A crying baby can be bothersome, especially when bedtime turns into a battleground. Enter the 5 S’s—a calming technique developed by renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp.
Used consistently, the 5 S’s can become part of your baby’s nighttime routine—helping reduce fussiness, easing the transition to sleep, and creating a more peaceful bedtime for the whole family. Whether your little one is overtired, colicky, or just needs help winding down, the 5 S’s offer a gentle, effective approach to comfort and rest.
5 S’s: Calming Technique to Help Baby Sleep Better
These five simple steps mimic the womb environment, triggering your baby’s natural calming reflex to help them feel secure and settled.
1. Swaddling
Swaddling is the practice of snugly wrapping your baby in a lightweight blanket to mimic the close confines of the womb. This technique prevents the Moro reflex—or startle reflex—that can cause babies to wake suddenly or cry out. A properly swaddled baby feels secure, warm, and comforted, which naturally helps reduce fussiness. Just make sure to leave enough room for the hips to move and always stop swaddling once your baby starts rolling over.
For bedtime, use a breathable cotton or muslin swaddle and keep the room at a comfortable temperature to avoid overheating.
2. Side or Stomach Position (for soothing only)
Holding your baby on their side or stomach (never for sleep, only while in your arms) can be incredibly calming. These positions reduce the baby’s internal stress and help activate their calming reflex. Some parents find the “football hold” or placing the baby tummy-down on their forearm particularly effective.
Always place babies on their back for sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome, sometimes known as cot death or crib death).
Use the side or stomach position only for soothing when the baby is awake and under your watch.
3. Shushing
Babies spend months in the womb surrounded by loud whooshing noises—from blood flow to digestion. Recreating that sound with rhythmic “shhhhhh” noises, white noise machines, or even apps can help drown out external stimuli and settle a crying baby. The key is volume—match the intensity of your baby’s cry at first, then gradually soften it.
Nighttime tip: Consider using a white noise machine or a fan (safely placed) to provide continuous background noise during sleep. It helps not only soothe but also mask household sounds that might wake the baby.
4. Swinging (or Swaying/Rocking)
Gentle motion is deeply soothing for infants. Whether it’s rocking in your arms, walking around with a baby in a carrier, or using a baby swing (safely and supervised), movement mimics the jostling they experienced in the womb. Swinging helps calm the nervous system and can reduce crying almost instantly.
Bedtime note: Avoid vigorous shaking or fast motion. Gentle, rhythmic movements are best, and never leave a baby unattended in a swing, especially for overnight sleep.
5. Sucking
Sucking is a powerful self-soothing mechanism for babies. It releases endorphins and helps regulate their breathing and heart rate. Whether through breastfeeding, a bottle, or a pacifier, sucking can quickly quiet cries and ease your baby into a restful state.
A pacifier can be a lifesaver for middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Studies also show that pacifier use during sleep can reduce the risk of SIDS—just make sure it’s used safely and not forced if your baby resists.
Soothing a crying baby doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. The 5 S’s—Swaddling, Side/Stomach position, Shushing, Swinging, and Sucking—offer a gentle, effective, and research-backed method to calm your little one and promote better sleep. When practiced consistently, these techniques not only help reduce crying spells but also strengthen the bond between you and your baby by creating a sense of safety and comfort.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
