Sound Machines & Soothers

It may sound counterintuitive, but the right kind of noise in your baby’s nursery can actually be beneficial. White noise can help babies fall asleep. It can also help them stay asleep—because the last thing you need is a barking dog, ringing phone or parade of sirens waking the tiny little human you just spent that last 45 minutes soothing to sleep. And with consistent use, a white noise or sound machine will be a cue to your child that it’s time for a long, restful snooze. Our top-rated sound machines for babies create a calm and peaceful environment. A soother is a device or toy designed to provide comfort and relaxation to babies. It typically features soft lights, gentle vibrations and soothing sounds or music to help calm and soothe infants.

Time is not a concept babies are born with. Newborns don’t know that nights are for sleeping and days are for waking, so it’s perfectly normal for them to sleep in short bursts and wake every two to three hours to eat. Around six to eight weeks, they begin to develop their circadian rhythms and usually start sleeping for longer stretches of time at night. Establishing a bedtime routine can help nudge them in the right direction in establishing a more predictable daily rhythm. And one thing that’ll make it easier to stick with a nighttime routine is sticking with a regular daytime routine, so try to keep naps and feedings at regular times.

Sound machines offer a wide range of sounds, including white noise, nature sounds (such as ocean waves or rainforest), lullabies, heartbeat sounds, and gentle melodies. Some models even have customizable sound options.

A soother is a device or toy designed to provide comfort and relaxation to babies. It typically features soft lights, gentle vibrations, and soothing sounds or music to help calm and soothe infants.

Many sound machines are designed to be portable, allowing you to use them both at home and while traveling. Look for compact and lightweight options with battery-operated or rechargeable features for convenience.

Consider factors such as the variety of sounds offered, volume control, timers, portability, ease of use, and any additional features you desire. Reading customer reviews and recommendations can also be helpful in making a decision.

A nursery is a dedicated room or space in your home specifically designed for your baby’s sleep, play and care. Consider adding items like a crib and a mattress, crib bedding, furniture (changing table, glider, etc.), a monitor and white noise machine, and room decor to your list. Read our baby registry set up guide to learn more about planning a nursery for your new baby.

When to introduce a pacifier tends to be a hot topic of discussion, particularly for those who want to breastfeed (either exclusively or the majority of the time). Some experts recommend waiting three to four weeks after your baby is born to offer a pacifier in order not to disrupt your nursing routine. One of the main concerns with introducing a pacifier too early in the breastfeeding journey is that new parents might not be able to distinguish when their baby wants to comfort suck or when they’re actually hungry. In order to get breastfeeding off to a good start and set your supply up for the best success, you want to offer the breast as often as possible—and the pacifier use can interfere with learning this skill. However, most of the time, babies are able to successfully breastfeed and use a pacifier—if they want to, that is. Some just prefer you, and that’s totally fine as long as it works for you, too. Read more tips for introducing a pacifier.