What is White Noise and Does it Work?

What is White Noise and Does it Work?

Baby's Health

Having a newborn baby can be difficult for the whole family when it comes to getting some sleep. Perhaps your baby won’t stop crying, sleeps at the wrong time, or falls asleep but won’t stay asleep. Sounds familiar? Luckily there are several methods you can try to help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep. One of these is the use of white noise which we will discuss in further detail below.

But first, what exactly is white noise?

White noise refers to a sound that includes all frequencies heard by the human ear. This equal blend of sounds creates a humming sound or a ‘shhh’ sound. Examples of white noise include:

  • a hairdryer,
  • a whirring fan,
  • television or radio static,
  • and a humming air conditioner.

White noise can cover up more aggressive sounds, such as beeping car horns.

And how can this help your baby sleep?

Because white noise covers up the sound of other noises, this can help your baby drift off easier. White noise also creates a comfortable and relaxing environment for your baby, similar to the womb. And, as your little ones drift in and out of deep and light sleep every twenty minutes or so, white noise can help them stay asleep. In periods of light sleep, your baby is easier to rouse, meaning the faintest noise can wake them. With white noise drowning out other environmental sounds, your baby can peacefully fall back into a deep sleep.

A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that out of forty newborns, 80% fell asleep after hearing five minutes of white noise. What’s more, there are even special white noise machines you can buy, specifically created to help babies sleep. Sounds great? But as with all to do with your little one, you should consider the pros and cons before moving forward.

What are the pros of white noise?

1. Helps your baby fall asleep

White noise can help your baby fall asleep faster by creating a relaxing environment for them to drift off. Some babies even become accustomed to non-stop noise in some shape or form, meaning complete silence can be a little unnerving. The gentle hum of white noise can help calm your baby in preparation for sleep.

2. Masks other sounds and help your baby to stay asleep

If you live on a busy street or have other children, it can be difficult for your baby to stay asleep, especially during nap time. White noise can drown out other household noises, meaning your little one can stay asleep for longer.

3. Comforts your baby

Some white noise machines have special features such as heartbeats and other sounds your baby would have heard in the womb. They essentially create a womb-like environment that will calm your crying baby and help them drift off.

And what about the cons?

Of course, there are never pros without cons.

1. Some white noise machines can cause damage

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many white noise machines for babies exceeded the recommended noise limit for babies, which is 50 decibels. Anything above this can cause damage to your baby’s ears. So, before purchasing a white noise machine, do your research and make sure it’s safe for your little one.

2. Your baby could become reliant on white noise

If your baby responds well to white noise, this is wonderful news! But be aware that your baby could become reliant on white noise to fall asleep. This could cause problems if they were suddenly in a situation where white noise isn’t available. Not to mention, it could be problematic down the line when you want to wean them off the white noise.

3. Your baby might not like white noise

Of course, no two babies are the same. While some babies respond well to white noise, others may simply not. Trial out white noise for a while. If your little one doesn’t like it, it’s okay to try something else instead.

How to use a white noise machine?

You can find an array of white noise machines online. But if you’re on a budget, you can recreate one at home using a fan or television static. If you do choose to buy one, the most important thing to do first is your research. Remember, you want a machine that doesn’t exceed 50 decibels.

Once you’ve bought one, you’re probably wondering how to use it. Well, pediatricians recommend placing the machine at least 200cm away from your baby’s crib. Try to avoid using the maximum volume of the machine. And, once your baby is asleep, you can turn down the volume a little.

To prevent your little one from becoming dependent on white noise, avoid using it every night. Instead, alternate white noise with other methods such as aromatherapy and baby massage.

One last thing…

We’ve got an awesome alternative for white noise, and that is BABY SLEEP from Beginning.com. Our experts have created a series of relaxing audio sessions featuring white noise, soothing music, and authentic nature sounds. These beautiful soundscapes will help your baby fall asleep AND stay asleep throughout the night. And the best thing? It’s completely natural! Access Baby Sleep to:

  • Create a stress-free environment for your baby
  • Nurture healthy growth and development
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Set up a consistent sleep schedule
  • Develop your little one’s imagination

Getting your baby into a regular sleep routine can be tricky, but here at Beginning.com, we’re here to help. For more tips and information, check out our Baby’s Health library catalog.

What is White Noise and Does it Work?

What is White Noise and Does it Work?

Better Sleep

Having a newborn baby can be difficult for the whole family when it comes to getting some sleep. Perhaps your baby won’t stop crying, sleeps at the wrong time, or falls asleep but won’t stay asleep. Sounds familiar? Luckily there are several methods you can try to help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep. One of these is the use of white noise which we will discuss in further detail below.

But first, what exactly is white noise?

White noise refers to a sound that includes all frequencies heard by the human ear. This equal blend of sounds creates a humming sound or a ‘shhh’ sound. Examples of white noise include:

  • a hairdryer,
  • a whirring fan,
  • television or radio static,
  • and a humming air conditioner.

White noise can cover up more aggressive sounds, such as beeping car horns.

And how can this help your baby sleep?

Because white noise covers up the sound of other noises, this can help your baby drift off easier. White noise also creates a comfortable and relaxing environment for your baby, similar to the womb. And, as your little ones drift in and out of deep and light sleep every twenty minutes or so, white noise can help them stay asleep. In periods of light sleep, your baby is easier to rouse, meaning the faintest noise can wake them. With white noise drowning out other environmental sounds, your baby can peacefully fall back into a deep sleep.

A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that out of forty newborns, 80% fell asleep after hearing five minutes of white noise. What’s more, there are even special white noise machines you can buy, specifically created to help babies sleep. Sounds great? But as with all to do with your little one, you should consider the pros and cons before moving forward.

What are the pros of white noise?

1. Helps your baby fall asleep

White noise can help your baby fall asleep faster by creating a relaxing environment for them to drift off. Some babies even become accustomed to non-stop noise in some shape or form, meaning complete silence can be a little unnerving. The gentle hum of white noise can help calm your baby in preparation for sleep.

2. Masks other sounds and help your baby to stay asleep

If you live on a busy street or have other children, it can be difficult for your baby to stay asleep, especially during nap time. White noise can drown out other household noises, meaning your little one can stay asleep for longer.

3. Comforts your baby

Some white noise machines have special features such as heartbeats and other sounds your baby would have heard in the womb. They essentially create a womb-like environment that will calm your crying baby and help them drift off.

And what about the cons?

Of course, there are never pros without cons.

1. Some white noise machines can cause damage

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many white noise machines for babies exceeded the recommended noise limit for babies, which is 50 decibels. Anything above this can cause damage to your baby’s ears. So, before purchasing a white noise machine, do your research and make sure it’s safe for your little one.

2. Your baby could become reliant on white noise

If your baby responds well to white noise, this is wonderful news! But be aware that your baby could become reliant on white noise to fall asleep. This could cause problems if they were suddenly in a situation where white noise isn’t available. Not to mention, it could be problematic down the line when you want to wean them off the white noise.

3. Your baby might not like white noise

Of course, no two babies are the same. While some babies respond well to white noise, others may simply not. Trial out white noise for a while. If your little one doesn’t like it, it’s okay to try something else instead.

How to use a white noise machine?

You can find an array of white noise machines online. But if you’re on a budget, you can recreate one at home using a fan or television static. If you do choose to buy one, the most important thing to do first is your research. Remember, you want a machine that doesn’t exceed 50 decibels.

Once you’ve bought one, you’re probably wondering how to use it. Well, pediatricians recommend placing the machine at least 200cm away from your baby’s crib. Try to avoid using the maximum volume of the machine. And, once your baby is asleep, you can turn down the volume a little.

To prevent your little one from becoming dependent on white noise, avoid using it every night. Instead, alternate white noise with other methods such as aromatherapy and baby massage.

One last thing…

We’ve got an awesome alternative for white noise, and that is BABY SLEEP from Beginning.com. Our experts have created a series of relaxing audio sessions featuring white noise, soothing music, and authentic nature sounds. These beautiful soundscapes will help your baby fall asleep AND stay asleep throughout the night. And the best thing? It’s completely natural! Access Baby Sleep to:

  • Create a stress-free environment for your baby
  • Nurture healthy growth and development
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Set up a consistent sleep schedule
  • Develop your little one’s imagination

Getting your baby into a regular sleep routine can be tricky, but here at Beginning.com, we’re here to help. For more tips and information, check out our Baby’s Health library catalog.

What is White Noise and Does it Work?

What is White Noise and Does it Work?

Post Pregnancy

Having a newborn baby can be difficult for the whole family when it comes to getting some sleep. Perhaps your baby won’t stop crying, sleeps at the wrong time, or falls asleep but won’t stay asleep. Sounds familiar? Luckily there are several methods you can try to help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep. One of these is the use of white noise which we will discuss in further detail below.

But first, what exactly is white noise?

White noise refers to a sound that includes all frequencies heard by the human ear. This equal blend of sounds creates a humming sound or a ‘shhh’ sound. Examples of white noise include:

  • a hairdryer,
  • a whirring fan,
  • television or radio static,
  • and a humming air conditioner.

White noise can cover up more aggressive sounds, such as beeping car horns.

And how can this help your baby sleep?

Because white noise covers up the sound of other noises, this can help your baby drift off easier. White noise also creates a comfortable and relaxing environment for your baby, similar to the womb. And, as your little ones drift in and out of deep and light sleep every twenty minutes or so, white noise can help them stay asleep. In periods of light sleep, your baby is easier to rouse, meaning the faintest noise can wake them. With white noise drowning out other environmental sounds, your baby can peacefully fall back into a deep sleep.

A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that out of forty newborns, 80% fell asleep after hearing five minutes of white noise. What’s more, there are even special white noise machines you can buy, specifically created to help babies sleep. Sounds great? But as with all to do with your little one, you should consider the pros and cons before moving forward.

What are the pros of white noise?

1. Helps your baby fall asleep

White noise can help your baby fall asleep faster by creating a relaxing environment for them to drift off. Some babies even become accustomed to non-stop noise in some shape or form, meaning complete silence can be a little unnerving. The gentle hum of white noise can help calm your baby in preparation for sleep.

2. Masks other sounds and help your baby to stay asleep

If you live on a busy street or have other children, it can be difficult for your baby to stay asleep, especially during nap time. White noise can drown out other household noises, meaning your little one can stay asleep for longer.

3. Comforts your baby

Some white noise machines have special features such as heartbeats and other sounds your baby would have heard in the womb. They essentially create a womb-like environment that will calm your crying baby and help them drift off.

And what about the cons?

Of course, there are never pros without cons.

1. Some white noise machines can cause damage

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many white noise machines for babies exceeded the recommended noise limit for babies, which is 50 decibels. Anything above this can cause damage to your baby’s ears. So, before purchasing a white noise machine, do your research and make sure it’s safe for your little one.

2. Your baby could become reliant on white noise

If your baby responds well to white noise, this is wonderful news! But be aware that your baby could become reliant on white noise to fall asleep. This could cause problems if they were suddenly in a situation where white noise isn’t available. Not to mention, it could be problematic down the line when you want to wean them off the white noise.

3. Your baby might not like white noise

Of course, no two babies are the same. While some babies respond well to white noise, others may simply not. Trial out white noise for a while. If your little one doesn’t like it, it’s okay to try something else instead.

How to use a white noise machine?

You can find an array of white noise machines online. But if you’re on a budget, you can recreate one at home using a fan or television static. If you do choose to buy one, the most important thing to do first is your research. Remember, you want a machine that doesn’t exceed 50 decibels.

Once you’ve bought one, you’re probably wondering how to use it. Well, pediatricians recommend placing the machine at least 200cm away from your baby’s crib. Try to avoid using the maximum volume of the machine. And, once your baby is asleep, you can turn down the volume a little.

To prevent your little one from becoming dependent on white noise, avoid using it every night. Instead, alternate white noise with other methods such as aromatherapy and baby massage.

One last thing…

We’ve got an awesome alternative for white noise, and that is BABY SLEEP from Beginning.com. Our experts have created a series of relaxing audio sessions featuring white noise, soothing music, and authentic nature sounds. These beautiful soundscapes will help your baby fall asleep AND stay asleep throughout the night. And the best thing? It’s completely natural! Access Baby Sleep to:

  • Create a stress-free environment for your baby
  • Nurture healthy growth and development
  • Significantly improve sleep quality
  • Set up a consistent sleep schedule
  • Develop your little one’s imagination

Getting your baby into a regular sleep routine can be tricky, but here at Beginning.com, we’re here to help. For more tips and information, check out our Baby’s Health library catalog.