Parents will try just about anything to help their babies sleep—but experts are raising alarms about a popular method: white noise.
This constant sound, resembling the static of a television or radio, is often produced by sound machines or apps. It’s become a go-to sleep aid for many, with research suggesting nearly one-third of parents use some type of background noise to lull their infants to sleep.
Proponents, including sleep experts and parenting influencers, have claimed that white noise helps mask sudden, disruptive sounds, allowing babies to settle more easily. Yet, growing concerns suggest this seemingly harmless tool may have unintended consequences for a child’s brain development.
The hidden risks of white noise
Dr. April Benasich, a leading sleep and neuroscience expert from Rutgers University, warns that white noise—and similar alternatives like pink or brown noise—might hinder infants’ language development. In her words, it could even escalate into a “public health issue.”
Dr. Benasich, who directs the Infancy Studies Laboratory at Rutgers, explains that babies’ brains are incredibly attuned to sound from birth—even before birth, in fact. During this critical period, their brains work tirelessly to decode and map acoustic patterns, laying the groundwork for language skills.
“Infants can discern subtle differences in sounds occurring in fractions of a second,” Dr. Benasich explains. This ability is vital for their brains to identify important linguistic sounds and develop the neural pathways necessary for language learning.
However, white noise’s monotonous nature can dull the brain’s ability to process these crucial sound variations. “White noise essentially tells the brain, ‘Don’t bother listening—nothing important is happening,’” Dr. Benasich says, raising concerns about the missed opportunities for neurodevelopment during the 12 to 18 hours a day infants typically sleep.
The alternative to static sounds
Gabriella, a mother from New Jersey, shared her own experience. She initially used white noise to soothe her son but switched to a melodic alternative after her pediatrician’s advice. Now, her baby sleeps to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on repeat. While repetitive, she admits, “It’s better for him than white noise.”
Dr. Benasich underscores the importance of sound variation, recommending dynamic soundscapes like ocean waves or a heartbeat, which offer subtle changes that still engage the brain.
Misinformation and pushback
The rise of white noise as a parenting trend is fueled by influencers and articles touting its benefits, often without robust scientific backing. Dr. Benasich and her team have found that even some sleep consultants lack awareness of potential risks, relying instead on anecdotal evidence.
Efforts to spread awareness about these concerns have not always been well-received. “Parents are so invested in their routines,” Dr. Benasich notes. “When we explain the science, the pushback is intense. They’ll say, ‘I used white noise, and my kids are fine.’ But I ask them: ‘How much harder did their brains have to work to compensate?’”
A call for understanding
For parents skeptical of the risks, Dr. Benasich emphasizes that the harm isn’t guaranteed, but neither are the long-term effects fully understood. “The acoustic environment is so crucial for a developing brain,” she says. “Yet, it’s invisible to us, so families don’t see the changes happening—or the missed opportunities.”
While she understands the appeal of white noise for exhausted parents, she urges them to consider alternatives. “We should empower parents with better information,” she says, “to ensure their children have every opportunity to thrive.”