You are here: Home / Archives for portable sound machine
27
May 2011

Can You Quit Using a Sound Machine?

By Leave a Comment

Stages of Sleep & Noise

Babies are born and they sleep through garbage trucks and dogs barking and phones ringing…they may not always sleep at night or for long enough periods, but when they’re asleep, they’re asleep.  That said, the day comes that your baby no longer sleeps through sound..any sound at all.  You start to tip toe at nap time and turn off the TV at bed time, all for the sake of precious sleep.

It’s around 4 months, by the way- that’s when they really start to wake up.  And that’s when we got a fan to help block noise.  However I started to worry about the size for when we traveled and then I worried about the cord because of strangulation.  Fortunately, that’s when we learned about portable sound machines- we started using them in each of our bedrooms.  First our daughter and then our son learned to sleep through intrusive sound because of the white noise.  You see, white noise covers noise with noise- it sounds crazy, but white noise has samples of sound from all over the sound spectrum and the odd result is that this sampling makes it harder for the brain to recognize.  It may sound like a bad thing, but this effect means that you can more easily tune out unwanted sound- great for sleep!

Can You Quit Using a Sound Machine?

So, our daughter has had a sound machine or some sort of sound masking almost since birth- she’s almost 5 now.  My husband and I decided that she has become a good enough sleeper that she probably doesn’t need to have one for sleep.  I wanted to share this with you because so often when I recommend sound machines to new parents their major concern is that their children will not be able to learn to sleep without it.  So, listen up- we told our daughter that she was old enough to sleep without her sound machine.  She didn’t bat an eye, said okay, and woke up the next morning refreshed and exclaiming, “I loved it!  I loved not having a sound machine.”  I guess they can learn to go without one.  And, for the record, I do not regret using a sound machine- it got us through a lot of years of questionable sleep.

Sound machines are great for infants and toddlers {and parents!} as they all struggle to find good sleep- and don’t worry, you can quit using them later if you want to!

 

Categories: Tips and Tricks Tags: , , ,
18
May 2011

Tips for Travel

By Leave a Comment

Tips for Travel

My husband and I travel a lot- most often with kids, but sometimes actually by ourselves {whenever we can con our parents into coming to see us and stay with our 2 kids!}.  Anyway, whether we’re traveling as a family or as a couple, there are certain things we always look for {or even things we look not to be there}.

First, we always consider who all is going.  If it’s just us {meaning no kids}, then we obviously need less space.  While it’s nice to find a great, luxurious, romantic spot, just being by ourselves is reward enough!  Thus, we try to find a cozy, but affordable place to stay- we view it the place we’re going to sleep and shower in.  So, as long as the accommodations cover a decent bed and bathroom, we usually save our vacation money for sight-seeing and really good eating!

This was part of an apartment we stayed at in Paris.

On the other hand, when traveling with our small children, it’s a totally different story. With kids who go to bed hours earlier than we do and who may or may not need a nap or two, we know we’ll be spending more time at the hotel.  Thus, we look for space and are willing to pay for it to a certain degree.  This means we look for at least 2 bedrooms or sleeping areas- this could be a suite or even a small apartment.  We’re pretty creative about how we use the space, so we peruse photos pretty heavily.

Regardless of how we travel, we ALWAYS look for quiet rooms.  This means a room or apartment off the beaten path- no major streets or on the way to the vending machine or elevator.  Sleep is crucial for all 4 of us, and especially for our kids.  Again, we pore over pictures and also guest reviews to see who had a great stay {and who didn’t}.  It’s interesting to read how many guests wished they had brought ear plugs or a sound machine.  We’ve felt that way before, so as a rule, we always bring a portable sound machine for each sleeping area {usually 2}.  We’ve never regretted it.

Whether you’re traveling by yourself or with your family, when you look for a hotel or place to stay, be sure to read guest reviews and pack a portable sound machine.

Categories: Tips and Tricks Tags: , ,
11
May 2011

Where’s My Sound Machine?! {Hotel Woes}

By Leave a Comment

Free Babysitting

My mom came to visit us a few weeks ago, so my husband and I decided to take advantage of free, familial babysitting and take off for a few days to a nearby city.  So we booked a train ticket to Edinburgh, booked an inexpensive hotel room, and planned some great sight-seeing and dining without kids.  It’s not that I don’t absolutely adore my children, it’s just that traveling with them is a totally different experience than with them.  I was excited to not have to think in terms of mid-morning snacks, nap times, and bed times, much less kid-friendly food.  We got to go where we wanted, when we wanted, and relish in the thought that our children were far from miserable without us.

Where’s My Sound Machine?!

Unfortunately, the “inexpensive” hotel room was well-priced for a reason: possibly the thinnest walls known to mankind.  Now I understand that my pregnant need for a nap at 3pm after jet-setting all day is not a normal thing- thus, when I kept waking up to children running up and down the halls from 3 to 5pm.  Fair enough.  {Though I did wonder where their parents were?!}

However, when people were still slamming doors and chatting in the hallways at 11 pm, I did not feel as gracious.  I had brought ear plugs, thinking that I would not need a sound machine since my own elephant herd would not be stomping up and down our two flights of stairs.  How wrong I was!  When you get down to it, all hotel patrons have the right to come and go as they please.  That’s why I made a mental note to always bring my portable sound machine with me.  Always.  It’s tiny, lightweight, and so effective against external noises like doors and footsteps.  Being able to sleep at a hotel is crucial- whether you’re on vacation or business, a good night of sleep is a non-negotiable.

Sleeping in an unfamiliar place can be challenging, especially if it’s a noisy hotel.  Be prepared and pack a portable sound machine- you won’t regret it.

Categories: Tips and Tricks Tags: , , ,
28
Jan 2011

Sleep Well – On the Road or at Home!

By Leave a Comment

How well to you rest while traveling? Do you find yourself disturbed by the new and strange sounds at night? What about your productivity while traveling for work? Can you concentrate in a new environment, with new distractions?

My husband recently returned from a two-day trip for a conference. The lectures were great, and he enjoyed the networking. However, he found it was difficult to be productive during his down time because of the distracting conversations around him, and that he did not sleep well at night due to the strange sounds of a new city. He would have really appreciated bringing a personal white noise machine.

If you have never tried a sound machine, here are some practical uses that could benefit you:

Work – Did you know that the average person loses up to two hours of productivity because of distractions? This can be true whether you are traveling or sitting in your office. There are constant conversations and interruptive sounds that scream for your attention throughout the day. Portable white noise can cover those distractions and help you focus on your work.

Sleep – Do annoying sounds, such as a barking dogs or loud music, ever keep you from sleeping soundly? White noise (or other relaxing sounds, such as a thunderstorm or babbling brook ) can mask the interruptive sounds, giving you better sleep in spite of extra street noise, or unfamiliar hotel sounds while traveling. The result is a more refreshing sleep at home or on the road.

Relaxation – On a peaceful Sunday morning, while reading the paper and sipping coffee, the last thing you want to hear is annoying car horns on the street or the neighbor’s dog chasing a squirrel. Imagine, instead, how relaxing it would be to drown out that noise with the sounds of waves crashing on the shore or peaceful chimes blowing in a soft wind.

Personal white noise helps eliminate distractions and create a more peaceful environment. This can increase your productivity at work, or provide you with a more restful night’s sleep. Give this amazing technology a trial run to discover if you can appreciate the benefits of improved concentration and better sleep!

Categories: Tips and Tricks Tags: , , , , , , ,
13
Dec 2010

A Practical Gift for Under the Tree

By Leave a Comment

Looking for a great gift idea?

It’s always a risk to try to pick out sentimental items for others, and most people buy themselves what they want in terms of clothes and jewelry.  And then there’s the hard to shop for man who has everything he “needs.”  These types are tough to shop for.

I have recently, meaning on the past few years, come to appreciate the practical gift.  In fact, it’s hard not to appreciate the practical gift- who doesn’t love something they can use?  As such, I thought I’d post one of my favorite possessions, one that travels with me regardless the luggage limitations: my portable sound machine.  Actually, I have more than one.  They allow me to work and sleep anywhere.  That applies to my children, too, though I usually don’t make them work.  ;)

2 Apps for this Practical Gift

  1. Anyway, sound machines are clutch for new parents and parents of small children who worry about waking their kids up- why not pop a sound machine in baby’s room?  For parents of older children, there’s always the application of tuning out their sleep-overs and rowdiness that keeps them awake well past their preferred bed time.
  2. As for work, anyone who works in a cubicle or over-crowded office knows the time suck of office noise.  Being able to tune it out and stay productive is priceless.

There are countless applications, which show why a sound machine is a truly practical, and therefore successful, gift for even the tough to shop for.  I’m sure a pair of 3-carrot diamond earrings or a sports car would impress more, so if you’re inclined to go in that direction, by all means, do it.  For the rest of us, sound machines fit under the tree quite nicely.

{Check this out for more practical gift ideas!}

Categories: Tips and Tricks Tags: ,
09
Nov 2010

Transatlantic Flights with Kids

By Leave a Comment

Scotland to Texas!

In two days, we’ll be flying from Scotland to our home state of Texas!  This is the third time we’ll have made this particular westward bound transatlantic flight, and I am glad to have a little experience behind me.  Our first flight this direction was two years ago when our daughter was 2 1/2 and our son was 8 months.  It was rough.  When you fly westward, it’s during the day,(a very long day granted) so you can’t count on much sleep form the wee ones.  Plus, it’s just a long, cramped 12 hours or flying regardless of getting up at 3 in the morning and staying up for almost 24 hours.  The plus side was that we got (and get) to see family, to enjoy American food and restaurants again, and just generally be pampered by doting parents and grandparents.  The negative is what I’ve already mentioned ( a tedious day of travel), plus 4 very jet-lagged people.

To prepare for all the ups and downs of transatlantic travel with kids, I put in a lot of forethought.  I am a believer in planning, even if you have to chunk the plan at some point.

  • I bring hand-me-downs to my niece and nephew.  So, I pack anything that is already outgrown in advance.  I also pack any gifts I already have on hand.  I limit myself to one bag for hand-me-downs and gifts.

    What do you consider to be your most essential packed items?

  • As the trip gets closer, I also try to pack anything the kids might outgrow while we’re away, so I can leave those items stateside as well.
  • I know that we’ll try to load up on clothes while we’re in the States (we get more for our money), so I limit everyone’s packed wardrobes to a handful of versatile outfits.
  • I pack our travel sound machine, knowing that it’s always worth the ride!
  • Lastly, I put together our carry-ons.  I have activity books, stickers, markers, and crayons (all washable) for each child in my own carry-on.  That way, I can pull out an item at a time each hour or so and get the most bang for my buck.  I try to get a couple sticker/activity books for each child, as well as some new (quiet) toys, and some good snacks.  I have learned to veer away from sticky snacks, such as suckers, since they inevitably end up on my shoulder and sleeves.  Of course, I include any lovies the kids need to sleep, such as pacifiers.  Finally, I pack a change of clothes for both kids, as well, since you just never know!

I will say that a well-packed carry-on, as well a portable sound machine, helps make the flight and the first few jet-lagged days so much better!

Categories: Tips and Tricks Tags: , ,
29
Jun 2010

Tips for getting baby to sleep

By 1 Comment

The things parents do for sleep…

Your baby (and his sleep) are precious things.

As I am babysitting my friend’s 10-month-old, and he won’t stop crying (surely it’s not me…right?), I am fondly (and not so fondly) remembering those days with my own 2 children.  It’s crazy the lengths we sleep-deprived parents will go to to get our kids to sleep.  Whether it’s a specific pacifier, a soft blanket with just the right texture, or even a special stuffed duck-billed platypus, our hearts (and therefore our wallets) know no bounds.  For you parents just starting out on this crazy journey, I’d love to pass on what I learned about babies and their sleep.

Tips for getting baby to sleep

  • It’s great to read books on sleep, but no one has your child.  It’s your job as the parent to study your child and know their sleepy signs, such as yawning, rubbing eyes, pulling ears/hair, etc.
  • Put your baby down for a nap or for the night before he or she starts crying/fussing.  This is tricky, but if you can catch your child as they’re staring off into space and not yet irritable enough to fuss, you’ll have a much better put-down.
  • If you are comfortable/successful in nursing/feeding/rocking your baby to sleep, then by all means do it.  On the other hand, if that doesn’t work for you for whatever reason, don’t worry about a few minutes of crying.
  • Reconcile yourself to the fact that your kid may not be a marathon napper.  I worked for longer naps for my daughter for over a year and finally took what I got.  We were both much happier.  My son, on the other hand, snoozes for hours.  Again- each child is different
  • We love white noise- specifically, portable sound machines that can travel with us.  It may be that our kids don’t really need the extra sound to block potentially intrusive noises, but the peace of mind white noise brings is worth it.  I am not the mom who is afraid of the phone ringing or the door bell chiming.  I am confident my kids’ sleep will not be disturbed.

Regardless of what anyone says, you do know best.  You may not be able to give your child a check-up, but you do know how they work.  I think the hardest thing is surviving the first few months and learning how each child works.  Once you do notice the patterns, though, you can roughly predict what they need and when- you can even schedule in a nap for yourself!

Categories: Tips and Tricks Tags: , , ,
Newer Posts »