5 S’s of Newborn Sleep
The newborn stage- beautiful, fun, scary, stressful, exciting… So many big and conflicting emotions all at once- on top of recovering from childbirth. I totally get where you’re at. This blog post is to help you through this stage and help you enjoy this stage a little more.
These are a few “tips and tricks” that can help you calm Baby enough to get her to sleep, which will keep her from getting overtired.
What are the 5 S’s? Swaddling, Side position, Shushing, Swinging, and Sucking.
Everyone can learn these techniques, you don’t need a $1500 product to do it for you. It may take some practice, keep trying and see what works for your baby. Using a combination of these things can help calm an upset baby enough to get them to sleep.
Swaddling- Newborn babies are used to being squished into a tight space when they’re born. Because of the Moro reflex, or startle reflex, when Baby’s arms are loose, Baby will be prone to startling and waking. Swaddling helps prevent this reflex and prevent Baby from waking up when her arms fall back. Wiggling while in a swaddle or being put in a swaddle does not necessarily mean your baby does not like being swaddled.
Side position (while being held)- Holding baby in a side position can be very soothing and help calm Baby enough to fall asleep. It is important to note that at this age, this is not a safe sleeping position, which is why it is side position while being held.
Shushing (white noise)- Babies are used to this noise from being in the womb. Especially when Baby is crying, using a “sshh” noise can be soothing and calming. You’re not telling Baby to be quiet, you are simply using a noise that is easily made to help calm your baby. While Baby is crying, match the noise level of the cry with your “sshh”. White noise in the bedroom should be kept across the room to make sure the noise isn’t too loud.
Swinging- Short, fast, motions here. If you’re holding Baby, you can do this in a side position. Baby swings are also good, however they are not safe sleeping spaces. Once Baby has calmed or fallen asleep, it’s recommended to move her to a flat, safe space.
Sucking- Whether a bottle, pacifier, or nursing, sucking can help Baby calm when upset. One thing to note is that when very upset, it could be hard for you to get her to suck on anything. This is a time when you will use the other 4 techniques until crying has calmed down a little and then you will give her the option to suck.
You can use these techniques any time Baby is upset, you can use any combination to help Baby get to sleep, and you can teach anyone who offers help how to do them as well.
If you need some extra help through this time, head over to my Work With Me page to book a newborn call. If you’re toward the end of this stage and looking to sleep train, a support package may be right for you. Reach out and we can figure out what is right for you.
