Should I use white noise all night for a baby?

White noise can be used all night for a baby, but it should be kept low and placed well away from the crib. It may help mask household noise, but it is not automatically safe at any volume or distance.

Safer-use tips:

1. Keep the volume low — aim for no more than about 50 dB at the baby’s sleeping position.
2. Keep the machine away from the crib — a common recommendation is at least 7 feet (2 meters) away.
3. Don’t place it in or on the crib, and avoid abrupt, harsh, or high-frequency sounds.
4. Measure the sound where the baby sleeps if you can, since the level near the baby can be much higher than the setting suggests.

If you’re unsure, check your pediatrician’s advice or the manufacturer’s guidance, since exact recommendations can vary by product.