Is Sound Affecting Your Newborns’ Sleep?

Preparing a nursery for your new-born baby can be as equally overwhelming as it is exciting. One of the most important things you can do for your new bundle of joy is to soundproof their room. With a sufficiently soundproofed room, you can ensure your child gets the best sleep possible.

Making the nursery quiet and peaceful means you can rest easier knowing your baby is undisturbed during their slumber. 

Why Soundproof a Baby Nursery?

Sleep, in addition to proper nutrition, allows the brain to develop and acquire and sharpen motor skills. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends newborns (0-3 months old) get 14-17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour day. Infants (4-11 months) should get 12-15 hours. 

Research done by The National Library of Medicine and Biotech Information has found that 57% of six month olds are not sleeping eight plus hours consecutively at night and 37.6% are not sleeping six plus consecutively at night.

While there are many factors that can contribute to the lack of sleep, there are ways to equip your baby’s nursery to maximize hours slept such as sound masking and using acoustical equipment like curtains and caulk.

What is Sound Masking?

Sound masking raises ambient background noise in a certain area by filling it with non-intrusive sound. 

Sound masking works by playing sound that is comfortable to the ear while masking any sounds that could be distracting or intrusive. Installing a low-level sound system in your baby’s room will help reduce background noise outside of their room by providing a constant stream of masking sound. 

Installing white noise machines in a nursery is a great and cost-effecting way to mask any unwanted sounds that could be disturbing your baby’s sleep. These Machines can help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. 

LEARN MORE: Best Uses for White Noise Machines

Soundproofing with Acoustical Curtains

Soundproof curtains for your window that block outside noise are an effective way to deflect and absorb unwanted sounds.

The AcousticCurtain is a cost effective soundproof curtain that blocks outside noise. In edition to blocking out outside noise. The AcousticCurtain blocks more than 99% of outside light and its insulating properties can lower your home’s heating and cooling costs.

Soundproofing with Acoustical Caulk

While assembling a baby nursery, be sure to check the perimeter of the room for cracks in the drywall, hole in doorframes and window and even small separations between the walls and carpets. Even small separations and holes can affect noise levels. 

As easy fix for this is using acoustical caulk. Sound control acoustical caulk can seal out any unwanted noises. Green Glue is made from a viscoelastic compound that acts as a damping material to dissipate vibrations caused by sound waves and can be applied directly to dry wall.

LEARN MORE: Ultimate Guide to Soundproof Your Apartment

In Review – How to Stop Sound from Affecting You Newborn’s Sleep

• Invest in a white-noise machine to mask intrusive sound coming into their nursery
• Use acoustical curtains to block outside noise, block light and regulate temperature in the nursery
• Seal cracks and separations in drywall with acoustical caulk like Green Glue

Your baby needs sleep and soundproofing their nursery is an easy way to ensure they get restful dozes nightly. If you have questions on what products you should try to achieve a peacful oasis for your baby, feel free to reach out with any questions.