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White Noise Machines for Baby Sleep: Safe Use Tips Every Parent Should Know

If you're part of our community of intentional parents, chances are you're using a gentle sound machine quietly running in the nursery. These little devices have become go-to helpers for so many of us-softly masking household noises, mimicking womb sounds, and helping babies settle into deeper, more restful sleep.

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Recent studies on sound machines: here's what you need to know!

Recently, a 2024 scoping review published in Sleep Medicine has parents pausing to ask: Are we using these machines in the safest way for our little ones?

The short answer? Yes, they can absolutely stay in your routine—but with a few mindful adjustments. Let's walk through what the science says, why it matters, and how to keep using white noise as a supportive, non-toxic sleep tool.

What the Study Actually Found

The review by De Jong et al. looked at 20 studies on how ongoing white noise during sleep might impact early childhood development (pulling from animal models and human data).

Key takeaways:

  • Volume can get intense: Some white noise machines hit up to 91 decibels at max settings—louder than a vacuum and way beyond safe workplace levels for adults (per NIOSH guidelines).

  • Potential risks from continuous moderate exposure: In animal studies, steady moderate-level noise showed links to effects on hearing, speech, and learning development. Human evidence (like from environmental noise studies) often lines up, suggesting higher or prolonged exposure could hinder things like language skills, cognitive growth, or sleep quality.

  • The flip side: Low-intensity white noise can actually support better sleep-helping babies fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and even reduce stress in some cases (like in colicky babies or noisy environments).

Bottom line from the authors: It's not that white noise is bad—it's the "how" that matters. Continuous moderate-to-high exposure raises flags, but thoughtful, low-level use may offer real benefits.

This aligns with broader pediatric guidance: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes protecting little ears from excessive noise overall, recommending sound machines stay at or below about 50 decibels in nurseries (similar to gentle rainfall or a quiet conversation) and placed far from the crib to keep actual exposure low.

What This Means for Your Nursery

White noise isn't the villain here—it's still one of my go-to clean sleep tools (shoutout to Hatch and Yogasleep for being portable and easy to control). Think of it like screen time or sugar: helpful in small, smart doses, but overdoing it isn't ideal.

The goal? Use it to support sleep without risking overexposure. Moderation keeps the good vibes and protects those developing ears and brains.

Safe White Noise Use

Here’s how I approach it (and what lines up with expert recs):

  • Keep the volume low — Target around 50 decibels max (AAP hospital nursery guideline). That's like soft rainfall or a hushed chat. If you have to speak up to be heard over it, dial it back.

  • Mind the placement — Put the machine at least 7 feet (about 200 cm) from the crib (AAP recommendation). Distance drops the sound level reaching baby's ears dramatically.

  • Time it thoughtfully — Run it to help settle baby, then consider turning it off once they're in deep sleep (or use a timer). No need for all-night blasting—many families find lower or intermittent use works just as well.

  • Test your settings — Play around with lower levels on your Hatch or Yogasleep. Often, the gentlest setting does the trick without maxing out.

  • Trust your gut — If it feels too loud to you standing nearby, it probably is for baby. Your instincts are spot-on.

Quick check! Stand by the crib and chat normally with your partner. If you need to raise your voice, lower the volume—easy peasy.

So what do you do?

These machines can absolutely stay in your sleep routine. The research isn't meant to scare us off—it's about informed, balanced choices so we support both peaceful nights and healthy development.

Like everything in parenting (organic cotton wraps, glass bottles, non-toxic play mats...), it's about moderation and mindfulness. A gentle, low hum to ease into sleep? Totally fine. Cranked-up all-night every night? Worth rethinking.

At The Clean Bean Market, we vet sleep helpers like we do everything else—prioritizing safe features: adjustable volumes, clear controls, timers, and placement flexibility. Hatch and Yogasleep check those boxes for us.

Your baby's rest matters, and so does protecting their hearing and growth long-term. A few tiny tweaks can give you both.

So which ones do you chose? Well there are various options! Our favorite at The Clean Bean Market is the Hatch sound machine, not only becuase of it's dim light providing the perfect relaxing night light but it has soothing white noise aswell as various music options.

Let's be real, sometimes you need to take the sound machine with you! Restaurants can be loud, parks can be chaotic, so we love the Yoga Sleep! The Yoga Sleep is a portable sound machine with low emf. It's easily portable and can be hooked onto a bby carrier, stroller or car seat.

Have questions about safe sleep Aids? Reach out to us at info@thecleanbeanmarket