Is White Noise A Baby Sleep Miracle?
White noise machines are a popular way to help babies sleep and doctors seem to believe that they really work. But why does white noise work when promoting baby sleep? Here is what you need to know.
Why Do Sleep Machines Work?
You might think that babies love nothing more than pure quiet. When they get older, maybe, but babies are actually off-put by quiet because the womb is so loud. Inside, they can hear the heartbeat of their mother, blood pumping, people talking, and a variety of other noises. White noise helps emulate that sound to eliminate the anxiety that babies experience daily. Sudden noises breaking complete silence will startle babies and overstimulate them into crying.
What Kind Of White Noise Is Best?
Running a fan on a baby can be an effective white noise machine, but the cooling effect may be troubling to them or annoying. Static from a television or radio may work too, but if a station suddenly comes in, it may wake the baby.White noise machines are probably your best bet and they feature a wide variety of settings that can help your baby sleep. These settings may include:
- Pure static
- Aquatic animal noises
- Breathing sounds
- Heart beats
The sound of a heart beat is probably the most popular setting as it simulates the sound that babies hear in the womb. However, it's worth experimenting with a few different settings and volume levels. The age range for this particular method is typically from just after birth to about two years old. That said, some older children may appreciate white noise later into their youth, particularly if they have grown used to it.Baby sleep can be an exasperating problem for many new parents, but white noise can help both you and your baby sleep better. If you need help with a baby who is having trouble sleeping, please contact us today.
