White noise machines are great for blocking out environmental sounds while your baby tries to sleep. This may be the chainsaw your neighbour is using, traffic or sirens going past your house or noisy siblings that don’t understand quiet time. It can also help to mask noisy birds early in the morning if your child is waking early. There are a range of opinions on which is the best kind of white noise – pink noise, white noise, music, heartbeats – to soothe your baby. Here we recommend some of the best white noise machines for different situations.
Best Overall
Yogasleep Dohm Classic White Noise Machine
This is the original, classic white noise machine that has been available since 1962. It is tried and tested and proven its worth. The Dohm Classic model features a fan-based natural white noise producing a signature sound – the soothing ambient sounds of rushing air, without the disturbance of actual moving air.
It is simple to use and has 2 speed options for adjustable tone and volume. It has a classic and simple design that will blend in to any room. It is reasonably priced so affordable for everyone.
Best for Travel
Yogasleep PocketBaby Soother
This portable sound machine is small enough to fit in your diaper bag which means if baby is napping in the pram you can block out some of the noise wherever you are. Also great to take with you when you are traveling away from home.
It is lightweight and includes six different sound options including white noise and surf sounds. It is able to clip onto a stroller, car seat or many household items and has a child lock to prevent little fingers fiddling with settings.
Parents love that it is long lasting and reliable and that the sound is high quality. This product comes in 4 cute designs. It is also USB rechargeable so no need for batteries.
Most Versatile
Hatch Rest Sound Machine, Night Light and Time to Rise
Sound machine + nightlight + time-to-rise clock all in one, all controlled from your smartphone? Genius. Choose from 11 sound options that include lullabies and white noise, and pick your night light’s brightness and color. You can even program the nightlight and sound to turn on when it’s time for bed (so you can say, “The light says it’s time for bed!”) and to turn green when it’s OK for your toddler to get up in the morning.
You can customize the colour, brightness, sound and volume level. Rest grows with your child’s needs – providing soft light and white noise for midnight newborn feeding sessions, the comfort of a nightlight for a preschooler, plus a time-to-rise setting for your older child! Includes toddler lock feature and stays cool throughout the night for safety.
Best Value
LectroFan White Noise Sound Machine
If what you want is an affordable white noise machine with excellent sound quality and a range of sounds to choose from, the LectroFan High Fidelity may be exactly what you are looking for.
Owners can choose from twenty different non-looping sounds, including 10 white, brown, or pink noise settings and 10 electric fan settings. The volume controls are very precise, making it easier to cover noise pollution without excessive volume. The machine can be used both continuously or for as many hours as you choose before it gradually lowers the volume and shuts off. All sounds are entirely electronic with no moving parts inside the case, so the machine itself operates silently.