The seven S’s of soothing a newborn
Let me bring you into a situation that maybe you know all too well - it’s 1:00 a.m., your baby is three weeks old, you’ve just finished a feeding and a diaper change and your sweet little one is fussy and unhappy. You are starting to break down feeling like you’ve tried all the tips you’ve heard from friends and family; plus, you are tired beyond belief.
First, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there is no such thing as a bad habit during the newborn phase. What works in your home is best for you and your family and I encourage you to stand by that. I have recommendations of what a safe and healthy sleep environment looks like (if you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact me), but I, too, am a mom and sometimes do what you must do.
If you’re feeling like you don’t know where to go next, consider these SEVEN tips for soothing your newborn. Yes, many of these involve you and that’s OK! This phase goes by so quickly. Embrace the chaos and snuggle your sweet babe any chance you get.
Creating a shushing noise mimics the same sound as white noise. If you know me, you know I am a big believer in white noise for sleep. The womb is a very loud place! One tip I have for you is to try and create the shushing as one tone – this can be less stimulating for your baby.
Swinging/rocking
Your baby is used to being in a womb and an environment that is moving a lot. Rocking with your baby is a soothing mechanism that simultaneously promotes a sense of security. In many instances, this can put a baby right to sleep – for a newborn, that’s totally ok! It is once the baby is around four months that we should start to think about your baby self-soothing on their own and not being rocked to sleep.
Skin-to-skin
Skin-to-skin contact helps your baby’s body to self-regulate, which then leads to the stabilizing of heart rate, temperature, breathing and blood sugar levels. No wonder skin-to-skin is so soothing! Hint…it’s also good for parents as well :)
Shower/bathing
Having a shower or bath with your baby is another great way to get more skin-to-skin time in. This can be a change of scenery for your little one. Plus, the warm water can be quite soothing as well too. Give it a try!
Remember when I was talking about the womb and moving around lots? That womb is also very tight and cozy. Swaddling mimics the tight corners that your newborn is used to being in. When you can recreate this space through swaddling, it can signal to your baby that they are safe.
Side or stomach lying
Babies feel secure when held on their side or stomach. Pair this with some rocking and shushing and watch some magic happen! It’s so important to note here that you can hold your baby in this position but it is NOT safe to let them sleep this way. Place your baby on their back once they are asleep.
Sucking
Your sweet newborn has been mastering the skill of sucking long before entering the world. Your baby depends on sucking for their survival! Sucking on a soother, breast or bottle mimics what they were doing in the womb (likely sucking on their hands). This sucking motion is quite powerful in lowering stress levels and thus, calming your baby down.
Of course, there are many other tips you can refer to when trying to settle your newborn. If you are reading this and frantically trying to figure out what to do next, my biggest tip is to stay calm and be patient – this time will pass. I have created a Newborn Sleep Guide which is full of tips to maximize sleep during the first few months.
If you are looking for further support, I’m ALWAYS here to help! Email me with your questions or book a call with me!
Lindsey
Lindsey Hennigar is the founder of The Sleep Ranch and a Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant. She helps exhausted parents and families get the healthy, restorative sleep they need. Your child can LOVE sleep!