White noise for baby naps

Why naps are harder than nights

Daytime is bright, loud and busy. Babies also have less of the sleep pressure that builds up by evening, and their naps are shorter, so a single noise can end one. A steady background sound reduces the effect of everything else.

Using the same sound

Choose one sound and use it for every nap and bedtime. The consistency becomes a cue: when the sound starts, sleep follows. Good daytime choices are white noise, fan, rain and brown noise.

Timer or not?

Because naps are short, a timer of 30 to 60 minutes covers most of them. The Baby White Noise sleep timer fades the sound out gently. If your baby tends to wake right after the sound stops, pick a longer timer.

Setting up

• Darken the room. Light is a signal to stay awake.
• Start the sound a minute or two before laying your baby down.
• Place the device across the room, not in the crib.
• Keep the volume quiet. See how loud is safe.

Away from home

A phone makes white noise portable. Use it for naps at grandparents' houses, at daycare (ask first) or in the stroller on a quiet walk. See white noise for travel. For safety, a baby should sleep flat on a firm surface; a car seat is for the car.

When naps still fail

Short naps can be caused by overtiredness, hunger, or a schedule that does not fit your baby. Sound helps with noise, but it does not set the schedule. See white noise and sleep regressions.