One of the key areas parents need to focus on when it comes to sleep is the sleep environment. Setting up the correct sleep environment can make bedtime so much easier and long lasting!
There is nothing worse than getting your little one relaxed and ready for sleep to have an outside noise stimulate them and get them all worked up. Nope, no thanks. Ask any of my graduated families from the Little Sleep Coach program and they’re likely to recommend one thing: a sound machine. These handy devices can be true new-parent lifesavers, coming to the rescue to drown out all other sounds so your baby can continue to sleep peacefully.
Do you need a sound machine for your baby?
Newborns sleep better with white noise in the background, as it mimics the natural sounds of the womb. The womb was a very loud and cramped environment. Anything we can do to help resible this environment safely will help soothe your newborn.
For both newborns and older babies, sound machines help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep. They come in handy especially in cases where there are noises beyond your control, for instance, if you have older children or a barking dog, or a heavy footed partner!
Sound machines can also play an integral role in your bedtime routine, signaling that it’s time to wind down for bed.
It’s important to mention that the quality of sound is important. It should be white noise similar to static on the radio and also avoid high pitched sounds and go for more of a dull/deep sound.
Note that the volume of the white noise machine should not exceed 50dpi. You can check this by downloading an app on your phone to measure the volume. Place the phone where your baby’s head would lay and test the level from that spot.
What to look for a sound machine for baby
Most modern-day sound machines come with a variety of features, many of which might come in handy. Here are some features that you definitely want to consider:
- Continues play function
- White noise option
- Volume toggle
- Charging capability
- Portability
- Automatic settings
- Ease of use
- Bonus – Night-light with warm color hue
Top 5 sound machines for baby’s sleep
To create this list of the best sound machines of 2021, I reached out to my Mom community (if you haven’t joined us yet please do, link is at the bottom of the page) to find out the brands and devices that have worked best during their first year.
Best overall sound machine for baby’s sleep
#5
- 11 soothing sounds and 32 volume levels
- Adjustable night light with warm hues
- Internal rechargeable battery makes it a perfect travel white noise machine
- Runs up to 8hrs long on a single charge and comes with a USB cable for recharging
- Comes with a clip and lanyard for easier attaching to a car seat, stroller etc.
- Child lock, so that baby can’t mess with the setting
- It is 3.4″ in diameter and 5.7 ounces, perfect travel size.
#4
The original sound machine company, boasting 50 years of production. It comes with an impressive 101 day trial.
- Compact and simple design that fits well anywhere in the home
- Non-looping real fan sound with two speed options
- Adjustable tone and volume
- Power by a long 6ft 120v AC plug
- Easy to use
- Guaranteed quality with 101 day trial
#3
This brand has been a go-to in my household. I have the older model, but I can safely say it has continued to play a good quality white noise for over 3 years.
- It has over 22 white noise variations
- Modern design with two color options
- Plays non-looping white noise
- Powered by AC and USB
- Bluetooth audio
- headphone/ speaker connection
- Great frequency range for white noise and fan sounds
- Solid continuous sound that does not repeat or have any glitches
#2
- adjustable light intensity, so you can choose the exact brightness you like
- separated light and sound control making it ideal for night time feedings
- Fun and aesthetically pleasing design for baby’s room
- Continues play option for night long sound and sleep
- Easy to use design
- Packed with 29 sounds which 7 fan sounds and 7 white noise sounds
#1
I just love the features of this white noise machine. This is a machine that can grow with your child.
- It has the first ever baby safe volume, which is calibrated to protect baby’s ears.
- It has a non-looping white noise from a real fan
- Its portable and travel friendly
- It tone and volume are adjustable
- Night light
- Remote control or app control available for iPhone or Android