Had it with colic or just eager to fix baby’s fussiness? Start with the letter “S” and see what soothes.
Newborn babies and their parents can be caught off guard by the demands of what is often referred to as the “fourth trimester”. Those early months can be quite challenging for baby as he or she works to adjust to the astounding amount of stimuli to be discovered in this new world outside of the womb.
Dr. Harvey Karp has formulated a stellar plan that effectively addresses baby’s distress. His methodology, as detailed in his book, The Happiest Baby On The Block, is designed to essentially recreate the sensations of the womb. The method consists of just five simple “S’s”. Get these down pat and you have a pretty terrific chance at eliminating those frantic fussies. Try one, or better yet, several in combination and discover baby’s “calming reflex” (sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?)
And Dr. Harvey Karp’s five S’s are as follows:
1. Swaddling
Learn how to swaddle baby tightly in a receiving blanket or with one of those great velcro swaddling blankets. Your little “burrito” will feel the same continuous touching and support he felt in mommy’s body.
2. Shushing
This type of sound mimics the constant whooshing sound baby heard from bloodflow close to the womb. White noise from a vacuum cleaner or a hair dryer is at the correct loud volume, or better yet, try a fan, a special white noise machine, or a CD or MP3 on repeat.
3. Side or Stomach Position
Try holding baby on her left side to assist in digestion. Or hold her along your forearm on her stomach, with her head supported on your hand, to provide reassuring support. Once sound asleep, be sure to lie her down safely on her back in the crib.
4. Sucking
The breast, bottle, pacifier, or your clean finger can instantly help baby relax. “Sucking has its effects deep within the nervous system,” notes Karp, “and triggers the calming reflex and releases natural chemicals within the brain.”
5. Swinging
During the pregnancy, the mother’s natural walking motion resulted in a gentle swinging sensation within the womb. Newborns often dearly miss this comforting and familiar motion. Rocking (especially side-to-side), car rides, and other swinging movements can work wonders. Dancing with baby is a very sweet way to soothe!
For best results, you may wish to get started before the crying jag hits full force. Just take a deep breath, and start putting the “S’s” into effect. Happier times are just around the corner! Find out more at Dr. Karp’s website, www.happiestbaby.com
