Newborn babies often have trouble sleeping and adopt an irregular sleeping pattern. This not only creates problems for them but for their parents too. Readjustment of one’s schedule to align with their baby’s circadian rhythm can be a hassle. Moreover, babies themselves usually do not get enough sleep and end up being irritable.
It takes time for babies to get used to the outside world and its features. They are surrounded by all kinds of sounds in the womb, such as the mother’s heartbeat, the stomach’s gurgles and the rushing of blood through arteries, etc. This is why sounds outside or the lack thereof may seem unfamiliar to them.
Thankfully, many sleep experts have specifically suggested techniques to make things better. One such technique is the use of pink noise for babies to help them sleep better.
What is Pink Noise?
Pink noise is one of many types of noises with certain characteristics that have been named after colors. It is similar to white noise i.e. a sound which is equally high across all hearable frequencies, except the higher frequencies are reduced. This leaves us with a deeper and more repressed version of it. Think of it as white noise but with an increased bass.
Although white noise is also popular amongst parents aiming to put their babies to sleep, pink noise is deemed more suitable. There are several reasons for that and the comparison below highlights them.
How is pink noise for babies a different and better option than white noise?
It is much more soothing
Pink noise is deeper and has a lower pitch than white noise, which renders it more soothing to the ears.
It is natural
Pink noise occurs naturally and is found in abundance in nature. White noise, on the other hand, is manufactured. This means that your brain actually tries to crack it, rather than being relaxed by it.
It is similar to many sounds in a womb
Pink noise replicates the kind of sounds a baby is accustomed to hearing in the womb. Thereby, they may find it relatively more familiar than white noise, which is merely a ‘shhhh’ sound.
It regulates brain waves
Unlike white noise, pink noise slows down brain waves and triggers sleepiness. These slow brain waves are linked to deep sleep.
Also Read: When Can Toddler Sleep With a Pillow?
It can help with better memory retention in the future
According to a 2017 study’s findings, subjects that fell asleep listening to pink noise performed 26% better at a memory test the next morning, than those who did not.
Various studies have associated pink noise with a deeper, more relaxing sleep. They further imply that it plays a role in improving memory. For these reasons and more, slumber experts have stressed on pink noise for babies for better sleep.
Some examples of pink noises are as follows:
- the pattering of rain,
- the beating of heart,
- the rustling of leaves,
- the whooshing of ocean waves,
- a steadily roaring waterfall,
- a slowed fan, et cetera.
The Benefits of Getting Ample Sleep for Your Baby
According to science, sleep plays a significant role in the healthy development of your baby. It is an activity (or rather inactivity) that your baby devotes a great chunk of its time to on the daily, and it does so for a reason.
Not getting enough sleep can stunt the mental and physical development of a baby. Therefore, ensuring an undisturbed and deep sleep for your toddler is necessary.
A good sleeping routine at this age is apt to have a long-lasting effect. It can help with memory retention in the future, as well as a healthy physical and mental make-up.
How to Incorporate Pink Noise into Your Baby’s Sleeping Schedule?
Now that the definition of pink noise is out of the way, the question stands – how to make use of it on your baby?
The first step is to learn about the average amount of sleep a baby needs at your toddler’s age.
The following averages are advised by doctors:
Around 16 hours per day, waking every now and then for feeding sessions.
At 1-2 months:
A little over 15 hours per day.
At 3-6 months:
With 4-5 hour long sleeping sessions, up to 15 hours.
At 6-12 months:
More at night than at daytime, a total of 14 hours of sleep.
Consider the following for guidance
There are several equally effective options that can be chosen; from mobile apps to devices dedicated to emitting pink noise. If you are unable to invest in a gadget or a subscription, recordings of pink noise for babies can also be readily found on free streaming services such as Spotify and Youtube.
Play the pink noise whenever your infant displays signs of drowsiness. You should expect your baby to not react right away, or even respond negatively by wailing or shifting exasperatedly. You need not worry. This would wear off with time and soon the accustomed baby would link the ambient sounds with bedtime.
Furthermore, it is recommended that you keep the sounds playing throughout your baby’s sleep to drown out any external noises. Besides, turning it off may disrupt it especially if your infant has gotten used to it playing alongside.
Position the device no more than a couple of feet away from your sleeping baby. Adjust the volume so as not to cause any irritation to those little ears.
Typically, the devices offer a range of pink noises for babies, such as rain, heartbeat, and beach waves. Play each one on alternative nights and try to notice if your baby shows a liking to a particular one, and play that one from then onward.
Wait for the magic!
Pink noise would not only stimulate your baby’s but your sleep also. It can majorly help restore the serenity of your home, with well-relaxed, contented and comfortable inhabitants.