In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Sometimes, your baby will struggle to fall asleep or sleep soundly. Often, snuggles and soothing from mom or dad are not enough; that's where a sound machine can be a huge help — so everyone can get some much-needed rest.
Since 2020, we've tested over 15 infant sound machines, including the 10 in this review. Every device we purchase goes through real-world testing with babies and kids, making sure it helps children fall asleep and stay asleep. We also consider how easy they are for tired parents to use and whether the design is kid-friendly. Our goal? To help make your bedtime routine easier and more restful.
The most impressive sound machine for babies is the Dreamegg Lite D11 Max. This sleek, affordable device is packed full of pleasant, relaxing sounds for all ages. Plus, it's portable, creating a familiar, comforting sleep environment wherever you go.
If you need a device that also doubles as a nightlight, the adorable VTech Myla the Monkey is an incredible value. This kid-approved and travel-friendly monkey does just enough to keep little ones calm without overwhelming them (or you) with too many bells and whistles.
If you are expecting a new baby, setting up your soothing nursery might also include choosing a bassinet, crib, or night light.
Sound-packed, travel-ready, and baby-approved, the Dreamegg Lite D11 Max is an affordable sleep sidekick with serious charm. With 21 sound options — like white noises, a heartbeat, and a shush we found more soothing than the official Baby Shusher — it's easy to find the perfect calming track for your little one's ever-changing needs (even if we didn't love them all). It also has a timer, memory, and child lock to keep things hassle-free, especially when you're on the move. One tester raved, “I love how portable this sound machine is! It fits in my diaper bag and easily attaches to my baby's stroller or car seat.”
The drawbacks? It's loud at max volume and doesn't include a power adapter, meaning you'll have to hunt down your own USB plug to recharge. One tester noted, “I'm concerned that at one foot away, it hit 90 decibels — that's like subway loud!” The good news is that at low to mid volume, it stays well within the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP's) 50-decibel recommendation, about the level of a quiet conversation. If you prefer something quieter, consider the MyBaby SoundSpa On-the-Go, though it has fewer sound options, runs on pesky AAA batteries, and lacks the Dreamegg's posh styling. Overall, we think the Dreamegg is the perfect sound machine for most families,
Here, you can hear a small sampling of the Dreamegg's sound for yourself; just be sure to unmute the audio in the clip above.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Is your sound machine too loud?
Studies show that sound machines played at 55-70 decibels (no louder than a vacuum) can reduce crying and help babies fall asleep faster. Sounds great, right?
The problem is little ears are extra sensitive to sound, so the AAP recommends keeping the volume closer to 50 decibels to avoid hearing damage. This can be achieved by placing the machine on the opposite side of the room, setting it to play at a low volume, and using a timer to limit exposure.
Pediatrician Harvey Karp thinks 50 decibels isn't quite loud enough. Still, both he and the AAP agree: never exceed 85 decibels (like a food blender), which can damage adults' ears over long durations. To double-check the volume, try the free NIOSH app.
The VTech Myla the Monkey is an adorable, versatile companion that won't break the bank. This portable noise machine has a timer and a variety of nature sounds, white noise, and slow-tempo lullabies, so you're not stuck listening to the same boring track. The two-level amber nightlight is sleep-friendly, and the Monkey's two attachment options make it easy to use anywhere. Its sweet face and glowing cheeks captivated our tiny testers. As one parent put it, “My baby loved it — and honestly, so did I.” It's also rechargeable, saving you the added expense of replacement batteries.
The bummer is that the sound is slightly grainy, there's no memory function, and recharging is a hassle. One tester noted, “I was disappointed by the poor quality heartbeat and vacuum sounds — but the white noise and lullabies were pleasant.” We also wished it had a memory so we didn't have to cycle through the sounds every time we turned it on. Lastly, it lacks a wall plug, and the 9-inch micro-USB cord is too short to use in most settings. You can use your own adapter and cord or consider the Dreamegg Lite D11 Max for better ease of use and sound, though it doesn't have a nightlight or the VTech's cuteness factor.
The Myla the Monkey's lullabies are pleasant when played at a soft volume. We also love the adorable glow-in-the-dark cheeks, though we wish they stayed on longer than 15 minutes.
No sound machine impressed us more than the Hatch Rest 2nd Gen. This sleek sleep trainer does it all — nightlight, soothing sounds, and alarm clock — and grows with your baby through toddlerhood and beyond. One tester gushed, “I love the time-to-rise feature. It helps keep my little one in bed, giving me a few extra minutes of peace in the morning.” This smart device is controlled via the Hatch app, which offers 40+ free sounds (like white noises, water sounds, and even a few sleep stories). You can also create a hands-free automated bedtime routine or a tap-and-go playlist your child can cycle through directly on the device.
The app is difficult to navigate, though, and it's pricey, especially if you want to unlock the 60+ subscription-based sounds. One reviewer complained, “I wasted 15 minutes just connecting to my Wi-Fi and even longer trying to understand the app. It's not intuitive at all.” While the subscription makes things easier with suggested routines, we don't think it's necessary unless you want guided meditations, musical instrumentals, and recorded messages from loved ones. If you're not tech-savvy and find the price tag too steep, try the budget-friendly VTech Myla the Monkey. It's packed with features but lacks the advanced scheduling and customization that Hatch fans love.
We love the Hatch's variety of sounds and features, but they clutter the app, making it difficult to use. We also don't like the constant upgrade ads - anything marked with an “H” or a star costs extra.
The Fisher-Price Soothe 'n Snuggle Otter won us over with its calming magic — perfect for wrangling wild bedtime energy. This night-time hero has a gentle breathing motion, soft amber glow, and 12 soothing sounds to help your little one unwind. One tester praised, “My two- and five-year-old were obsessed! They cuddled up, quieted down, and tucked themselves in. I was impressed!” If your little one is too young to sleep with a stuffed toy, the otter can quietly comfort from outside the crib, while its satin ears and felt paws offer gentle tactile exploration. Plus, the machine-washable cover makes cleanups a breeze.
However, it's not super easy to use and is glitchy, which was a letdown given the price. One parent shared, “The buttons are hidden under Velcro — great for keeping little hands out, but annoying when I wanted to change the settings. The controls aren't always responsive, either.” Still, it remembers your last settings and has a big on/off switch that toddlers can manage easily. It's technically portable, but it's bulky and runs on four AA batteries. The Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Owl is an easier-to-use, plug-in alternative that our tiny testers loved, but the sounds were grainy, and the light projection stirred more chaos than calm. Then Otter is a winner for encouraging calm and sleepytime routines, and for that, it is a winner in our book.
This bedtime hero's gentle sounds and a slow-breathing glow calmed our tiny testers. A heads up, though - the audio (particularly the heartbeat) may not be loud enough to dull ambient noise, and it turns off after 30 minutes.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Hatch Rest 2nd Gen
Dreamegg Lite D11 Max
Yogasleep Dohm
VTech Myla the Monkey
Fisher-Price Soothe 'n Snuggle Otter
MyBaby SoundSpa On-the-Go
Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Owl
Cloud b Frankie the Fox
HoMedics SoundSpa
Shusher
Awards
Best Sound Machine for Premium Features
Best Overall Baby Sound Machine
Best Value Sound Machine
Best Kid-Friendly Design
Number of Sounds
40+
21
1
10
12
4
8
8
6
1
Measured Maximum Decibels at 7 ft
65
75
62
59
48
55
60
57
77
84
Timer
Fully customizable
30, 60, 90 min, or overnight
None
60 min or overnight
30 min
15, 30, 45 min, or overnight
15, 30, 60 min, or overnight
23 or 45 min
15, 30, 60 min, or overnight
15 or 30 min
Portable
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Night Light
Dimmable light in any color
None
None
Dimmable soft amber light
Soft pulsating amber light
None
Dimmable white light
None
None
None
Power Type
Plug-in (included)
Rechargeable battery (adapter not included)
Plug-in (included)
Rechargeable battery (adapter not included)
4 AA batteries (included)
3 AAA (not included)
Plug-in (adapter not included)
2 AA batteries (included)
Plug-in (included) or 4 AA batteries (not included)
Kid-friendly plush toy, belly moves to mimic breathing, machine washable and dryable exterior
Plastic loop
Owl design, pivoting projector
Velcro hook, kid-friendly plush toy, hand wash & air dry
None
String loop
No freebies here - we buy and test everything in real homes for honest results.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
How We Test Sound Machines for Babies
We investigated dozens of potential noise makers before purchasing the final 10 products to test. We considered those specifically designed for little ones and others suitable for all family members. We used each product for multiple nights and assessed every feature, from the variety of sounds to timers to nightlights, if they were offered. We also used the NIOSH app to check that the sound level met AAP recommendations and recorded how well babies relaxed and parents managed each device.
Our tests are divided into four rating metrics:
Sound Quality(40% of total score weighting)
Ease of Use(25% weighting)
Extra Features(20% weighting)
Build Quality(15% weighting)
We test how loud each device gets, whether positioned at the crib rail (30 centimeters/one foot) or across the room (200 centimeters/seven feet).
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Why Trust GearLab
Since 2013, BabyGearLab has been testing baby gear and kids' products. Senior Review Editor, Wendy Schmitz, mother of two, led the sound machine team with a long history of using fans and other white noise generators for blissful sleep. She was joined by Review Editor Lissette Velasquez, who has a keen sensitivity to harsh or irritating sounds and plenty of real-world experience using sound machines to soothe her babies. Together — with help from their four children — they used each product in this review to help you find the right fit for your family's needs and budget.
We check the little things too - from button and battery access to the real value of extra features.
Analysis and Test Results
We purchased and used the most popular sound machines on the market, from truly baby-centric products to those with a more generalized purpose. Below, we dive into the details you need to find the device that best meets your needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Kids are already expensive, so no one wants to waste money on a sound machine with poor-quality audio or flimsy construction. The kid-friendly VTech Myla the Monkey offers excellent value with a nightlight, a variety of mostly pleasant sounds, and a durable, portable design perfect for on-the-go use. If you are willing to skip the nightlight in exchange for more soothing tracks and sleeker modern styling, the Dreamegg Lite D11 Max is another fantastic pick.
Your child's sound machine should be placed as far away from the crib as possible, ideally next to the door, to protect your baby's sensitive ears and dull external noise.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Sound Quality
Audio quality isn't just about pleasant tones — it's about creating a calming, consistent environment that helps everyone sleep better. Excessively loud or harsh tinny sounds can be irritating, especially for sensitive baby ears. That's why we consider the maximum volume output, in addition to factors like how natural and soothing the sound is. We also check if a timer is available to help avoid overstimulation. Whether you're trying to hush a fussy newborn, lull a toddler to sleep, or get a few precious minutes of rest yourself, sound quality can make a big difference.
The Hatch Rest 2nd Gen impressed us the most, boasting 40+ pleasant sound options, a wide volume range that never exceeded 65 decibels (when seven feet away), and a fully customizable timer that makes it easy to limit noise exposure. Like most sound machines, some lullabies are a bit too tinny, especially at louder volumes, but there's a wide mix of white noises, water sounds, and nature sounds to suit most preferences across all ages. For white noise purists, the Yogasleep Dohm's relaxing, mechanical fan sound trumps every other digital machine in our review, though it doesn't have a timer or much variety.
If all you need is white noise without all the extra fluff, the Yogasleep Dohm is outstanding.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The Baby Shusher earned the lowest score, with a grating, grainy “shush” that felt more headache-inducing than calming. The manual says to use it within two feet, but it blasted 66-99 decibels at one foot away — well above the AAP's 50-decibel recommended sound level. While many parents swear by it for soothing newborns, we preferred the Dreamegg's softer, more natural, and soothing “shush.” It also has more variety, allowing it to last well past the infant stage, though it's best to listen to at low to mid-volume given its 32-90 decibel range at a one-foot distance.
The Dreamegg's “shush” sounded like it was coming from a patient, calming grandmother, whereas the Baby Shusher's sounded more like a worn-out parent firmly telling the baby, "Please stop crying!"
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The Cloud b Frankie the Fox and Skip Hop Owl had a considerable grainy quality across the entire library of songs that was unpleasant to the ears. The Fox's whale sound was jarring to both adults and kids, with one tiny tester proclaiming, “I definitely can't sleep with these scary sounds!” Their redeeming qualities are that they both stay below 65-66 decibels when used at close range (one foot) and have a minimum of two timer options.
Some of the Cloud b's sounds were far from enchanting.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Ease of Use
When you're running low on sleep and juggling bedtime routines, the last thing you need is a confusing sound machine. Therefore, we rated how simple each device is to operate — because no one wants to fumble through endless buttons or confusing apps when your baby's on the brink of a meltdown. We also considered practical features, such as whether a power adapter or batteries are included.
The plug-in style Yogasleep Dohm was the easiest to use. Simply flip the power switch to select a low or high fan speed, then twist the collar and top to find you're perfect volume and pitch. This can all be done one-handed and even our tiny testers found the design intuitive.
The Baby Shusher is so easy to use, a two-year-old can do it! But, given its excruciatingly loud sound, we were reluctant to leave it in our kids' hands for too long.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The battery-powered Baby Shusher was another top scorer, featuring two twisting parts, one that gives you the timer and the other the volume. However, it requires two hands to operate, which makes it more difficult to use if you have a screaming baby in one hand. The simplicity of the Dohm and Shusher also translates to limited features, with only one sound.
The MyBaby SoundSpa has one sound per button, making it incredibly easy to select your desired option. We just wish the batteries were included.
The hardest products to use are those with very few buttons that you repeatedly press to switch between sounds. For example, the Fisher-Price Otter only has two buttons for all 12 sounds. Moreover, the sound turns off between each press, meaning you must press down 16 times to cycle through all 8 lullabies! Luckily, the Otter remembers your last used setting, so you're not stuck cycling through sounds every time you turn it on. The Hatch Rest's app didn't win us over either, with a confusing layout and too many upgrade nags.
Many devices like the Skip Hop Owl, Dreamegg Lite, and VTech Monkey lack a wall plug. It feels like an unfinished product, and we wish manufacturers included everything needed to make the setup easy.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Extra Features
Everyone wants different features depending on their goals for using a sound machine. A night light to illuminate the darkness can help you see better during nighttime feedings or diaper changes and can ease a toddler's fears. A portable design ensures that soothing sounds are always within reach, whether at home or on the go. Or, maybe, you prefer a cute and cuddly device to enchant your child. While the primary goal of a sound machine is to help create a peaceful environment conducive to sleep, that doesn't mean you need to settle for a dull white noise maker with no bells and whistles.
Extra Feature
Product
Lights
Portability
Kid-centric
VTech Myla the Monkey
9.0
9.0
7.0
Soothe \'n Snuggle Otter
9.0
6.0
9.0
Hatch Rest 2nd Gen
10.0
2.0
8.0
Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies
7.0
2.0
9.0
Cloud b
2.0
7.0
8.0
Dreamegg Sleep Lite
4.0
9.0
4.0
SoundSpa On-the-Go
2.0
8.0
4.0
Baby Shusher
2.0
6.0
1.0
HoMedics SoundSpa
2.0
5.0
2.0
Yogasleep Dohm
2.0
2.0
5.0
The VTech Myla the Monkey and Fisher-Price Soothe 'n Snuggle Otter are fan favorites for their boisterous feature sets. They both boast an amber-hued nightlight, ideal for sleep, a portable design you can use anywhere, and an adorable animal styling our tiny testers were drawn to. It's important to note, though, that the Otter's and Monkey's nightlights only stay on for 15 minutes.
This cute little monkey captivated both kids and parents alike.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
If you prefer a nightlight that can stay on throughout the night, the Hatch Rest is our favorite, with dimmable options in any color of the rainbow, even without a subscription. It also doubles as a clock, taking up less space on your nightstand, changing table, or shelf. Kids love the nightlight and sound options, and a convenient in-app toddler lock prevents tiny hands from adjusting the settings. The only drawback is it's not portable, so you'll have to find another sound companion for travel.
The Hatch Rest lets you choose from nine colors, a rainbow mode, or create your own with the dropper tool - all included for free.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Our tiny testers also loved the Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Owl, primarily for its ceiling projector with stars. In addition to the projector, the Owl's belly lights up, and the lights can be set to stay on from 15 minutes to overnight. However, as much as our testers loved it, the projection didn't have the calming effect we were hoping for, and the cool-hued nightlight wasn't ideal for sleep.
The Skip Hop Owl's star projection was so captivating that our little ones needed a closer look, even climbing the bookshelf to reach it. It's a charming feature, but we didn't feel safe leaving it in the room unattended.
Our favorite portable sound machines are the Dreamegg Lite and Vtech Monkey, thanks to their small size, rechargeable battery, and two attachment options that fit on every surface we tried. While the Fisher-Price Otter and HoMedics SoundSpa are powered by four AA batteries and technically portable, they are bulky and may feel too large for some away-from-home excursions. They also lack any attachment options, so your little one (or mostly you) will be stuck carrying the Otter around.
Velcro, loops, and hooks make it easy to bring your sound machine along for the ride - whether it's a stroll through the neighborhood or a weekend getaway.
Build Quality
Build quality is more than just a matter of durability — it's about peace of mind and long-term value. That's why we inspect how securely battery compartments stay closed, whether buttons and knobs feel like they might pop off, and if the construction feels robust or worryingly fragile.
According to Amazon reviews, no sound machine was unscathed from reports of it stopping to work within a few weeks or months, but a few stood out for feeling solid and reliably made right out of the box. The Dreamegg Lite D11 Max has a thick, durable, and modern plastic casing with virtually no flex. The rechargeable battery is hidden within the interior, and the silicone buttons are inset, protecting them from curious fingers and falls. Even after being furiously bashed around on a hard table by an angry toddler, the Dreamegg showed no signs of abuse, though the flexible plastic attachment ring may break under pressure.
The Dreamegg's modern and sleek styling is a nice upgrade from the “babyish” aesthetic of typical nursery gear.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The Hatch Rest was another top scorer, with a thick plastic casing, rounded edges to protect it from falls, and inset silicone buttons. However, it requires Wi-Fi, so it may intermittently stop working if you have an unreliable internet connection. Some long-term users also report having to do a factory reset to fix technical bugs, which can be a pain.
We have our doubts about the long-term durability of Frankie the Fox. The fabric also pulled out in clumps, which could be ingested by your baby.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
The HoMedics SoundSpa and Cloud b Frankie the Fox received the lowest scores. The cuddly Fox is designed for kids, but the thin plastic buttons and knob stick out from the back, putting them at risk of being broken by enthusiastic child play. In addition, the fluffy material is easily pulled out, sometimes in clumps, which could get into a baby's mouth and airways. On the plus side, the batteries were safely locked away with a screw, something that couldn't be said for the SoundSpa. We easily opened the SoundSpa's battery compartment with our fingertips, and it had sharp edges that scratched our skin. Moreover, the wobbly controls and thin, hollow plastic feel cheaply made.
The Yogasleep Dohm looks and feels solidly built, but the power switch sometimes sparks, which concerns us about the fire risk. The manufacturer assured us that the machine is safe to use; still, they offer free replacements to ease concerns.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
How to Pick the Best Sound Machine
Sound machines can be useful tools for soothing or entertaining little ones. Finding one that meets your needs and budget doesn't have to be a guessing game. Asking yourself a few questions about your goals can help you decide.
Why do you need one?
Asking yourself why you want a sound machine and what you hope it will accomplish is job one. Some parents want something to drown out ambient noises, while others want something to help calm or induce sleep. What your ultimate goals are will drive which options you are most attracted to. Some options are straightforward, with sounds that vary between white noise and waves and soft nature sounds. In comparison, others are more baby-centric and include lullabies and shushing sounds designed to mimic womb-like noise.
Heartbeat sounds are common in baby machines, but they can vary a lot between devices. MyBaby sounds like a clock, Hatch sounds more natural, and Dreamegg sounds like a Doppler mixed with white noise.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Other Features
If you want additional features over a simple noise maker, then this is the time to consider it. If your goal is more of a multi-purpose tool, then a baby-centric product might be more what you desire. Some of the options include nightlights and portability with rechargeable or changeable batteries for away-from-home use.
A familiar sound machine can calm your child and help them fall asleep faster, even in new places - making bedtime easier for you, too.
Credit: Lissette Velasquez
Conclusion
Selecting the best sound machine for your goals can be more challenging than you think, depending on your requirements. Should you choose one with nature sounds or lullabies? Both? Are the sounds natural? Does it include timers, or will it run all night for uninterrupted sleep? Luckily, we purchased and tested each option for you in this review. We believe there is a machine in this group for everyone in your family. Whether you are considering a portable device with an adorable monkey face or want nature sounds and a nightlight, there is something for everyone in this lineup.
Meet Your Review Team
Wendy Schmitz Senior Review Editor Wendy is a mother of two who has been a leading member of BabyGearLab's Review team since 2014. She brings a combination of skills and talent to the team that translates into well written, thought-provoking, easy to understand reviews that provide the parents with the information necessary to make a well-informed decision regarding products for their children, as well as, entertain and encourage readers to read more articles on the site. Wendy has a BA in Biology and brings a scientific and... read more
Lissette Velasquez Review Editor Lissette is a mother of two small children who navigates early parenthood with grace and style. She has more than 10 years of experience in science-based research, an MS from Yale, and many academic publications to her credit. These accomplishments help her bring a thoughtful and science-based assessment to her testing and reviews at GearLab. And her experience as a new mother contributes to her critical view of baby products and empathy for new parents. She is an enthusiastic DIYer, and... read more
