Introduction
I didn’t know much about white noise or sleep sounds until I had a fussy baby boy. My understanding of calming sounds was limited to what I’d occasionally hear at work. Ironically, the sound of a waterfall used to irritate me—until I discovered the magic of “waterfall sounds” in baby sleep apps!
The Purpose of White Noise/ Sleeping Sounds For Babies
The main reason for using white noise or sleeping sounds for babies is that white noise has a higher frequency that blocks out other noises. This helps babies fall asleep faster because they aren’t disturbed by external sounds and can sleep in a consistent environment.
How White Noise Helped Me Initially?
My baby had colic and struggled to sleep well. I tried many things, but then I discovered white noise. I decided to give it a shot, and it worked! When I rocked him to sleep with a lullaby, having white noise in the background reduced external noise and helped him sleep.
So, whenever it was nap time, I turned on white noise, and within minutes, he’d be asleep. It was a game-changer for me. While it didn’t make him sleep longer, it did help him fall back asleep quicker if I played it throughout the night.
Why I Switched to Lullabies?
The issue escalated when my husband and my 4.5-year-old daughter needed to wake up early for school and work. Playing white noise all night wasn’t practical as it might disturb their sleep. So, I switched to lullabies, which were pleasant for everyone. Even my daughter enjoyed them and would sometimes play them to help her baby brother sleep.
Read Also: Most Helpful Tips and Advices For A New Mom
Lullabies Sounds and Music
There are many lullabies to choose from, so you can find one that suits your baby’s taste. Whether it’s sleeping music, sounds, nursery rhymes, or white noise, the goal is to create a soothing environment. Personally, I found lullabies like “Rock-a-Bye Baby” more enjoyable than white noise.
Check out this soft lullaby that I really liked. You can find a tons of lullabies on the Internet.
White Noise Machines – Are They Worth Buying? What’s the Alternate?
There are lots of white noise, lullaby, and sleeping sound machines available, and they’re quite popular. While they make great gifts for new parents, not everyone wants to spend a lot on them. Luckily, there are free apps you can download onto your phone to play these sounds. I prefer using apps because they’re portable and convenient.
How Those Sounds Are Super Useful?
White noise and sleeping sounds are great for drowning out household noises and creating a peaceful environment for your baby to sleep in. They’re especially helpful if you live in noisy areas like near railways or airports.
How Frequent Should I Use These Sounds
You should mainly use white noise or sleeping sounds when you want your baby to fall asleep, usually at night. Avoid playing them constantly, as it’s not recommended for your baby’s development. Start with low volume and only play them when needed. Keep an eye on the volume to ensure it’s not too loud for your baby.
When You Should Stop Playing Sounds
I’m not sure when I’ll stop playing lullabies for my baby, since he’s only 4.5 months old. But when he can sleep on his own, I’ll gradually reduce the use of sounds, starting with daytime naps and then nighttime sleep.
Final Words
White noise and sleeping sounds have been a lifesaver for me with my fussy baby. I’d recommend them to any mom struggling with their baby’s sleep. Ignore the naysayers who say it’s harmful or addictive. Baby will eventually learn to fall asleep on its own. It is YOU who know your baby best, and as I said they’ll eventually outgrow the need for these sounds. Trust your instincts as a mom! If you enjoyed our blog, please like and share it with your friends and family!
