White noise is a popular recommendation for babies who have trouble falling asleep. It's also commonly used to mask other sounds that can wake up infants and toddlers, like the rest of your family or even construction outside the window.
But does white noise really help babies sleep? And if so, how do you know which type of white noise will work best? In this article, we'll answer all of these questions and more.
What is White Noise?
White noise is a sound that is similar to the sound of surf, waterfall, or rainfall. It can be produced using a fan or other machinery. The term "white noise" comes from the fact that this type of sound has no distinct tone and thus appears white when graphed on graph paper.
White noise machines use fans to produce white noise, but some smartphones and tablets have apps that can generate it as well. White noise can be used to help babies sleep because it blocks out other noises (such as your older children) so they won’t disturb your baby’s slumber.
Does White Noise Help Your Baby Sleep?
A few parents have seen success with white noise and their little one’s sleep. Babies can't distinguish between sounds that are loud and soft, so they'll wake up when anything unexpected happens—even if it's just a door opening or closing. White noise helps to mask these kinds of noises, creating a united, consistent soundscape from which your baby has nothing to fear.
Another factor that makes white noise beneficial for sleep is that it's familiar. When we were born, our brains developed within an environment filled with high-intensity stimuli: bright lights and loud sounds; mommy's heartbeat; general day-to-day noises.
As we get older, these patterns become less intense but still remain familiar in our subconscious minds—we feel comforted by their presence because they signify safety and stability in our lives (like how you feel safe driving home after taking an afternoon nap). White noise replicates those early experiences while providing additional benefits like blocking out other noises.
The sound of white noise will help you relax enough so that eventually your body will doze off into dreamland too!
Is White Noise Safe for Babies?
While you might assume that white noise machines are dangerous for your baby, they're actually perfectly safe. However, this doesn't mean that they should be used as a substitute for sleep training or other methods to help your child sleep.
White noise machines may help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by masking distractions from outside the room, but if you feel like your white noise machine is causing any issues—such as keeping them awake at night or making it difficult to hear their cries—consider switching to another type of sound machine instead.
If possible, try using white noise during nap time only; some experts say that it can make naps more restful if used before bedtime because it makes people feel sleepy due to its calming effect on brain activity.
How to Help Baby Sleep with White Noise
If you've found that white noise helps your baby sleep, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the machine is set up and ready to go before it's time for bed. Also, don't place it too close to the crib; we recommend placing it about two feet away from the crib on an end table or nightstand. If you have more than one child, consider getting two machines—one for each child's room.
Finally, remember that white noise should only be used when necessary; if your baby needs help falling asleep but doesn't need any additional support once asleep (which will depend on their age), turn the machine off immediately once their eyes close shut again.
Help Baby Sleep Better with Ludere Mats
We hope this article has helped you better understand white noise and why it can benefit your baby's health. Babies are so delicate and fragile, but with a little education, we can ensure they stay healthy and happy.
You can also help improve the sleep quality of your little one with Ludere baby mats. Made with soft cushioning and non-toxic materials, you can choose from our French Linen and TPU Foam mat types.
