If you’re in the market for a sound machine/white noise machine, you’re in the right place! The good news is that there are SO many options out there…but how do you pick the RIGHT one?!
This blog post is a fun one…I got all science-fair with it, and got 10 of the most popular sound machines and put them to the test! From sound types – to timers – to bright lights and more, I’ll compare all of their features.
In this blog post, I’ll answer the following questions:
Are sound machines and white noise a necessity?
What are the AAP Guidelines for sound machines and white noise?
Which sound machines are best?
How do I choose which sound machine is best for my baby?
Let’s get started!
Are sound machines and white noise a necessity?
No, your baby doesn’t need a sound machine. But here’s the thing…they are INCREDIBLE. I 100% love using white noise as a tool to help get little ones to sleep and stay asleep. Here are two reasons why sound machines are such an amazing tool:
1. They help drown out loud background noise
I know this is especially helpful for my mamas of multiples. Older siblings can be SO so loud during naptime. Having a sound machine/white noise acts as a buffer so your little one isn’t pulled out of their peaceful sleep so suddenly.
2. White noise can actually help soothe your little one
Back when your baby was living in your womb, they were used to hearing the constant “whooshing” of blood. This is also why repeating “shh shh shh” is so helpful for soothing…the sound mimics their environment back in your comfy womb! The same goes for the noise that comes out of their sound machine.
What are the AAP Guidelines for sound machines and white noise?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a few guidelines for the safety and use of white noise and sound machines:
- Locate the sound machine far from your baby (at least 7 feet away)
- Set the sound machine volume as low as possible (no more than 50 dB)
- Limit the duration of use (turn the sound machine off during your baby’s awake time)
“Infant ‘sleep machines’ (ISMs or ‘white noise’ machines) produce sound in the location where the infant sleeps to soothe the infant and make other noises.
Several studies show potential benefits in ease in falling asleep, decreasing crying, and increasing pain threshold. One study of 14 ISMs, however raised concern that sound levels of 3 machines exceeded occupational limits and that hearing damage could occur if machines were played for >8 hours.
If ISMs are used, it may be safer to locate them as far away as possible from the infant, set the volume as low as possible, and limit duration of use.”
If you’re thinking these guidelines might not keep the distracting sound out of your little one’s sleep space, here’s a hack you should know (especially for my mama with multiples!) …you can put a second sound machine outside of your little one’s door during naptime. This simply acts as another sound barrier between your sleeping little one and all the other noise that’s going on outside of their room – while also using the sound safely!
Click here to learn more about the AAP’s guidelines on Instagram!
Which sound machines are best?
Ok, so now to the science fair part. I’m going to be comparing and contrasting the following sound machines:
- “White Noise” (Wobrikosee brand)
- Sleep Assist
- LectroFan
- Sound Spa
- Dohm
- Daily Body
- DreamEgg (Nonportable)
- Dreamegg (Portable)
- Hatch Mini
- Hushh YogaSleep
I’ll mention my favorite features of each machine separately, but you can head to the recap of this blog post to see the comparisons in one graphic.
1. “White Noise (Wobrikosee brand)
This sound machine has some good white noise options, but for mamas and babies who prefer brown noise, this one might not be the one for you!
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | No |
| Pink noise option | Yes |
| Battery backup | Yes |
| Music | Yes |
| Nature sounds | Yes |
| Levels of volume | 32 |
| Total number of sound options | 28 |
| Includes a timer | Yes |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | Timer lights |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | No |
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
2. Sleep Assist
This one is super pretty and really aesthetically pleasing! This one also has really great white and brown noise options.
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | Yes |
| Pink noise option | No |
| Battery backup | Yes |
| Music | Yes |
| Nature sounds | Yes |
| Levels of volume | 30 |
| Total number of sound options | 34 |
| Includes a timer | Yes |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | No |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | Yes |
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
3. LectroFan
This is a great sound machine, but I wish it had a battery backup! One feature I liked is that it doesn’t make any significant “sounds” when it loops.
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | Yes |
| Pink noise option | Yes |
| Battery backup | No |
| Music | Yes |
| Nature sounds | Yes |
| Levels of volume | N/A |
| Total number of sound options | 22 |
| Includes a timer | Yes |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | None |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | No |
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
4. Sound Spa
Another good option! I will say, that I’ve seen many other reviews explaining that they didn’t love the sound quality, or that it seemed too quiet.
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | No |
| Pink noise option | No |
| Battery backup | Yes |
| Music | Yes |
| Nature sounds | Yes |
| Levels of volume | 8 |
| Total number of sound options | 42 |
| Includes a timer | Yes |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | Power and timer lights |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | N/A |
Click here to check it out on Amazon
5. Dohm
This machine is great for its non-looping sound..and it comes in cute colors!
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | No |
| Pink noise option | No |
| Battery backup | No |
| Music | No |
| Nature sounds | No |
| Levels of volume | NA |
| Total number of sound options | N/A |
| Includes a timer | No |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | No |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | N/A |
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
6. Daily Body
This one is super small and simple. For me, the downside is that it doesn’t have a battery backup!
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | Yes |
| Pink noise option | Yes |
| Battery backup | No |
| Music | Yes |
| Nature sounds | Yes |
| Levels of volume | 36 |
| Total number of sound options | 30 |
| Includes a timer | Yes |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | Timer lights |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | Yes |
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
7. DreamEgg (Nonportable)
This machine has LOTS of great reviews on Amazon. And I love it’s nightlight!
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | Yes |
| Pink noise option | No |
| Battery backup | No |
| Music | Yes |
| Nature sounds | Yes |
| Levels of volume | N/A |
| Total number of sound options | 24 |
| Includes a timer | Yes |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | Timer lights |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | No |
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
8. DreamEgg (Portable)
The portable version of the DreamEgg has a battery backup, which you know I love! Another awesome feature…most machines have their plug-in on the side where it’s easy for kids to pull the cords out/weaken the connection. But, this one plugs in on the bottom and has a pathway for the cord to exit the bottom of the machine. It’s super secure, and is one of my favorite features of this machine!
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | Yes |
| Pink noise option | No |
| Battery backup | Yes |
| Music | Yes |
| Nature sounds | Yes |
| Levels of volume | N/A |
| Total number of sound options | 29 |
| Includes a timer | yes |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | Yes (but not too bright!) |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | No |
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
9. Hatch Mini
Hatch has been one of my favorites for a long time! I especially love how it has a sound machine-only option and can be controlled through its app.
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | Yes |
| Pink noise option | No |
| Battery backup | No |
| Music | No |
| Nature sounds | Yes |
| Levels of volume | N/A |
| Total number of sound options | 8 |
| Includes a timer | No |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | No |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | No |
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
10. Hushh YogaSleep
Saving this one for last because it might be my all-time favorite! I LOVE how great it is as a portable charger – I love the clip that can be used for easy travel.
| FEATURES | |
| White noise option | Yes |
| Brown noise option | Yes |
| Pink noise option | No |
| Battery backup | Yes |
| Music | No |
| Nature sounds | Includes Ocean |
| Levels of volume | N/A |
| Total number of sound options | 3 |
| Includes a timer | No |
| Bright lights (power lights and/or timer lights) | Power light |
| Ability to move through sound options forward or backward | No |
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
How do I choose which sound machine is best for my baby?
Each of these sound machines is great for its own unique features! Personally, I prefer sound machines that are continuous and have multiple noise options to choose from. You might prefer machines that also double as nightlights.
It all depends on your preferences…this is just a guide to help you compare and contrast some of their features!
Recap on Sound Machines and White Noise
Here is a graphic to more easily see the difference in features for each of these sound machines.
We’re here for you no matter where you are on your sleep journey! Whether your little one is a newborn (0-4 Months Content Library), 4-24 months (4-24 Months Content Library), or a toddler (2-5 Years Content Library), we have the resources you need to get your family the sleep you all deserve!
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. If you have any questions or want to talk to a sleep expert, grab a consultation! Having an expert in your corner to support you along the way is seriously a game-changer!
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