What is white noise?

White noise is the most popular and well-known sleep sound for babies. It's often described as a steady hum or static-like sound, similar to:

• A fan

• A hairdryer

• Radio or TV static
  

It works by playing all sound frequencies at equal intensity, which helps mask sudden background noises like barking dogs or slamming doors. Because it's consistent and at the right level to drown out distractions, white noise is a go-to for calming fussy newborns.

Why parents love it: It mimics the constant whooshing sounds of the womb, which helps settle newborns and creates a predictable sleep environment.

What is pink noise?

Pink noise is a little softer and more natural-sounding than white noise. It has the same full-spectrum sound, but with the high-pitched frequencies are toned down a bit. It sounds more like:

• Steady rainfall

• Ocean waves

• Rustling leaves
  

It’s still great for masking household noise, but with a gentler, more calming quality that some babies find more soothing for longer stretches of sleep.

Why parents love it: It’s less harsh than white noise, and especially calming for toddlers or older babies who are past the newborn stage.

What is brown noise?

Brown noise (sometimes also called "red noise") has even deeper tones than pink noise. It’s fuller, richer, and sounds more like:

• Deep rumbling thunder

• A heavy waterfall

• A distant airplane

Technically, it focuses on the lowest sound frequencies. It’s less hissy, more rumbly.

Why parents love it: Brown noise is great for toddlers who are sensitive to higher-pitched sounds, or for blocking out deeper ambient noise like street traffic or household footfalls. It's also surprisingly relaxing for grown-ups too!

Which type of noise colour is best for your baby?

There's no single right answer. Each child (or parent) responds a little differently to different sounds. Here's a general guide:

• Start with white noise for newborns and younger babies. It's bold and effective for helping fussy sleepers settle. In one study, 80% of newborns fell asleep within five minutes when exposed to white noise!
  

• Try pink noise if white noise feels a bit sharp, or if your toddler prefers softer, more natural sounds. Anecdotally, parents have shared that when white noise doesn’t work for their little ones, they’ve found that pink noise actually does the trick.
  

• Explore brown noise for older toddlers or sensitive sleepers who need deeper, richer tones to feel calm.
  
  

Tips for using sound machines safely and effectively

• Keep the volume low and steady. Loud noise can be overstimulating or harmful, so aim for a volume similar to a running shower.
  

• Place the machine away from the cot or bed. Never place it inside the cot. Across the room or on a dresser works best.
  

• Make it part of the bedtime routine. Turn it on during wind-down time and let it run through the night for consistency.

Try all three with the Tweetydreams Nightlight & Sound Machine

Not sure which sound will work best for your baby? The Tweetydreams Nightlight and Sound Machine lets you try white, pink, and brown noise at the tap of a button, so you can test what your little one responds to best.

With gentle options for coloured lighting, lullabies, and phone-controlled features, it’s built to grow with your child’s sleep needs from newborn to toddlerhood.

🛒: Discover Tweetydreams