Thinking of using a sound machine with your baby?
Everyone has heard that a sound machine can help baby sleep. But should you get one?
Let’s go over a couple of pros and cons when it comes to a baby sleep sound machine.
This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own.
What is a baby sleep sound machine?
You’ve probably heard the term, but didn’t realize exactly what they are.
Most sound machines are also known as White Noise machines. White noise can be used to block out background sounds that might prohibit one from sleeping soundly.
The sounds best used as ‘white noise” within sound machines are rain, wind, and waterfalls.
Baby Sleep Sound machines are a little different, in that they usually also contain a lullaby, and a fetal heartbeat. The fetal heartbeat is especially helpful to newborns, because it mimics what they hear in the womb!
Studies have shown that the use of a white noise machine can help babies fall asleep faster. Babies are also less likely to waken during the night. If they do, they’ll fall back to sleep on their own. That’s, with the aid of the machine.
So here’s where the bad parts come in.
What’s bad about sound machines and babies?
Just like anything else, what works for one child, may not work for another. So it’s a gamble investing in a sound machine, either way.
Or, the other extreme; your baby may love it. Too much.
Babies can become dependent on a sound machine. Which means they’ll have a difficult time falling asleep without it, once it’s become a regular thing.
The most dangerous drawback to soothing baby sleep sound machines? Decibel levels.
A lot of sound machines on the market today, have little to no volume control. And most exceed the appropriate decibel levels for newborns and infants.
85 decibels is considered likely for hearing loss to adults, when exposed to over a long period of time.
But an infant? 50 decibels is the limit and the equivalent to a quiet conversation within a house. Anything louder can be a great risk to your baby’s hearing.
Well, I want to try one anyway. What’s the safest way to try a sleep sound machine with my baby?
You can easily download a decibel checker on any mobile device.
50 Decibels is the equivalent to a quiet conversation, but that’s generally too loud for a baby to fall asleep to. 20 decibels is equal to rustling leaves, and it’s my recommendation that the baby’s sleep machine not exceed that of a quiet library (30-35 decibels).
You should also make sure to keep the device at least 7 feet away from where your child sleeps as well.
While some may think these recommendations are reaching in terms of hearing damage, the simple fact of the matter is this: You want sleep, right? Well if the machine is too loud, it’s counter-productive when it comes to a soothing sound. So keep volumes low!
AuCuTee Soothing Baby Sleep Sound Machine
What I like about this device, is the portability.
The Aucutee machine comes with a small plastic carabiner, that can be hung from any high place. This helps keep the machine at an appropriate area, safely away from baby. And because it’s portable, you can take it anywhere! Which makes traveling with baby that much easier!
The volume control starts at about 20 decibels, but goes up as high as 70 (loud music). So it’s easy to check with a decibel app once you decide where to place your machine, and super easy to adjust the sound.
Sounds include a lullaby, “shushing”, fetal heartbeat, rain, white noise (akin to static on a tv), and waves. So you have a variety of different sounds to try!
It can be charged with a usb cable (included) which saves so much money on batteries! *Affiliate Link below*
With three older (very loud) sisters, my baby boy has the hardest time sleeping! This is such a great find to help get this little man some rest!