The Most Popular Baby Sleep Sounds (and Why They Work)

Summary 

When it comes to baby sleep, sound isn’t just background — it’s a powerful cue that helps them relax and drift off. From white noise to pink and brown noise, each sound type supports sleep in different ways by creating a calm, consistent environment that feels safe and familiar.

If you’ve ever tip-toed around the house hoping your baby stays asleep, you already know silence isn’t always golden. Babies are used to constant noise — from whooshing blood flow to rhythmic movement — so the quiet outside-the-womb world can feel, well, a little loud.

That’s where sleep sounds come in. The right noise can calm a fussy baby, support a consistent bedtime routine, and help everyone at home get a little more rest (you included). Below, learn how Hatch Baby sleep sounds can help your child sleep — and how to choose the best sleep noise for your baby. 

Table of contents

1. Why Sound Helps Babies Sleep
2. What Is White Noise?
3. What Is Pink Noise?
4. What Is Brown Noise?
5. Which Sound is Best for Baby Sleep?
6. Key Takeaways
7. FAQs
8. References 

Why Sound Helps Babies Sleep

Sound helps babies sleep because it creates a predictable, comforting environment. A steady, gentle sound gives their nervous system something familiar to latch onto, which can be soothing as they transition from alert and active to calm and drowsy. Babies thrive on consistency, and sound becomes a sleep cue that tells their body “It’s time to rest now.”

Sound, especially color noises, mimic the womb, where baby spent months surrounded by constant, rhythmic whooshing. In the outside world, silence can feel unfamiliar, and sudden sounds can startle them awake. Continuous sleep sounds help blur those environmental noises — like footsteps, clanking dishes, or a sibling playing in the other room — so your child can settle easier and stay asleep longer.

What Is White Noise? 

White noise contains all the frequencies humans can hear simultaneously, and at equal intensity. The result is a steady ambient sound that’s similar to static. Because white noise is so balanced, it’s great for blocking out external sound at a variety of pitches (from human voices and dogs barking to vacuums and sirens).

For babies, white noise can mimic the steady whooshing sound of the womb, so it may be especially comforting for newborns and infants. White noise is also a helpful way to prevent baby from waking up due to disruptive sounds in or around your home. 

What Is Pink Noise?

Like white noise, pink noise plays all frequencies — but it lowers the highest frequencies, resulting in a gentler, deeper sound that feels like gentle rain or tumbling ocean waves. Many people prefer pink noise for its calming, low-frequency sound, especially when they want soothing without the sharper edges of classic white noise.

Pink noise can be soothing for fussy babies (we see you, witching hour) or a great way to set the tone for calm when you start your baby’s bedtime routine. Its soft, natural feel helps ease little ones into wind-down mode, creating a peaceful transition from playtime to sleep.

What Is Brown Noise?

Brown noise also contains all frequencies, dialing back the higher ones even more than pink noise for a deep, low-frequency rumble. This sound — reminiscent of thunder without cracks or deep ocean waves — can feel grounding for babies who respond well to deeper, steadier tones.

The soft roar of brown noise is a great option for extra-fussy or restless babies. Due to the lack of high frequencies, brown noise can also block out sharper sounds such as door slams, dog barks, or sudden sibling noise) to help keep your baby settled as they fall — and stay — asleep.

Which Sound is Best for Baby Sleep? 

There’s no one best sleep noise for babies. Which sleep sound to choose for baby sleep depends on factors like your baby’s age, their sensitivity to higher or deeper tones, and their sleep environment. 

While white noise offers a womb-like consistency and effectively masks extraneous sounds, pink and brown noise are softer, deeper alternatives that instill a sense of grounding calm for fussy or restless nights (while still effectively blocking out the most disruptive outside noises).

Key Takeaways

• Sleep sounds can provide a comforting environment for baby while blocking out potentially disruptive sounds. 
• Each sound, including white, brown, and pink noise, has different qualities that can support relaxation and sleep in different ways. 
• Hatch Baby makes it easy to find the sounds that work best for your baby and switch up their routine when needed.

Try different sound types and routines with Hatch Baby to discover the calming cues your little one loves most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of noise is best for baby sleep?

There’s no single “best” sound — every baby responds differently. Some babies do well with white noise because it mimics the womb and masks sudden sounds, while others may settle more easily with pink noise, which is softer and more natural-sounding. The goal is to find a steady, soothing sound your baby relaxes to and use it consistently during naps and bedtime.

Is white noise safe for babies?

Yes, when it’s used correctly. Experts recommend keeping sound levels around 50 dB or lower (about as loud as a soft shower) and placing the device at least a few feet from your baby’s sleep space. Stick with steady, consistent sound rather than loud or abrupt tracks, and always follow safe-sleep guidelines.

Should I use sleep sounds for naps too?

Consistency helps! Using the same sound for naps and bedtime reinforces your baby’s sleep associations, making it easier for them to settle and understand when it’s time to rest, no matter where they are.

References

1. Riedy, S. M., Smith, M. G., Rocha, S., & Basner, M. (2021). Noise as a sleep aid: A systematic review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 55, 101385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101385
2. Ebben, M. R., Yan, P., & Krieger, A. C. (2021). The effects of white noise on sleep and duration in individuals living in a high noise environment in New York City. Sleep medicine, 83, 256–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2021.03.031