The role of a new parent can feel incredibly overwhelming. This is even more true if you’re a first-time parent trying to find their footing in the challenging first few weeks and months. Even reading all the parenting self-help books in the world won’t fully prepare you, because each baby is unique. 

While some phases and challenges are easier to overcome than others, bedtime and naptime are consistently the biggest stressors for new parents. It can feel like getting your baby to sleep and stay sleeping is nothing short of a miracle. This is one of the many reasons so many parents opt for a white noise machine in their baby’s room.

If you’re new to the world of white noise machines, this is the guide for you. Here, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of using one, helping you make a more informed decision.

Pros - Don’t Worry About Noises in the Home

Noise in the home can squash any chances of your baby getting a good nap or overnight sleep. This is even more obvious if you live in a small space where it’s hard to block out the noise in your baby’s bedroom. Sound machines effectively mask other sounds in the house. This means you can still have conversations, watch the television, and go about your chores without disturbing their sleep.

Pros - It Starts to Signal a Sleep Routine for Your Little One

Sleep routine cues are very important as you work to create a schedule. Your baby will start to identify certain steps, sounds, and routines and realise it’s time for a nap or bedtime. Turning on the sound machine in their room will quickly become an all-important sleep cue.

As you create the new bedtime routine, make sure you turn the sound machine on at the same point each time. This will help solidify the routine faster.

Pros - White Noise Machines are Versatile and Feature a Selection of Sounds

Sound machines are also great in terms of versatility. They tend to be relatively small which means you can take them with you on overnight trips and longer holidays. If you do plan on taking it places with you, make sure it's lightweight and small enough to fit in an overnight bag.

These machines don’t typically feature just one sound, but rather a wide array to choose from. Sounds from nature are among the most soothing, such as rain, a riverbed, birds, forest sounds, and so forth. Whatever sound you pick, there shouldn’t be anything jarring or too loud. The idea is that it lulls your baby to sleep with repetitive soothing sounds.

Cons - There Is a Risk Babies Become Dependent on Hearing Noise While Sleeping

The biggest con to using a white noise machine is that your little one may become dependent on it to sleep. This means if you’re somewhere that you need them to nap, or sleep overnight, they may not be able to without the assistance of the machine.

A good way to get around this is to slowly wean them off the white noise machine as they develop better sleep habits and routines. As mentioned above, however, most white noise machines are relatively portable.

Cons - A White Noise Machine Alone May Not Solve the Sleep Issues

It’s easy to put all your eggs into one basket when it comes to sleep issues. Hoping that the sound machine will be the solution may be asking too much. Generally speaking, it works best in conjunction with other sleep solutions and techniques. Adding a sound machine in your baby’s room, but not making any other constructive changes, probably won’t deliver the results you’re after.

Cons - Not All White Noise Machines are Built the Same

Finally, there is an issue that can plague any electronic gadget or item. Not every sound machine is built the same. Some are much better quality than others, which means they will likely last longer. There are also different features such as the number of sounds, the types of sounds, a timer feature, an auto on and off feature, a built-in nightlight, and more.

Before shopping for a sound machine it’s a good idea to set a budget and make a list of many features. This will help you narrow down your options easier.

A White Noise Machine Could Be the Missing Piece in Your Baby’s Sleep Routine

For parents who have tried all kinds of baby sleep tips and techniques and still have yet to see results, a white noise machine could be the missing link. At the very least, it’s worth a try. Just imagine it working, and you suddenly enjoy an easier sleep routine where your little one sleeps more soundly and for longer.