Numerous friends have told us that a white noise or “sound machine” is a helpful device to have to help baby get to sleep.  We saw the calming effect it had on Baby Champuru at the photo shoot we did with Lisa Hoang of Windwardskies Photography. Ever since, I have been meaning to get a sound machine and even sent Hubby on a mission to USA Baby and Wal-mart to find the elusive gadget — but, to no avail. And lucky for us, too, because we found a much better solution that cost us less than a buck.

As I was perusing the iTunes App Store, I found a nifty little application called Ambiance for $0.99 that is basically a sound machine for your iPhone or iPod Touch.  Instead of paying $20+ for an actual device, I just downloaded the application for $0.99 and hooked up a set of old Dell computer speakers and subwoofer and — voila! — we have a sound machine that sounds phenomenal.

I have been using it at night after her last feeding and it seems to do the trick.  Our favorite is the creek sound effect, which really does sound like running water just outside our window.  It’s all the benefits of having a creek, without the mosquitos.

Most of the sound machines I’ve seen online look much like a clock radio, I’d assume with the sound quality to match.  With the ambiance app, your iPod Touch (or iPhone), and a set of decent speakers, you have a nice alternative for a fraction of the cost.  So, now you have a legitimate reason to put that iPod on your baby registry!