Why white noise is used in a nursery
A steady background layer can make doors, siblings, traffic or a partner moving around feel less likely to wake a sleeping baby, and some babies settle more easily against a consistent hum that resembles the constant sound of the womb. It is a comfort aid, not a guaranteed sleep solution, and it works differently for every child.
Safe volume and distance guidance
Paediatric hearing researchers have raised concerns that some nursery sound machines, used at their loudest settings and placed close to a crib, can produce sound levels higher than is considered safe for infant hearing over time. Distance and volume are the two factors that matter most:
- Position the speaker at least two metres from the crib where the room allows it.
- Use a noticeably lower volume than you would choose for yourself in the same room; infant hearing is more sensitive.
- Avoid running any sound machine at or near its maximum volume.
- Prefer a device or app where you can see and control the exact level, rather than a fixed “high” setting.
A simple way to introduce it
- Start well below normal room volume.Quieter than feels necessary is the right starting point; you can raise it slightly if needed.
- Place the source away from the crib.Across the room, not clipped to the rail or on the nightstand beside it.
- Use a timer rather than all-night playback.A fade-out or a session length tied to typical settling time avoids unnecessary hours of exposure.
- Recheck as your baby grows.What was appropriate for a newborn may need adjusting as a toddler’s room, cot position or sleep pattern changes.
Choosing a texture
Plain white or pink noise is a common starting point because it covers a broad range evenly. Some caregivers find a softer fan or rain-like texture less piercing at low volume than a sharp white-noise hiss. There is no single correct choice—comfort for both the baby and the room matters more than the label.
When not to rely on background noise
Background sound is not a safety device. It does not replace safe-sleep practices—a firm, flat sleep surface, a clear crib, back sleeping for infants, and appropriate room temperature. It should never be used to mask a smoke alarm, a monitor alert or a baby in distress; keep those clearly audible over any masking layer.
A comfort layer, not a sleep-training method
White noise may support a settling routine, but persistent sleep difficulty, feeding concerns or developmental questions are for a paediatrician or health visitor, not a sound setting. Read established NHS guidance on helping your baby sleep alongside any sound routine. For the research behind the volume guidance above, see does white noise damage hearing or sleep quality?