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We had a similar challenge. For a while, we were downloading white noise onto our iPod and playing it through speakers into the crib. Then we realized that setting the radio to soft random static worked even better. We've been doing it for more than two years. If we forget to turn it one some nights, our son asks for the "night noise."

I have used a few Homedics brand noise machines. The ones I recommend are the SoundSpa Classic which also is a clock radio with alarm, and the Soundspa lullaby which has standard white noise sounds and 3 lullabies. It also has a projection feature which shows moving images of fish, stars or animals. I found my son would calm to the images and lullabies then I could change to standard white noise (usually rain). There is volume control on their machines as well. I found ours at Target. They run about $30.

I have that Conair one and I don't like it. All the noises are too artificial and too loud. I find it difficult to go to sleep with it--I prefer the sound of a fan or AC unit. I've yet to find one that I like better though, but I will need one when the baby arrives in a few months, so I'm eager to hear recommendations.

I bought a $3.99 download of an hour of fan noise and burned it to a CD, which runs on repeat in a little boombox in the nursery. I like it much better than the white noise machine we started with, and it is one less piece of equipment in there.

we've been happy with the Marpac, although it is pricier. it's traveled well, even internationally, and works great. quite adjustable - it has worked for us in hotels, other peoples' homes where there aren't so sensitive during nap time, during lawn-mowing, tree-trimming, etc.

We use white noise machines in our kids' rooms. They definitely block out household and outside noise and let them sleep. We just got the cheapo Homedics ones at Target, they were something like $20 and work fine.

I've used white noise since my daughter was an infant, she's 2 1/2 and I still use use it. I used to play lullabies on repeat all night until I broke the CD player. Then my mother-in-law gave me a pricey Brookstone white noise machine she had. Since then I found one on a girlfriends Babies r us registry for only $20!! Of course I bought it for her, she loves it and takes it with her when she travels. Its called a Sound Sleeper by Dex Baby Products.

I use the air purifier as a noise machine

We use the Marpac one, and have used the Conair, as well as a HEPA air filter. The HEPA filter is best, since it's pretty loud and has a very natural static-y sound, Marpac is second (not quite as loud, very small, makes a nice sound that is perfect for blotting out noise), and Conair is a distant third (although my five year old loves the crickets in the 'summer night' setting).
good luck!

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My husband and I did a lot of research on noise machines because of noisy neighbors, and settled on the Marpac. We've had it for about 6 months now. We love it!! It drowns out tv noise and loud stomping from upstairs.

Car alarms, honking, and even people's voices keep my husband and ME up many nights.

I've been using the Marpac for past 5 yrs. It's terrific at blocking out traffic and neighbor noise. The only downside is that once you get used to sleeping to its sound it's kinda hard to sleep w/o it. I found mine on Ebay for about $35.

Same as Julianna, the air purifier works like a charm. Ours is just a small Bionaire model.

Forgot to add, for really loud noises, i.e. neighbors throwing parties, blasting their car radios, or those blasted beeping sounds that the MTA buses make, the Marpac plus Hearos foam earplugs usually do the trick. These two items have saved my sanity many, many times over.

I would not recommend the sharper image ones unless you are looking for a soft night light with your white noise. I tried one and the display has a relatively bright blue glow that kept me awake.

$15 box fan. has worked like a charm since our daughter was 4 weeks old :)

Our son sleeps next to a noisy HEPA filter. Blocks out city and parental noice and cleans up the gross city air.

I have the DEX one - I love it for myself - combining the brook and birds chirping, or the waves and seagulls....makes me feel like I'm on holiday in the countryside or beach - so relaxing...

And now for the twins...I find they wake up less in the night when I place the DEX near the bedroom door, to block out outside noise - it was pretty cheap too - under $30 at buy buy baby, and runs on batteries, so you can put it anywhere...

Oh - and the DEX doesn't hurt my ears...for some reason the static white noise sound really is painful for me!

We live on a hill with a large San Francisco valley between us and Sutro Tower and other hills, and the acoustics are GREAT. To drown out unwanted noise, a simple air purifier works for us. On the lowest setting. It works great, and it allows us to sleep in peace. Inside the house sound is a huge traveler, and the air purifier allows us to watch TV after our kiddo is asleep. :)

I also have to weigh in on the Homedics cheapy version. It's probably one of our best purchases -- we even travel with it, because you never know what noises you'll encounter at another home or hotel.

It's held up really well, and was less than $20 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Has MANY options -- our guy loves the rainfall sound!