5 S's

The 5 S’s: Swaddling, Shhh-ing, Side or Stomach position, Swinging, Sucking.

The idea behind the 5 S’s is that there is a huge difference between a newborn and a 3 month old. The newborn needs the feeling of the womb recreated for serenity and security. The 3 month old is much more interested in the world around them. The 5 S’s used together will help the baby use their own “calming reflex” to settle down and

be oh so happy.

SWADDLING: (see video below) We need a tight and secure swaddle to help them feel the constant pressure and security of the womb. It keeps the baby from flailing and upsetting themselves.

SIDE or STOMACH: This helps keep the baby from feeling like they are falling. Many babies do the Moro reflex (startled, with arms and legs out) when they feel like they are falling (Abby did this a lot). So to help them calm down we settle them on their side or stomach (when rocking or swinging). But we ALWAYS put them down to sleep on their back once they are settled down.

SHH-ING: A loud shushing sound is music to their ears. In the womb there is a rough humming, and shushing from the blood whooshing around my arteries and veins. And it does need to be LOUD to get their attention. Many children calm down with the sound of the vacuum, or bathroom fan, or dryer. It can start loud again for them to pay attention to it, and then it can diminish and become softer and calmer once it is working.

SWINGING: Newborns are like sailors who come to dry land after nine months at sea, the sudden stillness can drive them crazy. They crave jiggly, monotonous, rhythmic motion. Again the swinging will start out vigorous to get the babies to stop screaming and then be reduce to a more gentle motion. (also why people use bouncers, and car rides to calm babies down).

SUCKING: The icing on the calming cake. The sucking on a pacifier will release chemicals in the brain for a deep satisfying level of relaxation. The reverse psychology technique of keeping the pacifier in; the moment she begins to suck on the pacifier, gently tug on it as if you’re going to take it out. He’ll suck it in harder and soon he’ll learn to keep it in his mouth even when he’s cooing.