Should I buy a white noise machine for daycare naps?

Yes—if your daycare allows it, a white noise machine can be a good buy for naps, especially if your child is easily woken by other kids, hallway noise, or transitions. The key is safe use: keep it away from the crib/cot, use a low-to-moderate volume, and treat it as a sleep cue rather than something that must be loud.

Before buying, ask the daycare:

1. Do they allow personal sound machines?
2. Where can it be placed safely?
3. Will staff control the volume and turn it off after naps if needed?
4. Do they prefer plug-in, battery, or rechargeable devices?

I’d buy one if naps are short or disrupted by noise. I’d skip it if daycare already uses a room-wide sound system, has strict no-electronics rules, or your child naps well there without it.