White noise is a constant background noise"wherein sound is emitted evenly across the spectrum of audible frequencies.

White-noise machines and white noise soothers are machines specifically designed to use sound (and often light) to create a comfortable, womb-like environment that calms babies, encourages them to stop crying, and helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

White noise aids sleep because it drowns out distracting noises. It provides a constant, unobtrusive background sound that many find more soothing and calming than complete silence. 

Many people sleep better with white noise in the background. Babies, in particular, are thought to sleep better with white noise because the sound replicates the baby's sensory experience in the womb whilst drowning out distracting background noises. Moreover, white noise is an excellent and gentle tool to help babies learn to sleep independently. It can provide a sustainable sleep association, allowing babies to connect sleep cycles without parental assistance, which means that everyone gets better sleep.

So many babies find a low hum comforting and need white noise to fall asleep. White noise machines are safe for babies' hearing, as long as you maintain an appropriate volume and distance between baby and the machine. If you keep white noise at a safe level and a safe distance from your baby’s ears, there’s nothing to worry about. 

Yes, you can keep white noise on during your child’s bedtime routine and throughout their sleep, but turn it off during the rest of the day so that your baby can be exposed to the everyday sounds that aid their development.

White noise sounds can be helpful during the difficult stages of your baby's life, especially in the first few months. Right from newborn age, white noise can be a useful tool to help babies get the quality sleep they need.