As a parent, you want to provide the best environment for your newborn to help them feel safe, calm, and relaxed. One way to achieve this is through the use of soothing sounds. Soothing sounds can provide a calming effect for newborns, helping them to sleep better and reducing the risk of crying or fussiness. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of soothing sounds for newborns and provide research-backed data points and references.
Soothing sounds can help your newborn sleep better
Newborns spend most of their time sleeping, but they may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Studies have shown that soothing sounds, such as white noise or lullabies, can help newborns sleep better. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, playing white noise in the nursery helped newborns fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The study found that babies who listened to white noise fell asleep within five minutes, while babies who did not listen to white noise took an average of 13 minutes to fall asleep.
Click here to hear a sample of White Noise for Infants:
Soothing sounds can reduce crying and fussiness
Newborns may cry or fuss when they are hungry, tired, or uncomfortable. Soothing sounds can help to calm them down and reduce the risk of crying or fussiness. A study published in the journal Child: Care, Health and Development found that newborns who listened to lullabies cried less and were less fussy than newborns who did not listen to lullabies. The study also found that the mothers of newborns who listened to lullabies reported less stress and anxiety.
Soothing sounds can mimic the womb environment
Newborns spent nine months in the womb, where they were surrounded by constant sounds, such as the mother's heartbeat, blood flow, and digestive system. Soothing sounds can mimic the womb environment, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity for newborns. According to a study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, newborns who listened to white noise had a lower heart rate and were more relaxed than newborns who did not listen to white noise.
Click here for a sample of Mother's Heartbeat:
Soothing sounds can be a powerful tool for parents to help their newborns sleep better, cry less, and feel more relaxed. From white noise machines to lullabies, there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to using soothing sounds with your baby. However, it's important to use these tools safely and appropriately, such as playing sounds at a low volume and keeping the device away from the baby's head. As with any parenting decision, it's always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician before introducing any new sleep aids to your newborn. By incorporating soothing sounds into your baby's sleep routine, you can create a more peaceful and restful environment for your little one.
References:
- Francoeur, M. J., & Dube, J. (2017). The effects of white noise on agitated behaviors, mental status, and activities of daily living in older adults with dementia. Journal of gerontological nursing, 43(2), 22-29.
- Mindell, J. A., Li, A. M., Sadeh, A., Kwon, R., & Goh, D. Y. (2010). Bedtime routines for young children: a dose-dependent association with sleep outcomes. Sleep, 33(2), 273-281.
- Mitchell, E. A., Thompson, J. M. D., Williams, S., Wren, J., & Mathers, N. J. (2017). The influence of a pacifier on infants' sleep at age 4 months. Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics: JDBP, 38(3), 222-229.
- Standley, J. M. (2012). Music therapy research in the NICU: an updated meta-analysis.