Pink noise vs. White noise: What's best for Baby Sleep?
Feb 14, 2023
Baby sleep isn’t an exact science – if it were, there wouldn’t be so many tired new parents! But that doesn’t mean we can’t apply science to baby’s sleep.
Thanks to sensory studies, we know a lot about sound and how it assists sleep. This can help us create optimal conditions for baby to drift off (and hopefully stay that way!).
You’ve probably heard of White Noise machines, designed to block out external noises throughout the night – but have you heard of Pink noise? What is it? And could it be a better option for your baby?
White noise contains all possible sound frequencies on the spectrum, just as white light contains all possible colours.
There’s also Pink, Brown, Purple, Blue and Gray. But we’re going to focus on the two which are most renowned for use in sleep – Pink and white.
Examples of white noise include:
- Television or radio static
- Whirring fans
- Airconditioning
- Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
Pink noise - which is found in Euky Bear’s Sweet Dreams Sleep Aid - is similar, in that it also contains all sounds in the range of 20-20,000 Hertz.
However pink noise is deeper than white noise due to a reduction in power at higher frequencies, and an increase at lower frequencies. Think of it as white noise with the bass turned up!
Examples of pink noise include:
- Heartbeat
- Waves crashing on the shore
- Steady rainfall
- Rustling leaves
Another way to distinguish them is that pink noise sounds are more commonly found in nature.
However many parents prefer the more natural sounds of pink noise. This ‘softer, deeper’ sonic hue may also be more soothing for infants, and in theory it’s more in line with the deep muffled sounds they’ve experienced in the womb.
A 2020 study found that pink noise helped participants fall asleep easier and achieve deep sleep faster.
Using pink noise in a device like Euky Bear's Sweet Dreams Sleep Aid, may help transition babies from a day filled with jarring sounds into a relaxed and calm state for a restful sleep.
All families develop different routines. What works for you might be a warm bath then popping the Sweet Dreams Sleep Aid on with pink noise and red light in the nursery while dressing and feeding.
As baby gets older you might include a massage or reading a book. Whatever you do, what’s most important that it’s the same things in the same order, at around the same time.
That way when sleep time comes, it’s the conclusion of an expected chain of events and your little one is less likely to resist.
It's not just for night-time – you can use pink noise for day naps, too (in fact, sleep experts recommend keeping day and night a similar, consistent sleep environment).
Another great thing about having a sleep aid with this feature is you can take anywhere! Use it as a portable helper to recreate baby’s routine on the go.
SHOP EUKY BEAR SLEEP AID
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pink-noise-vs-white-noise#summary
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33018052/
Thanks to sensory studies, we know a lot about sound and how it assists sleep. This can help us create optimal conditions for baby to drift off (and hopefully stay that way!).
You’ve probably heard of White Noise machines, designed to block out external noises throughout the night – but have you heard of Pink noise? What is it? And could it be a better option for your baby?
How can noise be a colour? Sonic Hues explained
People can describe the power of a noise signal using colour, in the same way you’d describe light on a spectrum.White noise contains all possible sound frequencies on the spectrum, just as white light contains all possible colours.
There’s also Pink, Brown, Purple, Blue and Gray. But we’re going to focus on the two which are most renowned for use in sleep – Pink and white.
So you've heard of White Noise, but what is Pink Noise?
White noise contains all sounds in the range of 20- 20,000 Hertz. There’s equal distribution of sound power across all the frequencies.Examples of white noise include:
- Television or radio static
- Whirring fans
- Airconditioning
- Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
Pink noise - which is found in Euky Bear’s Sweet Dreams Sleep Aid - is similar, in that it also contains all sounds in the range of 20-20,000 Hertz.
However pink noise is deeper than white noise due to a reduction in power at higher frequencies, and an increase at lower frequencies. Think of it as white noise with the bass turned up!
Examples of pink noise include:
- Heartbeat
- Waves crashing on the shore
- Steady rainfall
- Rustling leaves
Another way to distinguish them is that pink noise sounds are more commonly found in nature.
What is best for newborn babies' sleep?
Both white and pink noise help to block out external noises, which is especially useful in a busy home where you’re banging dishes or a toddler is running around.However many parents prefer the more natural sounds of pink noise. This ‘softer, deeper’ sonic hue may also be more soothing for infants, and in theory it’s more in line with the deep muffled sounds they’ve experienced in the womb.
A 2020 study found that pink noise helped participants fall asleep easier and achieve deep sleep faster.
Using pink noise in a device like Euky Bear's Sweet Dreams Sleep Aid, may help transition babies from a day filled with jarring sounds into a relaxed and calm state for a restful sleep.
How to use Pink Noise
A pink noise machine is best used as part of a night-time routine and can provide one of the ‘sensory cues’ that tell baby it’s bedtime.All families develop different routines. What works for you might be a warm bath then popping the Sweet Dreams Sleep Aid on with pink noise and red light in the nursery while dressing and feeding.
As baby gets older you might include a massage or reading a book. Whatever you do, what’s most important that it’s the same things in the same order, at around the same time.
That way when sleep time comes, it’s the conclusion of an expected chain of events and your little one is less likely to resist.
Do you use it all night?
It’s recommended to put baby in bed sleepy but awake, and keep the pink noise on all night so baby wakes to a consistent environment throughout the night.It's not just for night-time – you can use pink noise for day naps, too (in fact, sleep experts recommend keeping day and night a similar, consistent sleep environment).
Another great thing about having a sleep aid with this feature is you can take anywhere! Use it as a portable helper to recreate baby’s routine on the go.
SHOP EUKY BEAR SLEEP AID
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pink-noise-vs-white-noise#summary
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33018052/
