How I learned to soothe a newborn

How I learned to soothe a newborn

Newborn babies cry for a reason, to have a need tended to. Usually baby is hungry, in pain, cold, overstimulated or they just need to be held. As new parents, we usually go through this list until we find the solution. But what do we do when nothing is working?

It’s very easy to doubt yourself at times like these but we’ve all been there. As a newborn and family photographer, I’ve had to learn how to keep a baby content during a shoot or I wouldn’t be able to do my job. I came upon “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Harvey Karp M.D. Dr Karp available on Amazon, click here. Dr Karp came up with The 5 S’s, a soothing technique for newborns with 5 tried and tested steps.

Basically the 5 S’s mimic the womb environment. After birth, newborns suddenly find themselves in a strange, bright and cold environment. By using the 5 soothing techniques of Swaddling, Side/Stomach position, Shushing, Swinging and Sucking, the womb is replicated and baby will be almost immediately calmed and comforted.

1. Swaddle The first step is to swaddle baby reasonably tight. By keeping the arms and legs secure the startle reflexes are eliminated and this keeps baby feeling snug and secure. She might cry while being swaddled but will calm down really quickly once the swaddle is secure.

baby girl wrapped in a white swaddle

2. Side or Stomach Position

Many newborns suffer from wind and colic. Holding baby in front of your body on her side or stomach helps to relieve any aches she may have.

baby girl newborn lying on her tummy on bed with pink blanket

3. Shush!

Shushing is the third ‘S’ and should be done nice and loud, close to baby’s ear so she can hear it over her crying. Otherwise it is just and irritant and won’t help to soothe. Can you imagine how noisy it is inside the womb? Try to replicate this with your shushing. White noise machines can also work really well. You can vary the sounds by adding womb noises and a heartbeat. You’ll find a really handy portable one on Amazon by clicking here. https://amzn.to/2zMCrT7 (SPOTIFY)

4. Swing

The fourth step in the 5 S’s is swinging. Newborns have just spent months being jiggled about and rocked to sleep. Fast, small movements to jiggle baby to sleep or just a state of calm work best.

baby boy in mothers hands looking at window light

5. Suck!

Sucking is the final step to soothing your newborn. The action of breastfeeding, bottle feeding or sucking a soother satisfies baby’s natural urge and can soothe almost immediately after following the 5 S’s from step one.

black and white image of new baby sucking on her soother

When I feel it’s appropriate, I use these methods during newborn sessions to help babies stay settled and calm. They always work and many parents say that they go on to use them long after I am gone.

I suggest you try them out or share this article with someone who might benefit and hopefully you will soon have a happy, calm newborn. Don’t forget if you have some helpful hints yourself include them in the comments below!