If there's one thing about being a new parent that basically every one has in common, it's the trials and tribulations of having a kid who just won't go to sleep when it's time for bed. This happens to so many parents that we've developed a small library of guides to help exhausted moms get their own much-needed sleep back — which helps them be better humans, as well as better parents. For anyone with a kid who's giving them bedtime troubles, to start off, check out the 11 Mistakes Moms Make When They're Putting Baby to Bed — it's a good way to weed out any current issues. If the problem is getting the baby to not just go to sleep, but to actually stay the heck asleep without being constantly rocked or held, take a look at 24 Unusual Baby Sleep Tricks Moms Say Work Every Time. And otherwise, we recommend sleepily pawing through Mom's Hack for Making Baby Fall Asleep in Seconds Is a Game Changer, 17 Weird Tricks to Get Baby to Sleep That Moms Swear By, and 50 Tricks to Try When You Can't Get Your Baby to Sleep. And get a sound machine. It's just a good idea.
Sound machines are absolutely amazing. For parents who live in cities full of street noise that sometimes wakes the baby up, their use is clear — getting a kiddo used to white noise can help mask the sounds from the street. But they're just as valuable to those who live in quiet neighborhoods or deep in the countryside where there isn't much street noise to wake the baby — they're great for helping babies fall and stay asleep longer, and can keep parents and other kids from having to sneak around as quietly as possible once the baby is asleep in homes where sounds carry even a little bit (so, well, all of them).
They can also be part of a soothing bedtime routine that puts fussy babies in the emotional space where they can get to sleep. We've rounded up here a variety of sound machines that can help kids drift off and get their much-needed rest.
Marpac Dohm Natural White Noise Machine
The Marpac Dohm has been around for generations, so chances are high our parents grew up with one of these by their cribs, which feels kind of like a nice thing to pass on. It makes a calming whooshing sound, an elegant Michael Graves Design, and comes in a variety of colors.
Marpac Dohm Natural White Noise Machine ($50, Bed Bath & Beyond)
SleepyMe Smart Sleep Soother
Why is this thing so cute? And because it's so cute, can it possibly be even remotely effective? Answers to both: no idea, but it sure is, and yes, absolutely. It plays 10 classic lullabies in addition to soothing sounds like white noise and heartbeats, projects stars across the room, and has an auto turn-off setting.
SleepyMe Smart Sleep Soother ($40, Amazon)
MyBaby SoundSpa Lullaby
This budget option offers three classic lullabies and three soothing soundscapes to send baby off to sleep. It also projects pretty scenes on the wall, and comes with an auto-off timer.
MyBaby SoundSpa Lullaby ($20, Amazon)
Calm Sleep High Fidelity White Noise Sound Machine
This one comes with a variety of calming nature sounds and an adjustable auto-timer, and offers the chance to DIY a personalized soothing sound. This also functions as a nightlight and bedside lamp with two light settings.
Calm Sleep High Fidelity White Noise Sound Machine ($23, Amazon)
Dreamegg D3 White Noise Machine for Sleeping
With the option of 24 soothing sounds, this little sound machine is a remarkable powerhouse, especially for its size. A smart choice for rooms that are small or for babies (and mamas) on the go, this palm-sized sound machine has a rechargeable battery or runs off a USB cable.
Portable Sound Machine – Dreamegg D3 White Noise Machine for Sleeping ($30, Amazon)
Lumipets Night Light Projector and Sound Machine Baby Shusher
We cannot get over the cuteness factor — and awesome functionality — of this one. This unicorn is a soft toy kids love, it projects constellations on the ceiling, and the white noise machine offers 10 lullabies as well as calm sounds, like white noise and ocean waves.
Lumipets Night Light Projector and Sound Machine Baby Shusher ($30, Amazon)
HoMedics MyBaby Portable SoundSpa
Programmed with six relaxing sounds like "white noise" and "summer night," this compact, travel-ready option does a remarkable job blocking out environmental noise despite its size. We love how easy this is to toss in an overnight bag!
HoMedics MyBaby Portable SoundSpa ($20, BuyBuyBaby)
Marpac Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine
This mini version of the Marpac Rohm includes a lanyard so it can easily be hung anywhere, and comes with three sound options: bright white noise, deep white noise, and gentle surf. This one is simple, but high quality while still being a good budget option!
Marpac Rohm Portable White Noise Sound Machine ($28, Amazon)
Snooz White Noise Sound Machine
This one comes with a real fan inside, which spins to create an analog sound, creating peaceful white noise — as opposed to a pre-recorded white noise. As they say, this matters because it sounds real simply because it is real.
Snooz White Noise Sound Machine ($80, Snooz)
Munchkin Nursery Projector & Sound System
This nursery projector displays soothing images and a comforting nightlight, in addition to some dreamy lullabies and several white noise options. Plus, it's voice-activated, so parents don't even have to put baby down to turn it on.
Munchkin Nursery Projector & Sound System ($30, Walmart)
Baby Shusher - The Sleep Miracle Soother
This one wins awards and gets serious praise from parents all over. It's classified as a Class 1 FDA Medical Device, and uses a real human voice and tested rhythmic shushing technique to soothe the baby. Comes with timers.
Baby Shusher – The Sleep Miracle Soother ($35, Walmart)
SoundBub by WavHello
This little bunny is so cute — and this device also comes in other animal shapes! But more importantly, it's incredibly easy to operate and beloved by parents. Press the tummy for white noise, connect it to a Bluetooth-enabled device for music, or record a message.
SoundBub by WavHello ($35, Walmart)
Hatch Baby Rest Night Light & Sound Machine
A nightlight and sound machine, this one can be customized to exact preferences and easily controlled by the smartphone app — although it also works manually. Eventually, it can be used as an alarm clock for older children!
Hatch Baby Rest Night Light & Sound Machine ($60, Walmart)
SilverOnyx White Noise Machine for Sleep
A fan-based white noise generator, this one doesn't rely on prerecorded sounds to soothe baby, but on the physical fan within the dome. Some find that this produces a stronger, better sound for babies (or adults) than recorded sounds.
SilverOnyx White Noise Machine For Sleep ($30, Walmart)
Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Crib Soother and Baby Night Light
We love this sweet owl, and all the things it does for the baby! It plays four melodies and four nature sounds, including white noise and rain forest, projects stars and the moon on the ceiling or walls, and has a dimmable little glowing belly.
Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Crib Soother and Baby Night Light ($40, Amazon)
S-580 BabyOasis White Noise Soothing Baby Sleep Machine
The patented Sleep Enhancement technology in this white noise machine may help babies not just fall asleep, but stay asleep longer. The volume gradually reduces until the kiddo is fast asleep. The settings can also be personalized.
S-580 BabyOasis White Noise Soothing Baby Sleep Machine ($58, Walmart)
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