The Best Sound Machines for Kids

Our world has gotten noisier, and sometimes we need to find the quiet. A number of things can keep children from getting the rest they need, and we can’t stress enough the importance of a good night’s sleep.

The entire family is affected when a baby or a child is having sleep issues. Creating an environment that includes restful activities, a warm bath and reading a book, for example, and keeping to a schedule, are important.

Another idea is a sound machine designed to help a child fall peacefully asleep. There are many different brands on the market. Let’s take a look at what’s available.

The Best Sound Machines for Kids

How to Choose

• Consider the purpose of the purchase, and where the sound machine will be used.
• If your child will take the sound machine on overnight trips, a compact version may be the best option.
• Decide on a budget that you are comfortable with.
• Carefully research the product and read product reviews before you buy or order online.
• Talk to family and friends who use sound machines about the quality of the product.
• Use online forums or chat rooms to discuss both the pros and cons of the product.
• Talk to retailers about warranties and return/repair policies.

You may be interested in: Homedics Sound Machines

What is a Sound Machine?

A sound machine covers up disruptive noises that are making it difficult for you, or your child, to get a good night’s sleep, or to concentrate on a specific activity.

The device does not eliminate the noise; a sound machine makes the noise less noticeable.

Why Use a Sound Machine?

Maybe it’s summer and you want your child to sleep with the bedroom window open, however, the sound of traffic is keeping them awake. Maybe you travel a lot and the sound of hotel guests walking the halls or slamming doors is difficult to ignore.

Maybe your child will be at summer camp, college, or university, where ambient noise can be distracting.

Perhaps your sleeping area is too quiet. A sound machine can provide the background noise needed for a restful sleep.

How do Sound Machines Work?

Sound machines are designed to produce constant background noise to help people of all ages fall asleep.

Depending on your preference, you can buy a sound machine with different sounds and choose the one that works best for your child. You can also change it up with different sounds.

You can also choose a sound machine that fits your décor or takes up so little room it is barely noticeable.

Things to Consider

• Sound machines come in all sizes and styles. When buying one for a child you may want to select a child-friendly machine that’s easy to use.
• Consider the sleep needs of your child. You may need different options depending on what is required.
• Sometimes less is better when making your choice.
• You may not need a lot of bells and whistles.

Sounds Like…

Sound machines produce white noise, as well as many sounds found in nature, including birds chirping, rain falling, rivers cascading, and thunder. It’s important to choose a sound machine that offers options to decide how to send your child into a peaceful slumber.

White noise, like static from a radio or television, offers a constant buzzing sound. Many children find white noise soothing.

Do Sound Machines Work?

Our research indicated that many parents are happy with the results they’ve gotten from sound machines.

Sound machines that produce white noise are said to soothe infants, helping them fall asleep faster and sleep longer.

Some parents say children who sleep with a sound machine at night are not awakened by unexpected noises, which means everyone sleeps better.

Some students use sound machines to help them concentrate while studying, or to help them sleep before a big event, a sporting competition or a chess tournament, for example.

Automatic Shut-off

If you don’t want the sound machine in operation all night look for an automatic off switch, and a timer. Some machines can be set to shut off after a certain amount of time, depending on how long it takes a child to fall asleep.

If your child usually sleeps through the night the automatic shut off might be your best option. If your child wakes up during the night and has a difficult time going back to sleep, the timer or all-night option may work the best.

The Best Way to Use a Sound Machine

Place the sound machine between you and the noise – under a window if the noise is coming from outside, or near a door if the television in another room is bothering you.

Sound machines should be used at as low a volume as possible.

Adjust the volume to mask the noise.

Sound Machine Options

The best part of purchasing a sound machine is the variety of options available on the market. You can opt for something very simple, and very basic, or chose a sound machine that offers a variety of sounds and serves different functions.

You might want to check also: Review of the Best Sound Machines

How to use Safely

• Use at a low volume.
• Keep the sound consistent.
• Do not place a sound machine in a baby’s crib.
• Do not place a sound machine where a baby or small child can pull it into their crib or bed.
• Keep cords away from hot surfaces.
• Use only for the intended use.

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of great options to choose from when selecting a sound machine for your child. The simplicity and ease of operation for the majority of these products means you don’t have to spend a lot of time on set up and you may see results quickly. You can also choose machines that serve more than one purpose, getting more bang for your buck.

Sound machines like those we reviewed can be used at home, for travel, overnight and sleep away trips. They can help your child sleep better which in turn helps you rest longer.

One of the most important things when looking to buy a sound machine is to set a budget and knowing what the sound machine will be used for. Carefully research the product and read product reviews before you buy or order online. Please comment below if there are any questions or recommendations.

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