Parents have revealed the least helpful advice they received during their child's first year. Those who became parents for the first time in the past five years reported getting an average of 25 pieces of advice per week during that period.While some tips were useful, others like 'sleep when the baby sleeps', and 'babies should be left to cry it out' were less so. Other unhelpful suggestions included 'you must have a second baby after the first', and 'don't let them sleep in your bed or they'll never leave'.

Many breastfeeding mothers were advised: 'if you just relax the milk will flow'. The study found that nine out of ten parents regularly received advice from others during the first year, but only 59% of the advice given was deemed useful. One in five parents said the constant barrage of mostly unsolicited advice contributed to feelings of being overwhelmed.

The research was commissioned by Johnson's Baby, which has produced a white noise album titled Soothing Sounds. The album, created by blending parenting advice from blogs and social media with white noise, is designed to help babies relax.

Music producer Jimmy Day arranged the album to create a calming 'soundscape' using vocals, melody and percussion. The goal is to turn what could be seen as irritating noise into something positive and enjoyable for both babies and their parents.

Jimmy elaborated:"We have created a textured landscape that moves through spoken word into pure noise. The sounds weave through tonal changes that reflect each mood and scenario.

“We used field recordings from the natural world and combining granular sampling to introduce white noise from their origins".

The compositions are tailored to align with a baby's daily schedule, encompassing wake-up time, first nap, bath time, and bedtime.

Reality TV personality and mother of three, Dani Dyer, who is partnering with the baby brand, expressed: "When you first have your baby, it can seem like everyone's got something to say."

She further noted that while this can be endearing, "it becomes overwhelming, especially when you add things like social media in. I'm thrilled that they have developed something so soothing which the whole family can benefit from."

Three quarters (76%) were aware of the potential benefits of white noise, to help babies get to sleep, according to the OnePoll.com data. With 40% also finding it helped calm themselves as much as the baby. 

However, 39% found some of the noises that did relax the baby ‘strange’. Parents said they’d used an unusual array of sounds for their ‘soothing’ white noise benefits – including fish tank bubbles (10%), their dishwasher (nine%), or even a blender (9%). 

A third of those who welcomed guidance believed it was well-intentioned, while 27% admitted that receiving unwelcome advice has made them think twice before giving out advice themselves.

Sahila Chandihok, speaking on behalf of the brand, shared: "We understand the challenges new parents face, and we are committed to providing resources that empower them to make decisions and trust their own instincts.

"Our new white noise playlist is designed to help parents tune out the noise and tune into what truly matters: connecting with their baby."

TOP 20 ANNOYING OR UNHELPFUL PIECES OF ADVICE NEW PARENTS RECEIVED:

1. “I always used to do THIS, and my kids turned out fine”
2. “Sleep when the baby sleeps”
3. “You’re not holding the baby correctly”
4. “Babies should be left to cry it out”
5. “You must have a second baby as otherwise you are selfish/ your other child will suffer/ be spoilt, etc.”
6. “Don’t let them sleep in your bed with you or they’ll never leave”
7. “They're definitely hungry/tired/gassy"
8. “Everything’s just a phase”
9. “The baby’s crying because he/she is over stimulated / over tired”
10. “If you just relax, the milk will flow / breast-feeding will be easier”
11. “The child should be in their own room by ‘X months’”
12. “Don’t rush your babies, they will go at their own pace (crawling, walking, talking, etc.)”
13. “Bottle feeding is taking the easy route”
14. “Don’t entertain baby with a screen / TV / iPad / smartphone”
15. “Dummies will delay speech / ruin teeth”
16. “Babies just sleep all the time in the first few weeks”
17. “They sleep lots at first but just wait until the sleep regressions happen”
18. “Don’t put them in childcare, they need you”
19. “If you don’t start them on vegetables first when weaning they’ll become picky eaters.”
20. “You should/shouldn’t go back to work”