The Art of Sleep Training: Graduating Your Baby From a Sound Machine
As they branch out and explore the world around them, parents must gradually begin the process of sleep training, so their little ones can transition from relying on external aids such as a sound machine or white noise to sleep to be able to drift off into dreamland on their own.
The Ultimate Sleeping Solution: A Sound Machine
When you hear the term “sleep training” it often brings up visions of babies crying in frustration, parents pulling out their hair, and sleepless nights. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
In fact, sound machines can be a powerful sleep aid for babies and toddlers. Not only do these tools help create consistent sleeping environments, but they also promote relaxation and sleep, reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and help block out external noise.
Benefits Of Using Sound Machines And White Noise For Babies
Taking advantage of the relaxing and calming qualities of sound machines can be beneficial for your baby’s sleeping habits.
1. Helps Create A Consistent Sleep Environment
By creating a consistent sleep environment, babies learn what to expect before bedtime and are more likely to settle down for the night. This is especially useful for babies who are sensitive to changes in their environment such as changes in temperatures and noise levels.
2. Promotes Relaxation And Sleep
A study done by the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology shows that 80% of neonates in a study were able to fall asleep within 5 minutes due to a sound machine compared to 25% falling asleep spontaneously. Additionally, sound machines also help relieve stress and anxiety in babies during transitional periods.
3. Reduces The Risk Of SIDS
SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is an unexplained death of a baby under one-year-old. In a recent study, the use of fans for room ventilation and as a sound machine has been shown to reduce the occurrence of SIDS.
4. Can Help With Sleep Training
Using a sound machine can also be beneficial when sleep training your baby. It helps them learn to soothe themselves, and by using the same sound machine each night, your baby will start to associate the sound with sleep and eventually be able to drift off on their own.
5. Helps Block Out External Noise
Finally, using a sound machine helps babies block out any external noise that could potentially disrupt their sleep. This is especially important for light sleepers who are easily woken up.
Understanding The Risks
As helpful as sound machines can be, it’s important to remember that there are risks associated with their use. Here are a few risks that you should be aware of:
1. Over-Reliance On The Machine
As your baby grows older and more independent, your baby should be able to sleep without the aid of a sound machine, and if they’re using it at all times, it may become dependent on it.
2. Muffling Important Sounds
The second risk is that an excess of white noise can muffle important sounds like your baby's cries or other noises that could alert you to potential danger.
Signs It's Time To Stop Using A Sound Machine Or White Noise For Your Baby
Although sound machines can be an effective sleep aid, there comes a time when it’s best to let your baby transition on its own. Here are some signs that it may be time to stop using a sound machine or white noise:
1. The Baby Is No Longer Sleeping Well
If your baby is having trouble falling asleep, or if they’re waking up multiple times throughout the night, it may be time to stop using a sound machine.
2. The Baby Is Over A Certain Age
Babies under 12 months old should be able to sleep without the aid of a sound machine. If your baby is over this age, then it may be time to transition them without the use of white noise.
3. Your Baby Is Waking Up Multiple Times At Night
If your baby is waking up multiple times throughout the night and you’ve ruled out hunger or teething as the cause, then it may be time to stop using a sound machine and let your baby fall asleep on their own.
Parenting Corner: Learn More About Your Baby’s Sleep
It can be difficult for new parents to learn the ins and outs of sleep training, especially when they don't know where to start. To help you navigate new waters of sleep training, check out our blog. Our blog contains a wide range of guides with the best tips and tricks you need to give your babies a good night's sleep.
Baby Shusher, The Sound Machine That Lulls Babies To Sleep With A Real Human Voice
At the end of the day, finding the right sound machine for your baby can be a challenge. That’s why we recommend Baby Shusher, the sound machine that uses real human voices to lull babies to sleep.
It offers gentle tones and rhythms that are soothing enough to help your little one drift off into a peaceful slumber. Plus, it’s designed to be used over and over again.
Start using Baby Shusher today, and your baby will start sleeping better in no time!
