Brown noise for babies
Many parents use steady background sound to help their baby settle, and brown noise has become a favourite because it is deeper and softer than classic white noise. This page covers why parents choose it, and above all how to use it safely.
Safety first: keep the speaker well away from the cot (ideally across the room), use the lowest volume that works (quieter than normal conversation), and never put a device inside the cot or pram. Noise is not a replacement for safer sleep advice. See the Lullaby Trust and speak to your health visitor with any concerns.
Why some parents prefer brown noise
Babies spend months surrounded by the low, constant whooshing of the womb, and lots of parents feel that a deep, steady sound is familiar and calming. White noise covers everything but can sound sharp and hissy to adult ears. Brown noise has most of its energy in low tones, so it is often more pleasant for the adults sharing the room too. It is also good at softening household rumbles such as a washing machine, footsteps or traffic that might otherwise startle a light sleeper.
Safe volume
Babies' ears are more sensitive than ours, and a sound that seems quiet up close can be much louder at the cot. A simple check: stand where your baby's head will be. If you could comfortably talk in a normal or quiet voice over the noise, that is about right. If you are unsure, go quieter. Some parents use a free sound-meter app to check the level at the cot.
Distance and placement
- Place the speaker on the far side of the room, not on the cot rail or next to the mattress.
- Point it away from the cot rather than at it.
- Keep cables and devices completely out of reach.
Timers and routines
A sleep timer is a sensible default: play brown noise as part of the wind-down routine and let it fade out once your baby is asleep. The player on this page fades gradually over 30 seconds so it doesn't cause a sudden change. If you choose continuous noise for naps or nights, keep it especially low.
Longer tracks on Spotify
For bedtime routines it can be handy to have a playlist ready on your phone or smart speaker. Chill Machine has dedicated baby-sleep playlists made of long, loopable tracks.
There is also a softer Womb Sounds for Baby Sleep playlist.
Every baby is different, and what works one week may not the next. If your baby's sleep worries you, your health visitor or GP is the right person to talk to. Read our full safe listening guidance.