Infants enjoy white noise. They’re used to it. Before making their spectacular entrance, your baby spent their days and nights immersed in the soothing hum of human existence. Your heartbeat, the sound of blood running through your body, and the rhythmic in and out of your every breath formed a soothing cacophony comparable to the boom of a hoover cleaner.

In comparison, «shushing» sounds in gestation can vary from 70 to 91 decibels, whereas a hoover cleaner is approximately 70 to 80 dB.

In other words, the womb is hardly a peaceful place!

Your baby is born into a strange world of hushed tones and measured steps. Although intended for their comfort, this carefully maintained quiet might leave them feeling distant, frightened, and alienated. It’s no surprise that your infant is having difficulty sleeping.

Why Does White Noise Help a Baby Sleep?

White-noise machines offer a soothing, womb-like atmosphere for newborns, enabling them to stop fussing and fall asleep quickly. White-noise devices also help newborns sleep longer. It may appear to be magic, but the trick is simple to understand.

Have you ever wondered why your infant appears to sleep for just 20 minutes at a time? When your little dreamer sleeps, they cycle between deep and light sleep, with brief episodes of what’s known as «sleep arousal» every 20 minutes or so. 2 Infants wake readily during these times of light sleep and become agitated, causing naptime to be cut short.
Purchase of a White Noise Machine

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a warning against various white-noise devices in 2014, saying that anything above 50 decibels might cause hearing impairment as well as other developmental problems in babies.
3 Hence, before you buy a white noise machine, conduct your research to assure your child’s safety.

White-noise devices may be found in most stores and online. Yet, if you’re on a tight budget, white noise may be easily produced at home simply running a fan. You may also get a free white noise-generating app for your smartphone, such as White Noise Baby, which is a terrific on-the-go solution.

Using a White Noise Machine

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

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

References

Opioid Use in Pregnancy: A Review
Altering brain dynamics with transcranial random noise stimulation
Harmonicity aids hearing in noise
The Immune System Can Hear Noise
Phase Noise of SAW Delay Line Magnetic Field Sensors
Aviation Noise Impacts: State of the Science
Visual Perception: Seeing motion signals in noise
Noise pollution
How Much the Eye Tells the Brain