away from the baby’s head, shutting it off after the baby falls asleep, and following the other safety guidelines explained below.

To find the best sound machines to help your baby sleep, we researched over two dozen models and spoke with medical and sleep experts, as well as parents who rely on their favorite models night after night. Our list has a variety of brands with specialized features that fit into every budget so you can find the best sound machine for your baby (and you) to sleep well tonight.

Our Favorites

Best Overall: Hatch Rest 2nd Gen Nightlight & Sound Machine

Hatch Rest 2nd Gen

Hatch

Why We Like It: This sound machine and night-light has multiple features that make it a useful addition to your child’s bedroom from newborn to young school age, says Jenna Kreger, a certified baby and toddler sleep consultant. It makes up to 16 sounds, so you’ll be able to find the one that works for your baby. The app feature makes it easy to keep bedtime running smoothly, even if the grandparents or babysitter is in charge of putting your little one to sleep. In addition to helping little ones fall asleep, the Hatch has an OK-to-wake feature that’s a favorite of sleep experts, too. Kreger recommends clients use different colored lights to help toddlers learn when they need to stay in bed and when it’s OK to get up in the mornings. 

But Take Note: While the app lets you control any of the light colors, brightness, and sounds, setting a schedule or changing them as needed, several settings can’t be controlled without using the app. Fortunately, you can also turn the light on and off with a touch of the top. At $70, this is also one of the most expensive options on our list, but many find it well worth the investment.

“It has so many features and custom colors and noises; it really is so adaptable,” says Heather Finley, MS, RDN, LD, a Texas mom of two who has used it for her 4-year-old daughter since she was a baby. “This sound machine has bird noises, and on school days it is programmed to go off at a certain time so that my daughter knows it is morning time and time to wake up.”

Price at time of publication: $70

The Details:

  • Size: 4.2 x 4.2 x 6.6 inches 
  • Sounds: 16
  • Power source: Plug
  • Light: Yes
  • Features: Wi-Fi, dimmable clock, night-light, time-to-rise and time-to-bed light programming, remote control, app membership for additional sounds

Best Portable: Baby Shusher The Sleep Miracle Sound Machine

Amazon Baby-shusher-the-sleep-miracle-sound-machine

Amazon

Why We Like It: Does your baby instantly calm when you shush in their ear? This sound machine mimics a human voice making the “shh” sound so you can save your breath (and maybe eat a meal or take a nap yourself). Our favorite feature is how portable it is. The small design and use of only two AA batteries to operate make it useful for car rides or air travel, where your little one may need extra help sticking to their nap schedule.

But Take Note: Some parents of light sleepers just wish the length of time this sound machine ran were longer. You can set the timer for either 15 or 30 minutes of run time, but after 30 minutes, it needs to be turned back on if your baby still needs a little noise to stay asleep. 

Still, experts really approve of this machine’s methods: “The real human voice can be calming for infants, helping to break crying spells and soothe fussy babies,” says pediatrician Jonathan Jassey, D.O., FAAP. 

Price at time of publication: $35

The Details:

  • Size: 2.32 x 2.32 x 5 inches
  • Sounds: 1
  • Power source: Batteries
  • Light: No
  • Features: Volume dial, timer

Best for Travel: Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine

Amazon Yogasleep Rohm Travel Sound Machine

Amazon

Why We Like It: It runs on a USB rechargeable battery and has three sound options to help your baby sleep on the go. Kreger says this is her favorite travel sound machine. “It’s great for busy parents, as it makes naps on the go easy and attainable,” she says. You can choose from three different sounds, including bright white noise, deep white noise, and gentle surf. The volume is adjustable as well, going from 0 to 85 dB. The USB recharging cable is also useful for car trips since it can be plugged into your car’s USB port or even your laptop if in a pinch. 

But Take Note: Some parents who use it on a daily or nightly basis have found its battery life died after several months of continuous use. This may depend on how loud you run the machine, so if you have it turned towards the maximum volume and want it to run all night, keep it plugged in. But because it’s intended for portable use, the manufacturer says it must be turned off and unplugged every 14 days.

“Having a portable sound machine to use everywhere from long car rides to noisy restaurants lets me be a social parent and my son stick to his nap schedule, says Lauren Rhone, a mom from Richmond, Virginia. 

Price at time of publication: $30 

The Details:

  • Size: 3.4 x 1.6 x 3.84 inches
  • Sounds: 3
  • Power source: USB rechargeable batteries
  • Light: No
  • Features: Adjustable volume, a removable lanyard

Best Value: Yogasleep Nod White Noise Sound Machine & Night Light

Amazon Yogasleep Nod Sound Machine and Night Light

Amazon

Why We Like It: This sound machine is only $20 and includes 20 sounds, adjustable volume, and dimmable light, making it a great budget-friendly option for your nursery. 

But Take Note: This machine runs on a USB power cable but doesn’t come with a wall port, so you’ll need to purchase that separately. The timer options available may not be convenient for everyone, as you can only choose from 45 minutes, 90 minutes, or eight hours.

To use this inexpensive sound machine, choose from a variety of sounds including white noise, fan sounds, nature sounds, or lullabies, then use the timer function or play it continuously. 

Price at time of publication: $20 

The Details:

  • Size: 4.6 x 3.4 x 4.4 inches
  • Sounds: 20
  • Power source: USB plug
  • Light: Yes
  • Features: Timer with three settings, dimmable light

Best With Music: Homedics MyBaby SoundSpa Lullaby

Amazon Homedics MyBaby SoudSpa Lullaby with Sounds and Projection

Amazon

Why We Like It: We love that this machine has choices for white noise or music, as well as projector images to help create a soothing bedtime atmosphere for your little one. And it still costs less than $30!

But Take Note: This sound machine is great for nap times or littles who just need a calming atmosphere to fall asleep, but because it automatically shuts after three hours, light sleepers may not stay sleeping or have trouble putting themselves back to sleep after waking in the middle of the night. While the images are cute and the light emitted from the machine is calming, they don’t move or change on their own, so you’ll have to manually switch the position of the image reel when you want to change the picture.

“This sound machine offers a variety of soothing sounds, including lullabies, heartbeat sounds, and white noise,” says Dr. Jassey. The lullabies include “Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star,” “Rock‐a‐Bye Baby,” or Brahm’s “Cradle Song,” and they pair nicely with the nine available projector images (or none at all, if you prefer). For naps or babies who only need sound while falling asleep, choose from a 15, 30, 45, or 60-minute timer.

Price at time of publication: $30

The Details:

  • Size: 4.25 x 4.25 x 4.31 inches
  • Sounds: 6
  • Power source: Plug
  • Light: Yes (from projector)
  • Features: Picture projection with 9 images, auto-off timer

Best With Night-Light: Ingenuity Baby Dream Machine Sleep Device

Amazon Ingenuity Baby Dream Machine Sleep Device

Amazon

Why We Like It: This adorable bear sound machine and humidifier has two unique features: pink noise and red light options. While white noise has been found to reduce crying and increase sleeping time in colicky babies, compared to other interventions like swinging, pink noise has also been found to improve sleep quality and help induce sleep. Some small studies have found that red light may improve sleep quality and melatonin levels, which theoretically could help your baby get more rest. The red light is also soothing and not as stark as a white light.

But Take Note: Pink noise is the only sound option, so this may not be ideal if you like to play lullabies or other sounds for your baby. The Baby Dream Machine is more expensive than some of the other options. And d while it works as an essential oil diffuser, because of the risks of allergic reactions, you should speak to your baby’s doctor before using any essential oils around an infant.

The humidifier can be filled with 400 mL of water for seven to 10 hours of runtime. You can adjust the intensity of each of the features, including the pink noise, night light, red light, and humidifier to low, medium, or high. 

Price at time of publication: $57 

The Details:

  • Size: ‎9.8 x 9.4 x 9.4 inches
  • Sounds: 1
  • Power source: Plug
  • Light: Yes
  • Features: Night-light with red light option, cool-mist humidifier, essential oil diffuser

Best With Projector: Fisher-Price Smart Connect Deluxe Soother

Amazon Fisher-Price Smart Connect Deluxe Soother

Amazon

Why We Like It: To help your little one wind down, this sound machine has 360-degree projections of stars or animals and can double as a night-light with a stable warm amber light. For sound, you can choose from three options, soothing music, nature sounds, or white noise, and the volume can be adjusted for each, and all can be controlled with an app or buttons on the machine.


But Take Note: While there’s a lot you can do from the app, some parents have found it’s a little finicky to use and doesn’t always work as it should. Depending on your baby’s room, how dark it is, and how tall the ceilings are, the projections may not make it up that high and only hit the walls (falling short of those 360-degree claims). 

While we wouldn’t recommend relying on this slightly bulky model during travel, it’s very convenient that you can set the projection, lights, and sounds to change at different stages of bedtime. This way, you can transition your baby from music and projections to a night-light and white noise later in the night. 

Price at time of publication: $65

The Details:

  • Size: 9.4 x 5.5 x 6.9 inches
  • Sounds: 3
  • Power source: Plug
  • Light: Yes
  • Features: Lights and projections, Smart Connect app, auto-off timer

Best With Alarm: Frida Baby 3-in-1 Sound Machine, When-to-Wake Clock, Night-Light

Amazon Frida Baby 3 in 1 Sound Machine, When-To-Wake Clock, Night Light

Amazon

Why We Like It: This sound machine, night-light, and OK-to-wake clock is made to grow with your child. The three-color light system can let your toddler know when they need to stay in bed, when it’s almost time to wake, and when they can finally get up. The toddler lock will keep clever little ones from changing the settings. It also works as a Bluetooth speaker to play any music you choose.

But Take Note: Some parents say the sound is too loud, even on the quietest setting. There have also been complaints about the light brightness. Some parents have found that the wake-up lights are too bright for toddlers who are used to darkened rooms, and parents of infants wish the night-light had a brighter setting to be useful for nighttime diaper changes. Depending on what your child is used to, the light options could be a deal breaker. 

The good news is that the clock and lights can all be turned off in blackout mode if you need the room to be extra dark, and the night-light can be dimmed as needed. As for the sounds, there are seven to choose from, including white and pink noise, which can be set with a timer or default to automatically shut off.

Price at time of publication: $50 

The Details:

  • Size: 7.09 x 5.12 x 4.37 inches
  • Sounds: 7
  • Power source: Plug
  • Light: Yes
  • Features: Bluetooth speaker, timer and auto-shutoff, blackout mode, alarm clock, three color changing lights to cue sleep and wake times, toddler lock

Best White Noise: Tuft & Needle White Noise Machine

Target Tuft & Needle White Noise Machine

Target

Why We Like It: If all you’re looking for is a reliable, portable, and easy-to-use white noise machine, the Tuft and Needle x Snooze sound machine may do the trick. Inside this little device is an actual fan, producing a mechanical white noise, instead of the electronic one most other sound machines produce. 

But Take Note: The $110 price tag may be a little steep, especially if you also need to purchase a night-light, alarm, and/or music player for your baby’s sleep routine. 

You can easily control the tone and volume on the machine, or use the app to set schedules, timers, and volume. The machine is powered by a USB cable (but does not have a battery), making it great for use in the car or on the go with a portable power bank that you’ll have to purchase separately. The small size and simple design are also convenient for traveling.

Price at time of publication: $110

The Details:

  • Size: 5 x 3 x 5 inches
  • Sounds: 1
  • Power source: USB
  • Light: No
  • Features: App connectivity to control schedule, fade settings, volume, and tone

Best Color Options: Dreamland Baby Dream Sound Machine

Dreamland Baby Dream Sound Machine

Dreamland

Why We Like It: Dr. Jassey recommends this sound machine because of the seven night-light colors to choose from, as they can help you create a calming and peaceful sleep environment for your little one. You can control the color, brightness, sound, and volume right from the top of the machine. It doesn’t need any apps or Bluetooth to operate, which may be a relief when you’re tired and just want to click a button. 

But Take Note: Some parents feel that the volume of the brown noise (falling in a similar spectrum as white and pink noise) is too loud, even on the quietest setting. You may be able to move the machine further away from your baby in a larger nursery, but for smaller rooms, it may be too loud to safely use for your baby, especially newborns.

“To know if [a sound machine] is too loud or too quiet, think of how loud it would be if you were next to a portable fan. That’s the goal for how it should sound in your child’s room,” says Kreger. You can also download an app, such as the one developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to get a decibel reading.

Price at time of publication: $50

The Details:

  • Size: 6.77 x 5.04 x 3.23 inches
  • Sounds: 7
  • Power source: USB plug
  • Light: Yes
  • Features: Continuous play or timer for 30, 60, or 90 minutes, 7 colors, 7 sounds

Our Review Process and Experts

To choose the best sound machines, we researched and reviewed over two dozen machines, and spoke to experts, including a pediatrician, a certified sleep consultant, and parents who rely on sound machines to help their babies sleep well. 

For sound machine suggestions and advice on how to use them safely and effectively, we spoke to the following experts: 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Sound Machine for a Baby

  • Sounds: Sound machines can be just one sound (often white noise) or have selections of up to 20 or more. “Calming noises including nature sounds, heartbeats, shushing, muffled womb noises, and white noise can all be comforting to babies,” says Dr. Jassey, but every baby’s preferences are different. Some machines also play music, including lullabies, to prompt a calm and relaxing environment while babies are awake. 
  • Volume Settings: You want to be able to control the volume of your sound machine on the machine or with an app. Being able to turn the volume very low is helpful in instances where you can’t place the machine far enough away from your baby for the sound to be at a safe volume level. 
  • Portability: Depending on how you plan to use your sound machine, its size, power source, and shape may all be important factors. Some machines are USB-operated or battery-operated (rechargeable or not), making them amazing for car rides, walks in the stroller, shopping trips, or air travel. Others are more bulky but may offer more features, making them better as a permanent fixture in the nursery. 
  • Special Features: Sound machines often come with more features than just sound. This can save you space and money if you’re depending on other features to help your baby sleep. Consider if you’ll also want features like projections, night-lights, alarms, timers, Bluetooth speakers, app connectivity, or a built-in humidifier. 

How to Use a Sound Machine Safely

Any loud noise could potentially damage your baby's hearing, with sound machines being no exception. Just because the volume can go up to a certain level doesn’t mean it’s safe for young ears. Here are some expert-recommended guidelines: 

  • Volume: “A safe sound level for sleep machines, or any type of noise played for infants and children, is generally around 50 to 60 decibels,” says Dr. Jassey. “This level is equivalent to the sound of a quiet conversation or a soft rainfall.” Dr. Jassey recommends downloading a decibel-reading app on your phone to make sure the sound level is safe. 
  • Distance: The American Academy of Pediatrics tested 14 different sound machines in 2014 and found that all of them were over 50 dB when placed 1 foot away from the baby. It recommend placing your white noise machine up to 7 feet from the baby’s head based on these findings, as this is the distance where most of the machines were in the safe 50 dB volume range.
  • Duration: Because there's still not enough evidence about how long it's safe to expose babies to sound machines, which may be at a higher decibel level than is good for their ears, Dr. Garbi recommends turning it off when the baby has fallen asleep. This will limit their exposure. If you're concerned that going back into the room will wake your baby, consider a machine with a shut-off timer or the ability to control it remotely.

Your Questions, Answered

Are sound machines good for newborns? 

“Sound machines are safe and effective for newborns when used safely,” says Dr. Jassey. However, every baby is different, he adds. Some newborns can be soothed to sleep without the use of sound, while others benefit from a sound similar to that in the womb. 

What is the safest volume level for a baby? 

There are no official decibel limit recommendations for babies, though hospital nurseries use a limit of about 50 dB, the volume of a quiet conversation. Dr. Jassey suggests 50-60 dB as a good range.

What is the most effective sound to put a baby to sleep? 

White noise, or a similar color noise like pink or brown, is often one of the best sounds for babies to fall asleep to since it doesn’t have variations, says Kreger. Nature sounds and music can change tone and volume, which can cause your baby to wake up when in a light sleep state. 

Who We Are

Kelsey Kunik, RD, is a mom of two, registered dietitian, freelance writer, and nutrition consultant. From the newborn stage to today, she’s relied on sound machines to help her little ones get to sleep, stay asleep, and learn how to stay in bed until it’s time to get up. She used her experience of using more than five different sound machines over the past seven years, in addition to her research and expert interviews, to write this article.

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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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