Mon Sep 23 17:45:26 UTC 2024: ## White Noise May Hinder Baby Development, Experts Warn
A popular parenting technique that has been used for decades, white noise, may actually be detrimental to a child’s development, according to a new report. Experts are urging parents to reconsider using white noise machines or phone apps to help their babies sleep.
While white noise, a steady, static-like sound, is often touted as a way to soothe babies and block out disruptive noises, Dr. April Benasich, a sleep expert at Rutgers University, warns that the monotonous tone can interfere with a baby’s language development.
“The brain takes in every sound and interprets it to set up its language network,” Dr. Benasich explains. “White noise, with its lack of variation, tells the brain ‘there’s nothing going on here’ and prevents the formation of crucial neural connections.”
This is particularly concerning because the brain’s neuroplasticity, its ability to learn and adapt, is most active during sleep. Constant exposure to unchanging white noise during a baby’s 12-18 hour sleep cycle could significantly hinder their ability to learn language and understand sounds.
Dr. Benasich, who has worked with over 5,000 families, expressed concern about the widespread use of white noise and its potential to become a “public health issue.” She found that many parents and sleep consultants, while recognizing the benefits of white noise, were unaware of the potential negative impacts and lacked awareness of recent research.
Instead of white noise, Dr. Benasich suggests using natural soundscapes with variations, such as ocean waves or a heartbeat, which provide a more stimulating environment for a baby’s developing brain.
While long-term consequences of using white noise are still being studied, Dr. Benasich emphasizes the importance of understanding how a baby’s brain develops and avoiding unnecessary risks that could negatively impact their language acquisition and overall development.
First Piper 