Nothing makes a parent move faster than a fussy baby! New parents are always trying to figure out ways to soothe their little one, and experienced parents are always discovering new tricks to add into their routine. You've probably heard countless tips, hacks, and old wives tales from family and friends.
But why do some soothing techniques work so well? Why don't others? Understand why and how soothing tricks work can help us know what to try, when to apply each technique, and how to best help our babies.
The 5 S's for soothing babies are a great baseline to start with. This list details the five basic, science-backed techniques for calming a fussy baby. Let's dive in!
What are the 5 S's for Soothing an Infant?
Put together by pediatrician Harvey Karp, the 5 S's are an easy-to-remember list of common soothing techniques. These techniques mimic what babies feel in the womb to make them feel comfortable with a familiar motion, sound, feeling, or action. Our babies have to adjust to a new and sometimes uncomfortable world, so it makes sense that feelings that would mimic the safest, most comfortable place they've ever knows!
Soothing Technique #1: Swaddling
You were probably taught how to swaddle at the hospital, and for good reason! A snug swaddle gives infants a sense of physical security and comfort. They're warm and wrapped up in a comfy, soft hug.
Swaddling your baby can also help suppress the startle reflex, also known as the Morro reflex. This happens when your baby jumps at a loud noise, sudden movement, or some other mystery cause. They startle, flail their little limbs, and get worked up over the shock!
Soothing Technique #2: Side-stomach Position
Did you know that babies who fall asleep on their tummies stay asleep longer and startle less? Probably not, because it's dangerous to let your baby sleep like this for prolonged periods. However, you can lull your little one to sleep this way, then carefully reposition them onto their backs.
You can hold your baby on their tummy or side, put them over their shoulder, or lay them over your forearm while supporting their head. You can also lay your baby on your chest for some skin-to-skin contact while letting them get a tummy nap. The physical contact will be extra soothing!
Soothing Technique #3: Shushing
Making a soothing shushing noise is one of the first things most people do when calming a fussy baby. We're telling them to shhh so they can get some shuteye, but babies register this noise as a calming, familiar sound.
A shush mimics noises that infants hear in the womb. The sound of a mother's breathing, blood circulation, digestive system, and filtered outside noises all sound like a muddled shushing noise. Similar to swaddling, shushes bring infants back to that comfort.
Soothing Technique #4: Swing
Another almost instinctual method of soothing our infants is by swinging or rocking them. The gentle, rhythmic movement of being carried or rocked soothes crying and stress.
When you swing, remember to support your baby's head and neck and keep your movements small and consistent. You can combine rocking with shushing to double the soothing power.
Remember to keep your movements gentle, and never shake your baby.
Soothing Technique #5: Sucking
Babies actually start sucking on their fingers in the womb! They have to suck to feed, so the motion is an instinctual way to find comfort. Even when babies aren't getting food, non-nutritive sucking offers great comfort.
This is why pacifiers are such popular tools to calm babies. A pacifier offers relief between feedings, and helps prevent hard-to-break thumb-sucking habits later down the line. If you're breastfeeding, just wait till you have a good routine established to introduce the pacifier.
When to Use the 5 S's
You can use each technique for any situation you find yourself needing to soothe a baby. Some work better than others depending on your baby's needs and the setting, so do some experimenting to find out what works for you!
- Sleep: Nighttime fussing is probably the first time that comes to mind. We all need good sleep for our health, and so we can be the best parents we can be. You can swaddle an infant until they're able to turn themselves over. You can also combine this with a soothing pacifier or a white noise machine at bedtime!
- Colic: This vague but common condition will plague a handful of infants, and it can be exhausting for everyone. When your little one has a fit, try multiple techniques to see what helps.
- Anxiety in public places: In public, a baby can easily get overwhelmed. They also might feel pain getting shots at the doctor, startle at loud noises, or feel uncomfortable in temperature changes. Lots of parents want to quickly and discreetly calm a baby in public, so we suggest a binky, gently rocking, or quietly shushing.
Soothe and Sleep Soundly!
Now that you know each technique and why it works, it's time to get soothing! Remember that every baby is different, and even though this list is universal, you may have to find some unique ways to make them work for your kiddo. Maybe that don't respond to your shushing but love a white noise machine, or maybe they hate silicone pacifiers but love rubber ones!
Whether it's a super-soft swaddle blanket or a natural, organic pacifier, whatever helps settle your baby down is a parenting win. Tune in to your little one's needs and you'll notice a world of difference!
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