{"id":34335,"date":"2025-01-13T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/?p=34335"},"modified":"2025-01-09T16:31:43","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T16:31:43","slug":"white-noise-for-babies-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/white-noise-for-babies-children\/","title":{"rendered":"The Right Way to Use White Noise to Help Your Child Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Adding noise to a baby\u2019s sleep environment only sounds like an oxymoron: A 2023 survey<\/a> found about 37% of parents utilize white noise for their children\u2019s sleep. Many studies<\/a> find that, when used properly, white noise<\/a>\u2014often a static or \u201cshhh\u201d sound\u2014can help babies fall asleep, stay asleep, and decrease crying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhite noise helps to muffle noises that might startle or awaken infants\u2014for example, grown-ups continuing to move around the house after bedtime,\u201d says pediatrician Kelly Fradin<\/a>, MD, author of Advanced Parenting<\/a><\/em>. \u201cBy decreasing sleep interruptions, white noise can improve healthy sleep.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, recent research<\/a> <\/em>questions the long-term use of white noise, particularly at too-high volumes, and has uncovered that some white noise devices can exceed safe volume levels for babies and children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/strong>There has been a lot of controversy about white noise in the media, but the truth is\u2014as with most things\u2014used judiciously and in moderation, it can be a helpful tool,\u201d says Krupa Playforth, MD, pediatrician and founder of The Pediatrician Mom<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how can you use it safely in your home? Here are six pointers to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use white noise for babies and children <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. When in doubt, turn the volume down<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe biggest concern is the possibility that exposure to white noise might harm hearing\u2014and this is true when noise levels are too high or exposure is prolonged,\u201d says Playforth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why keeping the volume of a white noise device down is essential from a safety perspective. Usually, you want to keep any white noise device you\u2019re using below 50 decibels (dB); that\u2019s the recommended noise limit<\/a> for infants in hospital nurseries, per The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifty decibels sounds like the hum of a refrigerator or moderate rainfall; it\u2019s a peaceful environment while providing some background noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For what it\u2019s worth, many sound machines can get much louder than that: One study found devices regularly exceed 91 dB<\/a>\u2014which would sound like a power drill or mower running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This noise level is higher than the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health guidelines<\/a> for an eight-hour work shift in adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sounds at or over 85 dB, over time<\/a>, can lead to hearing loss, and kids, whose auditory systems are still developing<\/a>, are more vulnerable to potential harm from noise exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Keep cords at a distance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using a white noise machine, beware of wires. Fradin recommends keeping cords at least a foot away from an infant\u2019s sleep space and even on the other side of the room, perhaps even by a door, to drown out sounds outside the door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also place the device on a dresser or shelf so that it’s out of reach from small hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Know that there’<\/strong>s a risk for dependency<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAny part of the sleeping environment can become a sleep association, such as a favorite stuffed animal<\/a> or sleep sack<\/a> in an older child,\u201d says Fradin. \u201cJust like these things, we can be habituated to white noise and have a bit of trouble going a night without it.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should avoid white noise if it works for your child and your family. “Sleep has so many variables, and if a child sleeps better with white noise, it is fine to continue using it as long as you continue using it safely,” reminds Playforth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Keep things simple<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fradin likes to keep white noise devices simple to avoid complications at bedtime. She says some white noise machines can also double as alarm clocks or “okay to wake” clocks, which can be convenient for kids as they grow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since white noise tends to help most with falling asleep, Playforth also favors machines with an automatic shut-off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, you also don\u2019t need a white noise device to create white noise. \u201cA fan is a great option<\/a> as we know circulating air is also good for ventilating the environment and reducing the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) in infants under 4 months of age,\u201d says Fradin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Remember that white noise has benefits for older kids too<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your child likes white noise, it helps them sleep, and you\u2019re using it safely, there\u2019s no need to discontinue just because your baby is growing up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhite noise has the most evidence in support of infant sleep, but some evidence supports the use of white noise in older children and adults,\u201d says Fradin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Know when white noise can be especially helpful<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhite noise is most impactful in situations where ambient noise can’t be controlled or decreased\u2014apartment living, city living, or multifamily homes may find white noise a big help and promoting sleep quality,\u201d says Fradin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It might also help while traveling somewhere new where noises are unfamiliar or louder than normal. One small study<\/a> of adults living in New York City found that white noise significantly improved sleep in people who complained of difficulties sleeping because of high environmental noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line: When used appropriately (i.e., at bedtime and in appropriate volumes and doses), white noise can be an effective tool for helping babies and children sleep, especially those easily disturbed by noise and especially when falling asleep. As Fradin suggests, “I encourage parents to give white noise a try.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Is white noise bad for babies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

White noise isn’t inherently bad for babies when used properly. However, it’s important to note that it can be harmful if played too loudly or for prolonged periods. Make sure to follow safety guidelines when using white noise for your infant or child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How loud should white noise be for babies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

White noise should be kept below 50 decibels, roughly the sound of a refrigerator hum or moderate rainfall. This is to avoid harming a baby\u2019s developing auditory system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do babies like white noise?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

White noise mimics the soothing, constant sounds babies experience in the womb. It also helps mask startling noises, creating a calming environment for sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When should I stop using white noise for babies? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no set age to stop using white noise. If it helps your child sleep and is used safely, it can continue into childhood or be gradually phased out as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does white noise help babies sleep?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

White noise can help babies fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and reduce crying by muffling background noises that might disturb them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out more helpful content for parents and families from Cassie Shortsleeve:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n