Sound Advice: The power of using white noise to soothe your baby to sleep
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There is a lot of buzz about using sound machines these days! Does it live up to the hype when it comes to promoting better sleep for your baby?
Using white noise (or any other “color” sound) for baby sleep can have several benefits, including:
Soothing effect: White noise can have a calming effect on babies, mimicking the familiar sounds they heard in the womb, such as the mother's heartbeat and the sound of blood rushing through her veins.
Improved sleep quality: The soothing sound of white noise can help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It can also help drown out external noises that may disturb their sleep.
Sleep associations: Over time, babies can learn to associate the sound of white noise with sleep, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep on their own.
Reduced stress and anxiety: White noise can help reduce stress and anxiety in babies by creating a comforting and familiar environment.
It is important to note that while white noise can be helpful in promoting sleep, it should be used appropriately and safely. It is recommended to use a white noise machine that is specifically designed for infants and to place it at a safe distance from the baby's crib. Additionally, parents should not rely solely on white noise to soothe their baby to sleep and should ensure that their baby is safe and comfortable in all other aspects of their sleep environment.
There are many other types of noise available these days; pink and brown noise are two other common options, and some machines come with other built-in sounds such as crashing waves or gentle rain. These are great too! Both babies and adults can reap these benefits to improve their sleep. Additionally, there are several options for incorporating white noise into your routine: you can purchase a standalone noise machine, you can purchase a combination white noise / night light, or you can download white noise mobile apps on your phone or tablet. There are also portable white noise machines available that can be clipped onto strollers or car seats what you and baby are on the go. Our favorite sound machine, the Hatch Baby Rest, has been the MVP for promoting great sleep for all 4 of my kids. We use this portable sound machine to clip to my baby’s stroller while we’re out and about.
Here at Mom’s First Steps, we highly recommend incorporating a sound machine into your baby’s sleep routine and environment to help promote great sleep. In addition to its soothing qualities, it can be a positive sleep association that cues your baby that it’s time to fall asleep. If your little one is struggling with falling or staying asleep, or if you’re looking to further optimize their sleep environment, consider adding white noise for your baby’s nap and nighttime sleep.
If you’re looking for more information on how to promote great sleep for your baby without sleep training, be sure to check out our eBook, “Sleep Shaping For Newborns”, which is a practical guide to gently creating healthy sleep patterns and habits that will lead to better sleep starting from day 1.