How to Calm a Crying Baby!

Hi TV Viewers,

I hope you enjoyed my last week's segment on how to calm your crying baby! I knew I would not have enough time to show you how to swaddle your baby correctly on TV so I have included a video for you to watch!

As a new mommy myself, I remember the sleepless nights, the feeling of sleep deprivation, and the sound of a crying baby that wants a little extra TLC. I found Dr. Karp’s method from his book, “The Happiest Baby on the Block” to work wonders! I hope it does for your baby too. I would love to hear your feedback about what happens when you apply the 5 S’s that he recommends below.

Here are the 5 S’s again that I discussed this past Saturday.

1st – Swaddle
Please watch my video on how to swaddle correctly and see all 5 S’s below: Click Here!

2nd – Side/Stomach
The side or stomach position stops an equally upsetting but invisible type of stimulation—the panicky feeling of falling, which is called the Moro reflex. It’s appropriate for this situation; however always place your baby on their BACK when they go to bed.

3rd – Shhhhing
This is a soothing sound for your baby. It reminds them of the sound when they were in your uterus.
“Shhh...” in their ear about 1 to 2 inches away. The louder the cry, the louder the “shhh…”. You will continue doing this as you move on to the next S.

4th- Swinging
Please watch video to see how this is actually done. Basically, you would lightly jiggle your baby in your arms if they were really upset and then swing them as they calm down.

5th – Sucking
You may not even need to do this last S. However, if your baby still doesn’t seem calm, offer them a pacifier or nurse them.

You may need to do the 5 S’s a few times before your baby really starts calming down. They need to get used to you doing this new method but I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel! Wishing you great success as new parents!

Dr. Nina Rios-Doria, LPC
TXA 21 – “Raising Your Children Right”