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Struggling to get your baby to sleep? Shop the best sound machines
Sound machines are great at calming down your infants and helping them achieve peaceful sleep. Shop here for the top sound machines on the market.
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RAPTbaby Smarter Sleep Sound Machine | Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine | Tuft & Needle x Snooz White Noise Sound Machine | Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine, Night Light | 2nd Gen | Yogasleep Dohm Natural White Noise Sound Machine | BrownNoise Sound Machine | Project Nursery Portable Sound Soother for Baby | ||||||
Price $59.99 | Price You save $4 (13.34%) $25.99$29.99 | Price $110 | Price $59.99 | Price $49.99 | Price You save $15.01 (40.58%) $21.98$36.99 | Price You save $5.00 (25.01%) $14.99$19.99 | ||||||
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Consumer ratings 4.2 stars at Amazon | Consumer ratings 4.6 stars at Amazon | Consumer ratings 4.9 stars at Target | Consumer ratings 4.7 stars at Amazon | Consumer ratings 5 stars at Walmart | Consumer ratings 4.7 stars at Amazon | Consumer ratings 4.5 stars at Amazon | ||||||
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Special features Rechargeable battery, autotimer, 8 soothing sounds | Special features USB rechargeable, amber night light, 3 soothing sounds | Special features USB rechargeable, white noise, noise-canceling | Special features Electric cord, adjustable settings WiFi compatibility | Special features 8 ft electric cord, night light, natural white noise | Special features Battery powered, autotimer, 30 soothings sounds | Special features Battery powered, sleep timer, 6 soothing sounds | ||||||
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Sound machines are recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a great tool for helping infants sleep. In fact, 80% of newborn babies who listen to white noise fall asleep within five minutes, according to a small study published in 1990 by the Archives of Disease in Childhood.
In a more recent study, researchers found that babies who slept with white noise slept longer and cried less compared to those put on swings.
If you have a newborn, investing in a good sound machine can be a game-changer. This is because getting your baby to sleep soundly can also mean more rest for you.
To help you find the best noise machine for you and your little one, we’ve gathered the top eight sound machines that will help your baby (and you) achieve a longer, more fulfilling good night’s sleep.
Read more: Find the best ear plugs for a sound sleep
Browse the best sound machines for babies
Our top pick overall
Specifications
Dimensions: 4.6 H x 2.5 W x 5.7 D in
Power source: Rechargeable battery or USB-A to USB-C cable
Pros & Cons
Neuroscientist-designed and tested
Supports language development
Portable, easy-to-use design
USB-A adapter not included
Limited sound options
Sleep time is important for babies. Not only does it provide them with the necessary rest for growth but quality sleep can aid in brain development and cognitive growth. This is why this RAPTbaby Smarter Sleep Sound Machine has earned our vote for the best baby sound machine.
Designed and tested by neuroscientists, this device features patented audio tracks to soothe your baby to sleep — while also helping with language development. Plus, the included eight soundtracks are carefully composed to enhance alpha-waves and delta-waves, which are proven to aid in deep, healing sleep.
Additionally, it also has an auto-timer function, lasting 30, 60 and 90 minutes — or continuous play. And the memory feature remembers your settings, so you can simply go back to the last track you played and set it to run for as long as your baby needs it.
With a 4.9-star average rating from satisfied buyers, you can feel confident that this sound machine is a safe choice for your child.
Best portable model
Specifications
Dimensions: 3.84 H x 1.6 W x 3.4 D in
Power source: Rechargeable with USB cable
Pros & Cons
Compact size for travel
Equipped with child lock
Boasts an LED Night light
Must be turned off and unplugged every 14 days
Limited battery life
Looking for a baby white noise machine that is easy to travel with? Look no further. At 3.5 inches in diameter and weighing just 3.8 ounces, this Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine is easy to pack along in your stroller or diaper bag.
Despite its compact size, this portable sound machine is effective at helping babies sleep. Its advanced Hushh technology blocks out disruptive sounds and features three different white noise settings. Plus, you can even control its volume from whisper-level sounds to something more prominent.
On a single charge, this sound machine can run for more than six hours, making it great for travel. That said, be sure to pack along the USB cable just in case you need to charge it.
Did we mention that it also has a child lock feature, as well as, a 4.5-star average rating from nearly 26,500 satisfied buyers? It’s no wonder that this is the best portable white noise machine on our list.
Best with white noise
Specifications
Dimensions: 5 H x 3 W x 5 D in
Power source: USB Rechargeable
Pros & Cons
Safe decibel level for baby and pets
Controllable via mobile app
Noise-cancelling
Only functions as white noise machine
Higher price point
Looking for a high-quality white noise generator that looks as good as it functions? Then, the Tuft & Needle x Snooz White Noise Sound Machine is our top recommendation.
With a sleek, all-white design, this sound machine will be a stylish addition to your baby’s nursery. But it’s not just all about the looks.
This device boasts noise-canceling technology to diminish background noise — and it also uses real fan noise for optimal sound quality. Plus, this device is equipped with volume control settings that can be adjusted easily from the device or via a mobile app.
Another highlight of this device is its tone, which is carefully adjusted to decibel calibrations that are safe for your baby and your pet. With this simple yet thoughtful feature, it definitely gets our vote as one of the best white noise machines for babies.
Best with brown noise
Specifications
Dimensions: 2.16 H x 4.25 W x 4.25 D in
Power source: Battery powered
Pros & Cons
Equipped with 30 sounds
Affordable price point
Memory function for easy resetting
Requires batteries
Some reviewers report low-quality sounds
For a great nursery sound machine that will help soothe your baby, we recommend getting the BrownNoise Sound Machine. Not only is it affordable but it’s equipped with 30 sounds, ranging from brown to white noise.
This sound machine also has a memory function that will remember your previous sound and volume settings to make naptime prep an easier process. It has an auto-off timer that shuts off after up to four hours of use, but if you want it to play it continuously, that’s also an option.
This device also features 12 different light colors, making it a great sound machine for nighttime feedings, so you won’t have to turn on bright lights when trying to settle your little one back to bed.
Our favorite white noise fan
Specifications
Dimensions: 4 H x 5 W x 5 D in
Power source: 8-foot corded electric
Pros & Cons
Easy to use
8-foot cord for easy plug-in
Limited white noise options
We’re big fans of the Dohm Natural White Noise Sound Machine, which was originally invented by Yogasleep in 1962 — but has since been upgraded to include design and lighting upgrades.
With fan-based white noise, this device features two-speed options that allow you to customize your sleep experience. And it’s easy to use. To turn it on or off, simply flip the button to high or low, and rotate the controls to find a sound and tone that suits you.
It also has a long 8-foot cord for convenience when connecting to a power source. When it comes to helping your baby fall asleep quicker, this device by Yogasleep makes the process easier and more enjoyable.
Best with a night light
Specifications
Dimensions: 6.61 H x 4.2 W x 4.2 D in
Power source: Corded electric
Pros & Cons
Features night light with customizable hues
Includes clock display
Supports downloadable music tunes via app
Subscription required to access additional sounds
Higher price point
With this Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine 2nd Gen, you can rest easy, knowing your little one is getting the best bedtime experience possible. Equipped with a dimmable clock display, a smart night light and a collection of soothing sounds, this baby noise machine is one of the most customizable and multi-functional.
To enhance your user experience, you can subscribe to the Hatch Sleep Membership for added sound features, such as music tunes and bedtime stories that will enable you to curate a unique bedtime routine for your baby.
As an added plus, this sound machine is also WiFi enabled and controllable via a mobile app, so you can set the machine from anywhere in the house.
Best budget sound machine
Specifications
Dimensions: 3.94 H x 3.74 W x 1.61 D in
Power source: 3 AAA Batteries
Pros & Cons
Flexible clip for easy attachment
Portable
Glow-in-the-dark buttons
Batteries not included
Limited sound options
If you’re looking for the best portable sound machine that won’t break your bank, this is the product for you. At less than $15, this portable sound machine is small enough to fit in your diaper bag or to hang on your stroller.
It also features two classical lullabies from Mozart and Brahms and four nature sounds, such as ocean waves and peaceful rain. For added convenience, you can also set the sleep timer to three different settings and its glow-in-the-dark buttons make it easy to adjust it without disturbing your baby.
Additionally, its flexible clip attaches easily to your stroller or diaper bag, so you never have to worry about misplacing this sound machine. If you’re after a budget-friendly sleep aid, this is our top recommendation.
FAQs: What to know about sound machines
If you’re considering whether having a sound machine is the right option for your baby, the following information will help.
Are they beneficial for babies?
The short answer is yes. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a baby noise machine to help soothe crying babies — and these recommendations are research-backed. Devices with white noise resemble the womb — and fan-based noise has been proven to help calm fussy babies and help them sleep better.
Additionally, newer sound machines even have classical music and carefully composed soundtracks that are scientifically proven to aid with brain development and cognitive growth in newborns and toddlers.
White noise helps prepare babies for sleep but it is not recommended to leave them on all night. Dr. Harvey Karp, a prominent pediatrician with the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends giving your baby a break for several hours, so he or she can get used to the normal sounds of their surroundings.
How do I choose the best model for my baby?
When choosing the right sound machine for your baby, there are several factors you should consider, namely:
Sound quality: Sound machines work best when they mimic the sound of white noises, such as the womb. That said, not all electronically generated sounds produce great quality. When considering a device, make sure you get one with high-quality white or brown noise that mimics realistic sounds as closely as possible.
Volume control: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a noise limit of 50 decibels when using a sound machine to soothe your baby. And you’ll want to be sure to place the sound machine at a safe listening distance from your sleeping child. To ensure it’s not too loud, you can download apps, such as Sound Meter, to test the decibel reading from inside your baby’s crib. Or, to be safe, place the sound machine at a minimum of 7 feet from your baby’s crib, according to the AAP.
Sleep timer: Since it’s not recommended to leave a sound machine playing all night, having a sleep timer feature will allow you to ensure your baby gets exposed to sleeping in silence. For this reason, consider buying a machine with an auto shut-off function.
Cost: Sound machines can vary greatly in price. And while price does not necessarily reflect quality, more expensive products may come with additional features, such as night lights and a downloadable music library. Before purchasing a sound machine, consider your budget and needs to determine which models suit you best.
What are the best sound machines for babies?
All of the sound machines we selected will make a great addition to your nursery, but if you’re still weighing out your options, here are our top three favorites to choose from:
RAPTbaby Smarter Sleep Sound Machine: Of all the sound machines we reviewed, this model from RAPTbaby is our favorite. This is because it’s affordable, neuroscientist-designed and tested — and it supports language development. Plus, it has a sleep timer — and it’s received an impressive 4.9-star average rating, making it a top choice in the eyes of consumers.
Brown Noise Sound Machine: Available at an affordable price point and with 30 brown noise sounds, this device is great value for money. It has a memory function to save your settings, an auto shut-off function and a night light, making it a top contender given the price.
Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine 2nd Gen : This sound machine comes with pre-loaded soothing sounds, but you also have the option to purchase a subscription and download a range of tunes and bedtime stories. It also boasts a smart night light and a dimmable clock, making it the most multi-functional model on our list.
Prices updated on 05/06/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Afina Najib
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.
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