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| |    Lulling Your Baby to Sleep with Music Tapes by Susan E. Davis and Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. There are lots of "put your baby to sleep" music products out there. Some just play lullabies. Some go a step further and integrate lullabies with the sound of a human heartbeat. And some even combine lullabies with womb sounds. Those that take a different approach offer up all sorts of white noise, which is thought by some to have a soothing effect on babies. (The titles on one such product include "Hushabye Hairdryer," "Dozy Dishwasher," and "Dreamy Dryer.") Lullaby tapes are lovely, even for some adults; the slow music sets a wonderful mood in the house and often can soothe a baby. But if you hate the sound (or words) of lullabies, any gentle, rhythmic sound will often serve the same purpose. And some babies are actually soothed by rock music--although you need to keep the volume set at a reasonable level to protect their ears. Replicating the sound of the womb Whether or not heartbeat and womb sounds will work is a matter of debate. Babies certainly have fallen asleep without the digital replications of human organs in their ear for many centuries. But if you're desperate for your baby (and you) to get some rest, or you received a white noise tape or CD as a gift and are curious about its potential, give it a try. Most babies like rhythmic sounds, and newborns especially may be comforted by sounds similar to those they heard in the womb. White noise When it comes to these tapes, many parents wonder why they should pay for something that they themselves can easily create. And when there are kids in the house, the vacuum cleaner, dryer, and dishwasher certainly are running enough to create a virtual white noise extravaganza. However, if you want something to block out the noises in and around your house--like older children playing, the ringing of the phone, or the next-door neighbor's lawn mower--you just might give these tapes a shot. Perhaps the most important thing for you to remember is that your baby is an individual, with particular likes and dislikes. While some infants may be quickly soothed by a quiet quartet or the sound (real or reproduced) of a dishwasher or washing machine, others may simply prefer a little peace and quiet. As you get to know your own baby's preferences, remember to avoid loud music and other loud noises, as they can hurt your baby's ears. And don't let your baby become so dependant on a sleep aid--be it a music tape or a warm bottle of milk--that he ends up unable to fall asleep without it. That can make your life very difficult when he gets older. If you suspect that your baby has a problem with his hearing--if you can't get him to startle or respond to sound at all, for example--be sure to address your concerns to your child's healthcare provider.
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