sleep
Broken sleep sucks. White, pink and brown noise aren’ t magic, but they can prove to be powerful tools. Simple sounds, steady rhythms, calmer nights. Parents swear by it. Babies settle. Everyone wins.
By Sarah Botes, founder of Biggie Smalls
When you’ re running on broken sleep, you don’ t need complicated advice – you need simple things that actually help. Many parents find that gentle background noise can make a real difference when it comes to settling babies and protecting precious sleep.
Start with white noise
White noise creates a steady“ shhh” sound by blending all audible frequencies together evenly. It’ s particularly helpful for masking sudden noises like traffic, dogs barking, or doors closing. Many babies find white noise comforting because it mimics the constant sound they heard in the womb. If you’ re not sure where to begin, white noise is often the easiest and most familiar option.
Try pink noise for longer sleep
Pink noise is softer and warmer than white noise, with more emphasis on lower tones. It sounds similar to gentle rain or ocean waves. Some parents notice that pink noise helps babies stay asleep for longer stretches, especially during naps or overnight, when lighter sleep cycles can lead to frequent wake-ups.
Use brown noise for overstimulation
Brown noise goes deeper again. It has a richer, lower sound – like distant thunder or a waterfall. For babies who seem easily overstimulated or struggle to switch off at the end of the day, brown noise can feel grounding and calming, helping their bodies relax before sleep.
Follow your baby’ s preference
There’ s no single“ best” noise. Just like adults, babies have individual preferences. One baby may drift off quickly with white noise, while another settles more easily with pink or brown. It’ s completely okay to experiment and adjust as your baby grows and their sleep needs change.
54 www. babysandbeyond. co. za