Baby sleep sound guides

Plain answers to the questions parents ask about white noise, shushing and sleep sounds, with the research behind them.

• How loud should white noise be for a baby?

  Keep baby white noise around 50 dB, about as loud as a soft conversation, and at least 2 m (7 ft) from the crib. Here is what the research says and how to check.

• Should white noise play all night for a baby?

  Many experts suggest using white noise to help a baby fall asleep, then letting it fade instead of playing all night. Here is why, and what to do when your baby wakes.

• Does white noise help babies sleep? What the research says

  In one well-known study, 80% of newborns fell asleep within five minutes with white noise, compared with 25% without it. What that means and how to use it safely.

• Shushing a baby to sleep: why it works and how to do it

  Why a steady "shhh" calms a crying baby, how loud to shush, and how to step it down as your baby settles. A simple guide for tired parents.