Newborn Baby White Noise Benefits
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White noise is a new parentâs best friend. Why? It can be used from the get-go to help you soothe and calm your baby. This is so important, especially in the early days of parenthood, when youâre still trying to find your footing. Curious how white noise works its magic? Keep reading to learn all the ways white noise benefits your newborn.
What is white noise for babies?
Have you ever heard the static that comes from an untuned radio or TV? How about the steady hum of a running vacuum? What youâre hearing is white noise, which is the total of all the frequencies that your ear can distinguishâsmushed together at the very same intensity. This all-at-once noise is not only calming to babies (and people of all ages!), it creates a âblanket of soundâ that masks potentially sleep-sapping outside noises, like a horn honking or a mid-nap doorbell ring.
Why do babies like white noise?
White noise reminds your newborn of their âhappy placeââthe womb! Itâs anything but quiet in there. For nine months, your little one swam in a noisy sea that  sounded almost like the low roar of a jet engine or a gush of running waterâŚif you were submerged in bathwater while filling the tub. In short, your baby finds comfort in the familiar.
Donât babies like the quiet, too?
Nope! Imagine what itâs like for a newborn to leave the raucous environment of the wombâcomplete with constant noise and motionâand enter a world of whispers, tiptoeing, and silence. While adults may crave such stillness, itâs shocking for newborns!
Why does white noise calm babies?
White noise eases your babyâs transition into the great big world. Not only does your wee one adore the familiar, loud sound of white noise, your baby needs it! Itâs one of the most important triggers of your sweet peaâs inborn calming reflex, which is essentially nature's âoff-switchâ for crying and âon-switchâ for sleep that all babies are born with.
Is shushing white noise?
Yes! White noise and shushing are the same thing. No matter what you call it, itâs an integral part of the 5 Sâs for soothing babies, that works wonders to activate Babyâs calming reflex. So, that means that one of the easiest ways to recreate womb-like white noise is through good, old-fashioned shushing...with your mouth! Simply put your lips just a couple of inches away from your babyâs ear and make a long, loud, drawn-out âShhhhhâ sound. Do it as loud (and for as long) as your baby is wailing!
The problem? Even the most practiced baby calmers will get fatigued by continuous, loud shushing. You're going to want some help with a white noise machine to keep up with your baby's needs. And donât worry, all my white noise machine recommendations below are absolutely safe for your baby's ears...their own crying is much louder! (Learn more about white noise and your babyâs hearing.)
What white noise sounds are best for babies?
There are so many so-called âwhite noiseâ machines available today that are not, in fact, white noise! Jungle sounds, a heartbeat, and birds chirping are not white noise. Plus, most white noise machines and white noise apps are far too hissy to be effective. (Their sound can be more like fingernails on a chalkboard to a baby!) So, what is the best white noise for Baby? Continuous, monotonous, and low-pitch sounds, like a hair dryer, the shower, or a vacuum cleaner. And, of course, the very best white noise sounds for your babyâs sleep mimic the loud rumbly sounds they heard in the womb. You can rest assured that every one of the Happiest Baby white noise products I designed has the exact right white noise for Baby sleep. That means SNOO, SNOObear, and SNOObie all perfectly mimic the rough rumble of the womb and help babies drift off to dreamland.
When should I use white noise with my baby?
White noise should be used during your babyâs bedtime routine, throughout their naps and night sleeps, and whenever you need help to calm crying. When you use a white noise machine to help stop crying, make sure itâs turned up just as loud as your little oneâs wails. (An upset baby needs a more vigorous take on the 5 Sâs to flip on the calming reflex.) Of course, you donât want to blast the white noise machine at max volume all night! Instead, temporarily turn the volume up on the white noise machine for several minutes. Once your little oneâs crying has subsided, return the white noise machine to its normal level. (SNOO automatically respond to crying with louder white noiseâŚthen reverts to a lower volume once Baby is calm. SNOObie can be programmed with the Happiest Baby app to start the night at a louder volume when your little one is most likely to be restless and then quiet at a predetermined time.)
Finally, while white noise is a magical baby soother, it should not be used all day! You want your baby to learn the normal everyday sounds of your homeâand your voiceâduring their calm, awake hours.
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More tips for soothing your newborn:
- How to Calm a VERY Fussy Newborn Baby
- Use Massage to Settle Your Baby
- Why Rocking Bassinets Soothe Babies
- Help Your Baby Love the Pacifier
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