I can’t really recall when I decided to purchase a white noise machine (we fondly refer to it as the “sleep machine”), what I do know is that I wish I had decided to buy one sooner (we didn’t have it during infancy, but we for sure had one by the time the girls were one).  We can’t live without ours.  The 7 July, 2011 Home section of the New York Times inspired me to clue you all in on this little, can’t live without device.  Farhad Manjoo has an article on page D4 about such devices – but what was so cool – the very one I own was featured Marpac Sound Screen 980A!

The Marpac Sound Screen 980A is super basic and easy to use (and that is why I bought it).  I honestly didn’t want to decide if the twins would prefer thunderstorm or rushing waves.  It has two speeds and you can change the volume and tone of the sound.  No fancy electronics, just a fan inside – that is it!

We bring our “Sleep Machine” everywhere we are going to be overnight.  Ours has made numerous airplane trips packed in a suitcase without incident – so I’d say it’s durable.  Initially we started out keeping it in the twins room.  But, now since they have “big girl beds”  we have it running in the hallway outside their bedroom door.  This new location works great seeing as there is a lot of action in the hallway at night (3 teenage girls in and out of their rooms, bathrooms, speaking loudly etc – you get the idea).  Saves me from being the “evil stepmother” asking them to please be quiet like a broken record.

There are an endless number of white noise machines to choose from.  My best advice is to get something that is easy to use.  These make great shower gifts also!