How to Use a Decibel App

Finn the Panda comes with a built-in recorder that can play back a single time or on a loop. Hearing a familiar voice can bring comfort to your baby while you are apart during nurse cares, or help them settle down to sleep. That is why it matters to set the playback at a volume that suits your baby's age and stage of development.

Start by asking your baby's doctor what decibel level is appropriate for your baby's age.

The Academy of Pediatrics advises keeping sound levels in a NICU below 45 decibels.

Open your app store and pick one of the free decibel-measuring apps available, such as dB Meter, Decibel X, or Decibel Meter.

Then set Finn the Panda at the same distance from your phone that the bear will sit from your baby.

Sing, speak, or play a recording while you watch the decibel reading.

Turn the volume up or down so the levels stay below the recommended maximum for your baby's age.

When you sing or talk, aim for an audible whisper level—and as your baby grows, you can re-record as often as you like to adjust the volume.