How to Find a Safe & Effective Sound Machine Baby Will Love

When it comes to finding ways to help your baby sleep better, you may come across various suggestions. However, as a new parent, you want to make sure that the advice you receive is both effective and safe for your little one. One such suggestion is using white noise or a sound machine for sleep. Despite its potential benefits, some caregivers may be uncertain or skeptical about using it. Here's what you need to know to make an informed decision.

WHAT IS WHITE NOISE?

White noise is defined as any sound that contains a mix of frequencies with equal intensities. In simpler terms, it is a noise that lacks any pattern and is composed of all the sounds that the human ear can hear. White noise has been known to help some adults and children, including babies, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. There are various sources of white noise available, such as white noise sound machines and apps, as well as YouTube channels dedicated solely to white noise.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START USING WHITE NOISE?

There is no age limit when it comes to using white noise to help your baby sleep better. In fact, starting early can greatly improve the quality of your baby's sleep, especially if they struggle to stay asleep for more than 30 minutes.

HOW TO DETERMINE THE END OF USING WHITE NOISE FOR YOUR CHILD?

Deciding when to stop using white noise for your baby is a personal choice, which may be made by the caregiver or the child as they get older. Some parents aim to stop using it by the time their child is 2 years old, while others continue to use it until their child is 3-4 years old and able to decide for themselves if they want it playing while they sleep. However, many older children and adults still find white noise helpful for sleep.

WHY DOES WHITE NOISE HELP CALM BABIES?

The question of whether white noise is good for babies often receives a positive answer from pediatric sleep experts. Research shows that the noise level inside the uterus is loud, similar to the sound of a lawnmower, which is why fussy babies may be soothed by the intense, low-frequency sounds associated with white noise.

White noise creates a familiar and comforting environment for babies, mimicking the sounds they heard in the womb, such as their parents' heartbeat and digestive noises. The continuous sound also helps to block out any sudden or loud noises that may stimulate or wake up the baby, and it can also serve as a sleep cue as part of a pre-sleep routine.

WHITE NOISE VERSUS PINK NOISE

White noise is often associated with static sounds from a TV or radio, or sounds from everyday devices like lawnmowers, car engines, vacuums, or hair dryers. Pink noise, on the other hand, is found in nature and has less variation in frequency. Some sound machines noise options include both white and pink noise.

White noise is better at blocking out loud or sudden noises like doors slamming or fireworks, and it resembles the sounds babies heard in the womb. Pink noise works better at masking more subtle noises or continuous sounds like people talking or the TV playing. The benefits of pink noise for babies have not yet been fully researched, but studies show that white noise may reduce fussiness and increase sleep duration.

IS WHITE NOISE SAFE FOR BABIES?

White noise is commonly used as a sleep aid for babies, but some may worry about its potential impact on baby hearing. A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2014 found that all 14 white noise machines tested exceeded hospital-recommended noise levels at maximum output. To ensure safety, the AAP recommends placing white noise machines at least 7 feet from a baby's sleep area and keeping the volume lower than 50 decibels.

While white noise has been shown to help 80% of newborns fall asleep within 5 minutes, according to a small study, the effects of white noise on older babies and its potential impact on hearing and auditory development have yet to be thoroughly researched. Additionally, relying on white noise to fall asleep may create dependency issues, particularly during travel or in daycare settings without white noise.

Here are 5 tips for using white noise to safely soothe your baby:

1. Keep the sound machine at a safe distance: Make sure to place white noise machines at least 7 feet (2 meters) away from your baby’s sleep space to prevent any potential damage to their delicate hearing.
2. Adjust the volume: Set the volume lower than the maximum to avoid exposing your baby to excessive noise levels.
3. Limited usage: Use white noise only for calming your baby and during sleep time, to reduce the risk of dependency.
4. Follow instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer's directions and safety warnings.
5. Change the type of white noise periodically to keep your baby's interest and keep the sound soothing and not monotonous.

How to choose the best sound machine for baby (and family)?

1. Ease of Control:

• Look for a sound machine with simple and intuitive controls, especially if you'll be adjusting settings in the dark or while holding your baby.
• Consider models with remote control or smartphone app compatibility for convenient adjustments without disturbing your baby.

2. Variety of Sounds:

• Choose a sound machine that offers a variety of white noise options. Babies may respond differently to various sounds, so having options can be helpful.
• Some machines offer nature sounds, lullabies, or heartbeat sounds in addition to white noise.

3. Bluetooth Connectivity:

• A white noise machine with Bluetooth capability can double as a speaker for playing calming music or stories for your baby.
• This feature allows you to use the machine beyond just providing white noise.

4. Nightlight Functionality:

• Some white noise machines come with built-in nightlights, which can be useful for late-night feedings or diaper changes without fully waking your baby.

5. Customizable Timer:

• Look for a machine with a timer function that allows you to set a specific duration for the white noise. This can be helpful for establishing sleep routines.

6. Portable and Travel-Friendly:

• Consider the portability of the white noise machine, especially if you plan to travel with your baby. A compact and lightweight design is ideal.

7. Power Options:

• Check the power options available, such as battery operation or USB power, for flexibility in different settings or during power outages.

8. Volume Control:

• Ensure that the machine has a wide range of volume control so you can adjust the sound to a comfortable level for your baby.

11. Compact Design:

• A compact design is beneficial for easy placement in the nursery without taking up too much space.

By considering these factors, you can find the best sound machine baby will love to have for sleep time, which also offers additional features to enhance the overall sleep environment.

A great place to start is our Eclipse range of Smart Soothers which plays sound machine noise and offers a large library of additional soothing sounds, as well as a built-in nightlight, Sleep Trainer function, Audio monitoring capabilities and intuitive controls, which parents can access on the machine as well as through the HubbleClub app. Discover the sound machine for sleep on the market HERE.