Choosing a Sound Machine for Your Baby

One of the newest ways for parents to get their babies to sleep depends on some of the oldest wisdom: babies sleep better when there is background noise. To provide this background noise, many companies have started making sleep sound machines, directed specifically at helping babies sleep more easily and more soundly. There are, in fact, so many of these machines on the market that you might have trouble choosing which one to buy for your nursery.

First off, check out what types of noises different machines will make. Most of them will create soothing, womb-like noises, and some of them even mimic rhythmic heartbeats such as the Marpac LifeSounds 440. These noises are great, but they may not work so well once babies are older. If you want the machine to last in your nursery longer, consider buying one with more functions - perhaps woodland sounds or oceanic noises. Besides this, there are machines that have music attachments so that you can plug your portable music player into the machine for dance parties in baby's room when she's a little bit older.

Secondly, look at different styles of machines, and figure out which ones will suit your nursery best. If you already have a nightlight, find a machine that doesn't have any lights on it so that it won't add too much extra light to your baby's room. If you don't have a lot of room in the nursery, find a small machine that will tuck back into a shelf, and if you don't have a lot of extra outlets, find a battery-operated machine. The Graco Sweet Slumber Sound Machine includes a soft glow night light.

Finally, look at machines by price. Even once you narrow down the available machines, you'll probably be able to find a few that suit your preferences. The easiest way to choose at this point is, obviously, to choose by price. However, find reviews on the machines, and don't sacrifice quality for a cheap price. Chances are likely that you - and your baby - will fall in love with this machine, and you'll be glad you spent an extra twenty bucks on one that will last a few years. The most economical sound machine is the Homedics SoundSpa Portable Sound Machine.

Once you've chosen your sleep sound machine, put it in your baby's room, and watch the magic work. Your baby will be able to fall asleep more quickly and to stay asleep longer, and you, therefore, will get more sleep and have the energy to be a great parent. It's pretty much a wonderful solution all around.