White noise is appealing to babies. They’re accustomed to it. Your kid spent its days and nights surrounded by the soothing hum of human existence before making their spectacular entrance. Your heartbeat, the sound of blood running through your body, and the rhythmic in and out of your every breath formed a soothing cacophony reminiscent of the roar of a hoover cleaner.

In utero «shushing» noises can range from 70 to 91 decibels, whereas a hoover cleaner is normally 70 to 80 dB.

To put it another way, the womb is hardly a peaceful place!

When your child is born, he or she enters a strange world of hushed tones and measured steps. This carefully controlled stillness, while intended for their comfort, might leave them feeling distant, worried, and alone. It’s no surprise your infant is having difficulties sleeping.

Why Does White Noise Aid Sleep?

White-noise machines offer a soothing, womb-like atmosphere for newborns, helping them to quit fussing and sleep more quickly. White-noise devices also help newborns sleep longer periods of time. It may appear to operate like magic, but the method is simple to explain.

Have you ever wondered why your infant only sleeps for around 20 minutes at a time? When your little dreamer sleeps, they cycle between deep and light sleep, with brief bouts of «sleep arousal» every 20 minutes or so. 2 Infants quickly awaken during these times of light sleep and become agitated, causing naptime to be cut short.

Buying a White Noise Machine

In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics warned against several white-noise machines, citing that anything above 50 decibels could cause damage to a baby’s hearing as well as cause other developmental delays.3 So before purchasing a white noise machine, be sure you do your homework to ensure your little one’s safety.

Why Does It Aid Your Baby’s Sleep?

White-noise machines are available online and in most stores. But if you’re on a budget, white noise is also easy to produce at home, such as by running a fan. You also can pick up a free, white noise-generating app such as White Noise Baby for your smartphone—a great, on-the-go option.
Using a White Noise Generator

You’ve decided on the greatest machine, and you’re probably wondering how to use it. What is the best volume? What is too loud?

You may need to modify the level of your white noise machine to properly quiet your wailing infant. When your child has been comforted, reduce the volume to that of a gentle shower. If it appears to be too loud to you, be careful to turn it down, as your child may be as well.

References

Noise as a sleep aid: A systematic review
[Auditory threshold for white noise]
Canadians vulnerable to workplace noise
White noise does not induce fetal sleep
Noise distracts foraging bats
Systematic review: auditory stimulation and sleep
Shhh… I’m growing: noise in the NICU
Facilitation of retention by white noise
White noise and sleep induction