How to calm a newborn.....The 5 S's

I’ve had lots of newborn clients lately so wanted to hi light one of my absolute favorite soothing techniques for newborns.

Dr. Harvey Karp, a renowned pediatrician, developed a set of soothing tactics that work extremely well to help calm babies during fussy periods.  He calls them the 5 Ss.  I’m going to share the steps below but I highly recommend watching the Happiest Baby on the Block video to really perfect your technique  https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/baby/the-5-s-s-for-soothing-babies

SWADDLE

We can help to recreate the womb environment by swaddling our babies. If you think your baby hates the swaddle, stick with it.  At first, your little one may not like it (likely will not like it at all!), but the magic comes when you follow the rest of the steps below.  Newborns have a very strong startle reflex that takes some time to go away.  Swaddling helps to decrease the reflex and calm our babies. 

SIDE OR STOMACH

Remember back for sleep, but when you are trying to calm your baby, opt for the side or stomach or over your shoulder.  Also, always have your baby’s face pointing away from yours. Our faces are considered playtime for newborns and can be overstimulating if they are already fussy.

SHUSH

Vacuums are magic because they recreate the loud sounds in the womb.  You don’t have to use your vacuum, but a sound machine tuned to the white noise option also works well.  Stay away from ocean sounds or anything other than white noise. It isn’t as effective for soothing and isn’t recommended for sleep either. Making a loud SHUSHHHHHH sound with your voice is equally effective!

SWING

Life in the womb is very jiggly.  While slow rocking is fine for keeping babies calm, you need to use fast, tiny motions to soothe a crying infant.   Essentially, you want to be holding your baby and while supporting their head and neck, you jiggle them gently back and forth with fast, tiny motions.  Think the bobblehead motion.  This is gold!

SUCK

A clean knuckle, pacifier or breast are all good options for calming babies.  Sucking works brilliantly to calm babies.

As always, I am here if you need me!