Is white noise safe for babies?

White noise can help babies settle by gently masking background sounds. Use the lowest effective volume, keep the device at a distance from the cot (about 1–2 metres), and never place anything inside the sleep space. Observe your baby’s cues and reduce or reposition if they seem unsettled.

Try tonight

• Use your sleep toy’s built-in white noise as the only sound.
• Set volume to the lowest effective level.
• Keep the device ≥1–2 m from the cot and off direct contact.

What parents say

• Raffy The Fawn sleep toy- rechargeable ★★★★★

  I bought this for my son for his 10 month birthday. He’s now 11 and a half months. I bought it to have a portable white noise machine that he could play with and hold, but also to replace me using the tv or my phone to play white noise (because it needs to be louder since it’s not in the cot with him - annoying right?). This sleep toy has been great because you can adjust the volume with the dial (which is very gradual, unlike a lot of button ones where one press can be a bit much or less than what you want/need), which saves our ears especially when we have to use it at night because we room share. Also, the fact that the sound box is inside the toy is great because the sound filters through the fabric which makes it pleasant/clear to listen to. The portability of the sleep toy is great too. Easily pop it into my nappy bag or strap it to the handlebars of the stroller when we’re out. I use it when breastfeeding in parent rooms to filter any noise that could be distracting, making feeds/naps easier to achieve. It also doubles as an estimate timer for day naps. If it’s off when he wakes I know he’s had 40mins or more. (Or 15 or 30 depending on your setting). What else?.. washable, tick. Rechargeable, tick. Replaceable (both sound box or toy cover), tick. Super cute, tick. Can purchase matching items, tick. Quality, TICK, it’s so well made. OH AND THE ZIPPER!!! How could I forget. There’s nothing worse than having to open Velcro to turn on/ adjust something, especially when Bub is asleep. The zip is super easy, even one handed. (‘Cause who hasn’t been nap trapped? Lol). And this is a random one, but the size of the toys head. All comforters I’ve seen have small heads/toys that basically fit in a child’s hand, but I find the bigger size (even though I know it’s designed to fit the sound box) to be more comforting in the sense that when my son hugs it, the head of the toy is under his chin or on his cheek. The way we feel when we hug our children, you know? :-) Photo as I type. Raffy playing the song behind his head as he breastfeeds to sleep.

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• AM partner in crime, PM snuggle bunny ★★★★★

  (Haha, see what I did there 🤣) Can you spot Clover the bunny?! Since getting our Riff Raff Sleep Pal my girl HAS to have her! She comes on loads of adventures with us; always on the ready to be a portable soother. At night it's the first thing she grabs when I put her down into bed. These pals are absolutely adorable. If you're on the fence about getting on just do it already! Super easy to clean, SO SOFT!, gorgeous super cute friendly faces, the sound volume is perfect — the white noise is perfect not too scratchy sounding like some can be. The lullaby too. It's just a gentle sound; calming. I won't lie — I've turned it on and cuddled it myself for a bit one day I was having an anxiety attack. No wonder she likes it so much! I think that it's extremely cool how they have went and gave them little personalities so if you're like me and want them all you have a *slightly* easier time with a decision!

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• Amazing! ★★★★★

  I bought Bandit for my son and introduced it into our sleep routine at 6 weeks of age. Prior to this we were using a white noise machine which was helping to settle him, however Bandit and his soothing white noise has worked wonders. My son is soothed quicker and since introducing it into our routine I no longer have to rock my son to sleep as he’s comforted by the sounds from Bandit. The toy is so soft and such amazing quality and I can’t wait for my son to be able to cuddle him. I had it personalized with his name and it looks so amazing! The silver glitter on Bandit is perfect and worth the extra money! I’ve also just ordered a second Bandit so I can have one in the car for outings and the other one can stay safely at home. Spending the extra money to have a spare is so worth it!

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Citations

• American Academy of Pediatrics – Safe sleep recommendations
• HealthyChildren.org – Safe sleep basics

Author, Riff Raff Team • Last updated 2025-10-08