The Pros and Cons of Using White Noise to Put Babies to Sleep

The Pros and Cons of Using White Noise to Put Babies to Sleep

The Pros and Cons of Using White Noise to Put Babies to Sleep

Background noises were familiar to your little baby from the time they were in your womb! Remember that the womb can be an incredibly noisy environment. The fact that your baby spent nine months in utero hearing background noises like your heartbeat and the air passing through your lungs provides some padding.


It is therefore understandable why so many newborns and babies find a low hum to be soothing and require white noise to fall asleep. Adults can also benefit from white noise, which is a constant, unobtrusive noise that can be used to block out other sounds like sirens and barking dogs. But is white noise good for babies? Without further ado, let's get to the wonders of white noise for baby and how you can utilize it!

What is white noise for babies?


White noise for babies is a type of sound that masks background noises and creates a constant, soothing sound that can help babies fall asleep and stay asleep. White noise serves as a source of comfort for infants, resembling a sound equivalent of a plush teddy bear, signaling bedtime. Its effectiveness is due to its similarity to the sounds experienced by the baby in the uterus. The most effective sound for soothing a crying baby is a loud, rough noise similar to the baby's high-pitched crying sound. This can be achieved by making a loud "Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" sound near the baby's ear. However, white noise serves more than just calming cries, as a deeper, low-pitched sound can also aid sleep. It may be difficult to constantly make the "Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" sound, so using a white noise machine is an amazing practical solution.


Begin utilizing white noise for baby sleep by playing it during your baby's bedtime routine. Over time, this sound will indicate to your baby that sleep is imminent. Even after the calming reflex disappears around 3-4 months, the white noise will still signal bedtime to your child. Whenever the white noise is turned on, your baby will associate it with sleep and become ready for a peaceful slumber. (It's a classic example of classical conditioning!) But wait! There is something missing. White noise is there to soothe your baby, but is your baby comfy enough to deep dive into the world of dreams cozy and warm enough? To make sure that they do, check out our wide array of pajamas here at Peekaboo!

What are the pros and cons of using white noise?

There are various pros and cons of using white noise for babies. Even though it is loved by most parents, some yet still have complex thoughts about it. Below we listed the pros and cons if you are not sure where you stand with the whole white noise controversy!

Pros of using white noise for babies:


  • Helps to mask background noises and create a consistent and soothing sound environment.
  • Triggers the calming reflex that is present in babies, helping them fall and stay asleep.
  • Can be used as a sleep cue, signaling bedtime to the baby.


Cons of using white noise:


  • Overuse or prolonged exposure to loud white noise can damage the baby's hearing.
  • May interfere with the baby's ability to develop their own sleep patterns and habits.

Some babies may become dependent on white noise, making it difficult to fall asleep without it.

Can be distracting or interfere with the parents' sleep if the volume is too high.

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