5 Simple Ways to Calming Your Newborn

Congratulations!

Your little one is finally here! There are a million and one resources out there for new parents but that in itself can be overwhelming!

So my goal here, is to chat with you about some proven steps that you can try out, to help your child settle. I’ll say it time and time again — you know your child better than anyone, so no matter what, you have to do what you feel is best for them.

Side note: 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 your parenting style.

Plus 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.

Here are our 5 simple ways you can settle your newborn:

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. The 5 S’s…

1. Swaddling 😴 - They love that warm, snug feeling. Reminds them of being in the womb all safe and sound. This also applies to general pressure on the body

   EG: if you don't want to swaddle them/ if it just doesn't make sense for the situation you can provide some gentle pressure with your hand on their chest or around their shoulders/arms.

2. Side Stomach Positioning 👶🏼 - This is just a comfortable position for them and can be super helpful when you're putting a newborn down to sleep. Lowering them down bum first, then as they go down on the mattress they are on their side. Giving them a moment to get used to it with your hand still on them, and then gently roll them onto their back- keeping a hand on their chest for a moment afterwards.

3. 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. 

4. 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.

5. Sucking 🍼- Last but not least! The tried and true… a feed is always calming, but a pacifier can be a place holder too as that soothing mechanism.

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.

Giving your child that extra love and trying out these steps will definitely help calm them.

If you have any questions or if you'd like an in-person consult to demonstrate any of the calming mechanisms above please give me a shout. ☺️

Happy December ❄️ I hope you have a great week!

Your Sleep Consultant

-Marina