Five simple steps to calm your baby and help sleep better.
By Dr. Harvey Karp
1st step: Swaddle
Swaddling is the key to calming and sleep! Some babies resist at first, but all calm better - and sleep longer - when wrapped. Swaddle only during fussing and sleep...not 24 hours/day. Wrap for at least 4 months...many need it even longer. Swaddle arms snugly; keep hips loose, but arms snug (loose arms increase crying). Swaddle in a big, thin blanket (44" square). Never use bulky blankets or cover your baby's head or face. Keep cool. If hot and sweaty, cool the room, remove clothes, or unwrap.
2nd step: Side/Stomach Position
The side or stomach is the best position to hold a baby for calming, but never leave your newborn alone on the side or stomach. Babies should not sleep on side or stomach, especially if swaddled!
3rd step: Shushing
A strong 5-second "shush" can calm many crying babies...mid-cry! You can also use white noise (example, a fan or the “shhh” that happens when the TV or radio is tuned to an unused frequency) or the "Super-Soothing" sounds CD. Play it as loud as the crying...even in your car! Once the fussing lessens, drop the sound to the loudness of your shower.
4th step: Swinging
Is your baby still crying after the first 3 steps? Then add some swinging! Fussy babies are calmed the fastest with quick, jiggly, very tiny movements--no more than just 1" (one inch) back and forth. Support your baby's neck, and use very small "shiver-like" motions to let the head jiggle in your open hands.
Even if you're upset, never jiggle roughly and never shake your baby. (Also, tell your friends and family never to shake the baby!) If you use an infant swing, make sure you always recline the seat all the way back, buckle your baby in snugly, and fasten the safety strap securely between the legs.
IMPORTANT: Ask your doctor's permission before using the swing. If your baby is under 4 weeks old, premature, or has hypotonia (a condition that makes babies floppy as rag doll), s/he may have trouble breathing if the head falls too far forward.
5th step: Sucking
Sucking is the icing on the cake of calmness! Sucking on your breast or a clean finger is wonderful, but please avoid pacifiers until you baby is nursing well, unless advised by a doctor. Bedtime pacifiers may reduce SIDS (most SIDS occurs 2-6 months and rarely up to 1 year).
