All moms have experienced this: your baby won't fall asleep because they are agitated. You need to calm them down first, which sometimes takes some time. That is why White Noise for Baby machines are popular among moms. These devices play white noise, as the name implies, to help calm down a baby. But is that true, or is it just a myth? Learn the explanation, plus many additional tips, below.
What Does White Noise Do?
White noise is sounds that cover sounds from your surroundings to create a more relaxing environment. Suppose you live in a city. You will hear vehicles, the chatter of the crowds, and maybe even noise from construction sites or music from events. These may irritate your baby. You can use white noise to mask these sounds. You can even replace them with something more soothing, like beach or rainforest ambient sounds.
Why Does White Noise Calm Babies?
White noise can calm babies because it can mimic the sounds in the womb. Those are sounds your baby is familiar with, so they find it calming. And as mentioned above, white noise can mask unpleasant sounds. Often, a key part of calming a fussy newborn involves ensuring they feel safe and connected, similar to the benefits seen in methods like contact naps.
Why Do Babies Like White Noise?
Babies like white noise because of the following reasons:
- Babies like how white noise mimics the sound of the womb. It's a constant low hum, which is neither too noisy nor too quiet. This familiar sound can make them feel safe and comforted.
- White noise helps babies not hear unpleasant sounds, so it helps protect their peace. It softens sudden noises like a door closing or a dog barking — which can otherwise wake or startle them.
- The steady, predictable sound of white noise can help babies settle faster. Because there are no sharp changes in the sound, it gives their brain something calm and consistent to focus on.
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What Type of White Noise Is Best for Babies?
The best types of white noise for babies are the ones that are not too loud or hissy. They are constant, low-pitched, and monotonous. Think about rain, hair dryers, or the shower. Nature sounds, like waves and rainforest sounds, can also work.
Here's the good news. The Momcozy Sound Machines provide you with plenty of options. For example, the Smart Baby Sound Machine offers 34 premium sounds! It includes 11 white noises, 3 fan sounds, and 12 nature sounds. On top of that, this sound machine also offers 8 lullabies. It is the perfect assistant for helping your baby fall asleep faster.
White Noise Advantages for Babies
- White noise helps calm babies. The steady, gentle sound creates a soothing environment that can reduce fussiness and help them feel more secure. Another proven way to soothe and provide comfort is through breastfeeding, which offers numerous physical and emotional advantages.
- White noise also helps them fall asleep faster. The consistent background sound gives their brain something steady to focus on, which makes it easier for them to relax and drift off.
- It blocks noise from their surroundings, like the sounds their siblings make while playing or the noises you make while cleaning. By reducing these sudden distractions, white noise helps prevent frustration and keeps babies from being startled awake.
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Effects of White Noise on the Baby's Brain
While white noise can help babies sleep, white noise can also cause developmental problems if misused. Research points out that long exposure to white noise or white noise that's too loud can cause learning issues. It can also delay language development. On top of that, it can also affect their ears and hearing.
As such, white noise should be used moderately in order to avoid the said problems.
What Decibel Level Is Safe for Babies?
The safest decibel is below 50 dB. The American Academy of Pediatrics says it is so because it is similar to the volume of normal conversation. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says up to 60 dB for ambient noise is okay. That said, you should not go any higher. To be as safe as possible, you may want to keep it at or below 50 dB.
How to Safely Use White Noise?
Here are the things you need to know to safely use white noise:
- Keep the decibel level at or below 50 dB.
- Turn off the white noise if you see that it is frustrating your baby.
- Keep the machine no closer than 2 meters from your baby's crib.
- Turn off the white noise machine once your baby is asleep.
Hearing about the negative effects of white noise on infants has likely made you concerned. But you don't have to avoid white noise machines entirely. As mentioned above, white noise only causes issues when misused.
Can White Noise Played Through the Phone Be Effective?
Yes, white noise played through the phone can be effective. However, it is inconvenient. You may not be able to use your phone for anything else. Additionally, it would be difficult to tell the decibel level if you are using your phone. It's not the unit used for phone speaker volume. That said, it is a lot better to use a sound machine.
If you use something like the Momcozy DreamSync Baby Sound Machine, you'll even get more than just a white noise machine. This product also doubles as a night light. You can change the colors but choosing from the preset themes, which are all nature-inspired. It also has a clock, and you can dim the lights. You can control it using an app on your phone. It's like 3 devices in one!
Can You Use White Noise All Day for Babies?
No. Avoid exposing your baby to white noise all day. Nonstop exposure can cause hearing and brain development problems. That said, only use white noise machines when you are getting your baby to fall asleep. Once they are asleep, turn the white noise machine off. For newborns, the unique benefits of early nutrition, such as colostrum, also play a huge role in their overall well-being and development.
Is White Noise Bad for Babies?
White noise is neither completely bad nor good for babies. It has pros and cons. On the good side, white noise helps soothe babies and helps them fall asleep faster. However, if overused or misused, it can cause auditory problems and may even affect your baby's brain. That said, it is safe to use, as long as you are following the best safety practices.
Does White Noise Damage a Baby’s Hearing?
Yes, but only if your baby is exposed to white noise for a long time. It can also happen if you place the sound machine too close or if the decibel level is higher than 60 dB. To prevent irreparable hearing damage, do not forget to turn the machine off once your baby is asleep. Also, place the machine at least 2 meters away and keep the volume low.
When to Stop Using White Noise for Baby?
You should stop playing white noise once your baby is asleep or if it looks like it causes distress. As for the age when you should stop using white noise, it depends. Even adults can benefit from white noise. Thus, there is no set time to stop using it. Still, it's common for parents to wean between 1 to 4 years old.
When weaning, do not stop cold turkey. Instead, continue using white noise each night, but lower the volume every time. This gradual approach makes the transition smoother. It also helps you confirm that your baby really does not need white noise anymore.
Takeaway
And that's it! That is all that you need to know about white noise for a baby. To recap, here's a summary of the valuable points:
- • White noise can help soothe babies and help them fall asleep faster.
- • Exposure to loud white noise or long exposure to white noise can cause developmental and hearing problems.
- • To use white noise safety, keep the decibel level at 50 dB, place the machine 2 meters away from their crib, and turn it off once your baby is asleep.
- • Use baby sound machines instead of your phone to play white noise since they are made with babies' safety in mind.
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