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White noise refers to sounds that mask other sounds that might occur naturally in an environment. If you live in a city, for example, white noise could help block out noises associated with traffic.

Specific sounds might be used to help encourage sleep regardless of environmental noises. Examples include rainforest or soothing beach sounds.

There are even machines specifically designed for use with infants. Some are equipped with instrumental lullabies or even a heartbeat noise that is used to mimic that of the mother.

A groundbreaking 1990 study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood Trusted Source found that white noise could be helpful. Forty newborns were studied, and it was found that 80 percent were able to fall asleep after five minutes of hearing white noise.

The pros of white noise for babies
Babies may be able to fall asleep faster with white noise in the background.

White noise can block out household noise such as older siblings.

Some infant white noise machines have a heartbeat setting mimicking the mother, which may be comforting for newborns.

White noise may aid sleep
The most obvious benefit of white noise for babies is the fact that it could help them fall asleep. If you notice your baby tends to fall asleep at noisy times outside of regular nap time or bedtime, they might respond positively to white noise.

Your baby might be accustomed to being surrounded by noise, so a completely quiet environment could have the opposite effect when it comes time to sleep.