Are mobiles, musical toys and other white noise as effective as claimed to put baby to sleep? A sleep expert answers us.
Mobiles, musical stuffed animals and other white noises are what we call sleep crutches or transitional objects which are intended to recreate an environment favorable to baby’s sleep. However, some of these objects can be counterproductive depending on the age of the baby and the use we make of them, explains Candice Turjman, sleep expert from 0 to 5 years old, author of the book La fête du Sleep (ed. The book courier).
First of all, white noise (vacuum cleaner noise, running water, etc.) can especially be interesting at first. “Indeed, in the first months, the baby will seek to return to in utero conditions to feel calm and secure : permanent movements and noises, heat and smell of mom… To use white noise optimally, you should leave them on continuously throughout the sleep period with a volume of around 60 Db, i.e. a vacuum cleaner working. “Some babies are not sensitive to it at all, in which case there is no point in persisting“, explains Candice Turjman.
For its part, the mobile aims to stimulate the baby. Although it looks very pretty above a bed, the specialist recommends avoiding leaving it on at bedtime. On the other hand, “the mobile is a formidable ally when the baby wakes up and you want to squeeze in a few extra minutes“, she adds.
Musical stuffed animals should be avoided before baby is 12 months old, according to official WHO recommendations. The expert advises against those that project blue lights on the ceiling since they will both stimulate the baby and annihilate the production of the sleep hormone.
As for night lights, they are also not recommended for all ages: “Contrary to popular belief, babies are not afraid of the dark. Likewise, they certainly won’t have a nightmare for at least 18 months, or even 2-3 years.” informs the sleep specialist. Furthermore, once the circadian rhythm (the understanding of the difference between day and night) is in place around 2 months, it is recommended to immerse your baby in total darkness for the night. Leaving a night light can invite the baby to new stimulation, but this is not the objective at bedtime. Candice Turjman therefore recommends completely avoiding the use of a night light before the baby begins to verbalize a fear of the dark.
In summary, these very useful and effective tools will never replace the hugs and kisses of a mom or dad! “A child’s sleep is far too complex for a musical plush toy to solve everything. As a parent, try to observe your child to meet his or her needs. Be careful not to let him cry, and always accompany him to help him feel secure and soothed.“, concludes the expert.
Thanks to Candice Turjman, sleep expert for ages 0 to 5, author of the book La fête du Sleep (ed. Le courier du livre)