White Noise, Pink Noise, Brown Noise: A Parent's Guide to Calming Newborns

Hey new parents and parents-to-be! Ready for a journey through the colorful world of soothing sounds? Let's explore how white, pink, and brown noise can be a lullaby for your little one, and the difference between the various colors of sound.

Why White Noise Works for Babies

White noise is a cozy sound blanket that mimics the whooshing sounds of the womb. This familiarity creates a soothing environment, helping babies feel calm and protected. 

It's great for drowning out sudden noises that might wake your baby, like doorbells or dogs barking. Plus, it's a champion in helping babies fall asleep faster. In fact, studies show that 80% of newborns exposed to white noise doze off within five minutes!

Pink Noise: The Gentle Lullaby

Pink noise is softer and more even than white noise, similar to the sound of steady rain. In pink noise, every octave (a range of notes) carries an equal amount of sound energy. As the pitch lowers, the loudness of the sound decreases step by step in a uniform manner, and in theory actually making it even more relaxing and conducive to sleep. It's often preferred for its gentler touch, especially during naptime.

Brown Noise: The Deep Hum of Brown Noise

Brown noise is like a deeper, more rumbling sound compared to white and pink noise. Imagine the sound of a distant thunderstorm or a strong waterfall.

What makes brown noise different is that it focuses more on the lower, deeper sounds. While white noise is like a steady hiss that includes all different sound frequencies, and pink noise is a softer, more balanced sound, brown noise lowers the pitch and gives a more powerful, deep tone that can be really soothing and helpful for concentration. Some babies might find this deeper sound more soothing.

Exploring Other Noise Colors

While white, pink, and brown noise are the best noise for baby sleep, the world of noise colors is vast. 

Think of sound colors like a rainbow of noises. Blue noise is a bit like the sound a TV makes when it's not on a channel, and it's used in some really technical stuff called “dithering”. Violet noise? It's like a white noise that gets higher the louder it gets. Gray noise is super cool because it sounds the same at any pitch, kind of like your favorite song played at the perfect volume. Red noise is like brown noise's twin but sings a slightly different tune. Green noise is like the noise you hear in a quiet forest, not too loud, not too soft. And black noise? It's mostly silence, but imagine a quiet room with sudden, soft pops of sound now and then.

Dynamic Duo - White, Brown or Pink Noise + A Sleep Tracker App

We would advise all parents to discover the ultimate sleep solution with a combo of white, brown, or pink noise paired with a baby sleep tracker app like the 'Napper' sleep app. This dynamic duo offers an unparalleled experience in guiding your little one to dreamland. Curious about more life-saving tools for new parents? Dive into 'Life-Changing Pocket Magic – Apps All New Parents Should Give a Try!' From tracking your pregnancy journey to introducing solids, we've got an arsenal of app recommendations to simplify your parenting adventure.

Setting the Volume Right - How Loud Should the Colored Noise be for you Baby

The volume of these noises is crucial. It should be around the level of a shower, not too loud for those tiny ears. 

When to stop using white noise (or any other colored noise)

It varies, but generally around the first birthday or when your baby sleeps through the night consistently.

Historical Background and Recommendations

The concept of colored noise is relatively modern, still evolving as we understand more about sound frequencies. For babies, white noise is usually recommended for its womb-like qualities, while pink noise is a gentle alternative for relaxation and sleep. Adults might prefer brown noise for focus or pink/gray noise for relaxation.

Conclusion

Colored noises offer a spectrum of benefits for both babies and adults alike. Hopefully this introductory guide has left you willing to explore. 

Not sure where to start? Check out Spotify's playlist library where you will find a playlist for every color you could imagine. 

Remember, it's all about finding that perfect pitch for your baby's dreamland adventures and enjoy the harmonious lullabies of these soothing sounds!

By the way, are you looking for the perfect toys to keep your little one engaged and happy during their wake windows? Check out our specially curated articles on the best toys for babies aged 0-6 months and 6-12 months. Packed with insights and recommendations, our guides are tailored to help you navigate each stage of your baby's development with ease.

So, what's your baby's sleep soundtrack? Share your top noise color picks with us — we're all ears to hear about your little one's favorite lullabies!