Baby sleep sound
Hair dryer sound for babies
A loud, even roar that some babies adore. Parents have long said it settles a crying newborn. Here is how to use the sound without the risks of the appliance.
Listen to a sample: Hair Dryer
The sample loops. Keep your device volume low.
About this sound
A hair dryer makes a thick wall of mid and high sound with a motor hum underneath. It is very consistent. Because it is rich and wide, it can be more effective at covering other noise than a gentle sound.
Why parents use it
Some babies seem to respond to a stronger sound, especially during a crying spell. Parents often say the hair dryer works when softer sounds do not. A recording gives you that effect with no heat, no cord and no loud machine in the room.
Good for
- Fussy periods when a gentle sound is not enough
- Covering loud households and traffic
- Short settling sessions, then switching to something softer
Using it safely
- A real hair dryer is far louder than a safe level for a baby's room and can get hot. Use the recording instead and keep it quiet.
- Strong sounds are best for settling, not for the whole night. Once your baby is calm, lower the volume or move to a gentler sound.
- Read how loud is too loud before choosing a volume.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use a real hair dryer near a baby?
No. Real hair dryers get hot, are loud and have cords. Use a recording at a low volume instead.
Why does a hair dryer sound work?
Its sound is loud, wide and unchanging. It may feel similar to the constant noise inside the womb, though there is no single proven explanation.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about your baby's sleep and hearing, and follow current safe sleep guidance.