white noise

What is White Noise?
White Noise refers to a sound which is a combination of different frequencies played together at the same time. It is similar to that of static sound that you hear between radio stations or a television set with no signal. Yes, that’s correct it sounds like a broken T.V.

It is not a high pitched harsh sound, great for getting one’s attention but not calming or soothing to your baby. It is a low-pitched sound almost hypnotic, a gentle rumble, heavy rain on a roof, a fan rotating, or a continued whooshing sound.

Can White Noise help my baby to sleep for longer?
When your baby was growing, they were in a dark, warm, secure, and very noisy environment. (90 dB Very loud, like that of a vacuum cleaner). Baby could hear the sound of their mother’s blood whooshing around them constantly. 

White noise can help recreate that sound, helping the baby to feel safe and secure, this then activates their calming reflexes. It helps to block out external noise and stimuli.

It is also helpful when baby rouses from their sleep cycle. If they have started to rouse and gently stir, white noise can be useful, as the continued sound of whooshing will comfort the baby and help them to feel calm and soothed helping them to resettle, ensuring they sleep for longer periods and get more consolidated restorative sleep.

A hoover rumbles at around 90 dB, and a hairdryer roars at 90 dB, but a baby can scream louder than 110 dB. Yes, they can!!

Which White Noise Machine should I get?
​There are many types of white noise machines on the market today, from the Shusher, Pink and White Noise Machine, Lula Dolls, potable machines Zazu collection which can clip on to the buggy and pram and Yoga sleep white noise machines.

This is a very personal decision, and I would advise having a look at them all and decide what you think would be the best to suit your baby or young child. 

You can always contact me at sleepingbaby.co.nz and together we can discuss which you feel is the best option for your baby or young infant and how you want to use white noise. 

Every baby is unique! And your situation and how you are wanting to use white noise can be different from your friend or neighbour.

Your baby might respond better to bird song and lullabies and your friend’s baby might prefer the whooshing sound. It depends on what you feel would be the best support for your baby. For many of them, you can alter their tone and frequency and varying length of time.

The placement of the white noise machine is also very important. Some you can pop near the cot and others should be a meter or 2 away. They all come with specific instructions, follow accordingly.

You might want to purchase a plugin, perhaps a portable or just battery use. The machines can vary in the way you use them and how you want to use them.

At sleepingbaby.co.nz I recommend White Noise machines, they nurture and help babies and young children with their sleep. It gives baby the continued reassuring sound they have grown with. It helps develop the baby’s sleep cycle as they rouse less frequently and White Noise provides reassurance and helps the baby to resettle and feel calm.

If you would like some extra helpful hints and advice then contact me today.
[email protected]