Ah, the joys of parenthood! The endless cuddles, the sweet smell of a newborn… and the constant struggle to get your little one to sleep soundly so your family can rest! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already tried everything from white noise machines to lullabies to no avail. But did you know that not all white noise is created equal? Let me introduce you to brown noise!
Brown noise, often described as a deeper, rumbling sound like a waterfall or heavy rainfall, is gaining popularity as the new secret weapon for soothing fussy babies and promoting longer sleep. But what makes it superior to the widely-used white noise? Let’s dive in!
Brown Noise vs. White Noise
- Frequency: White noise contains all sound frequencies at equal intensity, creating a higher-pitched hissing sound that often waxes and wanes in volume. Brown noise, on the other hand, has higher energy at lower frequencies and constant volume, resulting in a deeper, more soothing sound.
- Soothing Effect: While white noise can be effective in masking background sounds, brown noise’s deeper frequencies are often perceived as more calming and comforting, particularly for infants, as they mimic the noises their mother’s body made while in they were cozy in her womb.
- Sleep Quality: Studies suggest that brown noise can help induce relaxation and improve sleep quality by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and minimizing nighttime awakenings.
Helping Babies to Sleep: The Right Sound
- Mimics the Womb: The whooshing sound of brown noise resembles the sounds a baby hears in the womb, creating a sense of familiarity and security.
- Calms Fussy Babies: The deep, rumbling tones of brown noise can help soothe crying and fussiness, particularly in babies with colic or reflux. Listening to continuous deep frequencies lowers our nervous system’s sympathetic response, which controls the “fight-or-flight” feeling while promoting our parasympathetic nervous system that contributes to our body’s rest.
- Masks Distracting Noises: Like white noise, low-frequency noise can help block out household noises and other distractions that might interfere with your baby’s sleep.
- Promotes Longer Sleep: By creating a calming and consistent sleep environment, low-frequency noise can encourage longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep for both babies and parents.
How to Use Gentle Sounds
- Noise Machines: Many white noise machines also offer brown noise settings. For example, the widely-used Hatch offers a paid version that includes this setting or use the dryer, wind or rain settings to create a similar effect.
- Apps and Online Resources: Several apps and websites offer deep ambient sound tracks that you can play on your phone or tablet. Spotify and YouTube music boast a variety of hours-long tracks for you to use.
- Household Appliances: Some household appliances like fans or air purifiers can produce a similar sound to brown noise. As for me, my preference is a standing fan, as it also helps to decrease changes of SIDS.
Important Note: While brown noise is generally safe, it’s crucial to keep the volume at a reasonable level and ensure the sound source is not too close to your baby’s ears.
Sweet Dreams!
If you’re struggling to get your baby to sleep, give brown noise a try. It might be the missing piece of the puzzle for a peaceful night’s rest for both you and your little one. If you find yourself still needing more help, don’t hesitate to book one of my packages so we can work together on getting your family’s sleep back on track!