5 Steps to Calming a Newborn
Congratulations! Your little one is finally here! Now, what… what happens next? There are a million and one resources out there for new parents but that in itself is overwhelming! So my goal here is to chat with you, about some proven steps to help your new babe settle, that you can try out if you want to. Any advice that you get from anyone, is just that… advice. You know your child better than anyone, and you have to do what you feel is best for them.
When it comes to sleep consultants and sleep coaches, everyone is different. They have different views, different approaches, and that’s why it’s important to connect with ones that align with your values and the type of parent you are. Now with social media, it is important to remember, you have the power to ‘unfollow’ accounts that make you feel shamed, or wrong in how you are taking care of your child. There are so many amazing accounts out there that promote healthy, positive messages (please comment or send me an email if you’d like to know which ones I recommend!)
At Sage Sleep, I don’t do any “sleep training” with children under 4 months. This is because up until then, we are building a foundation for healthy sleep habits. Everything is based on what is developmentally appropriate for the child and when they are ready to move on to the next phase.
What I am suggesting here is not “sleep training” and is just some simple tips that have been proven to calm and settle a fussy newborn. So you’ve tried feeding, burping, swinging… but nothing seems to be calming your babe! Here are some sure-fire tips to help your precious newborn settle and calm. Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s are your key to comforting an inconsolable little one.
Swaddling - They love that warm, snug feeling. Reminds them of being in the womb all safe and sound.
Side Stomach Positioning - This is just a comfortable position for them. Also remembering that when you put a baby down in their crib or bassinet etc, put them down feet first… then butt, upper body, and head last.
Shushing - The shushing sound reminds them of the womb and is very comforting. Here’s the trick though… If they are being loud, you must ‘shush’ loudly as well. They won’t hear you if you ‘shush’ gently and quietly, so in order for this to be effective, you must meet them at their sound level.
Swinging - Swinging in a ‘shiver’ type motion is very helpful for when they are crying, and when you want to help them to sleep use a long swinging motion. Babywearing, rocking, any time of movement is calming as well.
Sucking - Last but not least! The tried and true… a feed is always calming, but a pacifier can be a place holder too.
You know how some days, everything can be working fine, but you just don’t feel great. That happens with little ones too; sometimes they can be fed, burped, changed, but they just aren’t feeling good and need some extra comfort. Doing these steps will definitely help calm your babe. Follow along on my Instagram or Facebook if you’d like more helpful hints and information on sleep health for baby!
