How Loud Should Baby White Noise Be? Keeping Sleep Safe and Sound

Every new parent has struggled with newborn sleep issues and found themselves researching different sleep-aids. Baby white noise machines have risen in popularity as a helpful tool for easing a little one into a peaceful slumber. But, how loud for baby white noise is safe?
In this article, we'll discuss the recommended level of white noise for your baby to ensure a comfortable, safe and sound sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises caregivers to follow the ABC's of safe sleep: Alone, on their Back and in a Crib. When it comes to sound, the volume of white noise for your baby should not exceed 50 decibels (dB). To give you an idea of what this sounds like, 50 dB is equivalent to the noise level in a quiet suburb or library. Anything beyond this level could potentially damage your baby's hearing over time. Moreover, excessive noise can impede on their overall quality of sleep — which, of course, is not what we want!

A simple way to ensure that the volume of your baby white noise machine is within the recommended range is to use a smartphone app to measure sound levels. There are numerous free apps available for this purpose; just search for decibel meter or sound level meter in your mobile app store.

Keep in mind that the placement of the white noise machine also matters. Avoid placing the device too close to your baby's crib or sleeping area. Instead, position it across the room, ideally at least 6-7 feet away. This ensures that the sound is dispersed evenly throughout the room and doesn't directly hit your baby's delicate eardrums.

In conclusion, baby white noise can be a wonderful tool to help your little one drift off to dreamland. Just remember to keep the volume below 50 decibels and position the machine a safe distance away from your baby's sleeping area. With these measures in place, you'll help create a soothing and secure environment for your newborn to rest easy.