The 5 S’s – Swaddling, Side/Stomach, Shhhh, Swinging and Sucking

All right, I swear by this technique. Either I had the best baby in the world or this method of calming Gabrielle was just an absolute godsend. It consists of 5 things to do for your baby that should calm him/her, and each technique begins with “S”.

Swaddling – Yes, my baby was basically a burrito 24/7 for about 3 months. When I changed her diaper, I would swaddle her, when I bathed her, I would swaddle, well, you get the point. She just always seemed very comfortable and secure when she was swaddled.

• Side/Stomach – My mother always told me to put my baby’s tummy against my tummy and that should help soother her. So, for the side/stomach position, I cradled her in my arms, with her stomach pressed gently against mine.
• Shhhh – This was definitely the strangest part if you are doing in front of other people. I used a slow, pulsing shhhh that my husband said sounded like the dishwasher. Hey, you have to do what you have to do.
• Swinging – as I cradled her with her stomach against my stomach, I swung side to side. It was enough to make me fall asleep while I was doing it.
• Sucking – My children are suckers and loved their pacifiers. I believe that this is a strong tendency for babies, and, this is only my opinion, but parents who take pacifiers away too early are taking a vital self soothing method for some children.

Well, if there are any tired, stressed out parents who feel like their babies just won’t stop crying, then maybe giving this method a try will help. Remember, some of this is imitating your baby’s time in utero, so be gentle and create that special place that your baby knew for so long.