A step-by-step guide to recreating the womb and soothing your newborn.
Newborn babies are often described as coming out of the womb one trimester too early. They have a startle reflex, no circadian rhythm, and require daytime and nighttime feeds. Additionally, their strange sleep patterns are confusing to parents!
The following 5 steps are easy ways any parent or caregiver can soothe a fussy or tired newborn. Created by Dr. Harvey Karp, these instructions recreate the familiarity and comfort of the womb.
I use these steps every time I prepare a newborn for sleep.
Looking for research? This small sample size but thorough study showed the positive effects of these steps.
Swaddle
The use of the swaddle is multipurpose.
It helps offset the startle reflex, which can interrupt a newborn's sleep. It recreates the comfort, confinement, and security of the womb. And it lowers the risk of SIDS because no loose bedding is required.
Many parents state that their newborn HATES being swaddled. Well...that may be true.
But most likely your newborn dislikes the swaddle if it's the only method used to soothe them. When combined with the other 4 steps, you'll likely find that your newborn does great in a swaddle.
Important Reminders!
Swaddling is a technique that must be done correctly to ensure safety and to promote a baby's healthy physical development.
No material should be close to the chin, mouth, or especially the nose.
The swaddle must be loose around the newborn's hips.
Shoulders should lay flat - do not swaddle so tightly that the baby's shoulders round up. This also can allow the baby to roll to their belly prematurely - a dangerous position for a swaddled baby.
You must drop the swaddle when the baby:
begins rolling
or reaches 14 weeks of age, if they are not rolling.
There are lots of great swaddles on the market. My personal favorite that I use with my newborns is the Ollie Swaddle.
Side or Stomach Position
After swaddling your newborn, hold them in your arms on either their side (facing away from you) or on their stomach. Newborns find faces, especially mom's or dad's, highly stimulating. So face them away from you when soothing or prepping for sleep.
The side and stomach positions do not trigger an infant's startle reflex. They are safe to use if you are holding your newborn.
When placing your newborn down for sleep, remember the ABC's of sleep. Always place baby Alone on their Back in their Crib.
Important Reminders
When putting your baby in a bassinet or crib, always put them on their back. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent SIDS.
Do not place them in a Dock-a-Tot, lounger, or any other surface that is not approved for infant sleep.
Shushing
The womb is loud! It's like being surrounded by a constant vacuum cleaner, loud shower, or living in an apartment complex next to a busy street.
So rather than creating a silent environment for baby to sleep in, add in white noise.
You can lean in close to baby's ear and rhythmically shush them.
Or you can turn on a white noise machine. (This is my favorite white noise machine ever!)
Important Reminders
I use the volume of a vacuum cleaner as a great comparison for how loud a white noise machine can be. If you're concerned, you can always err on the side of a lower volume and then adjust as needed.
Cover cords and keep them a few feet away from your little one's crib.
Don't worry about your newborn or baby being dependent on white noise to sleep. As they get older (whether as a preschooler or in grade school), you can slowly turn down the white noise each night until they are no longer accustomed to it.
Swaying or Swinging
While firmly supporting baby's neck and head, use small and fast jiggling motions to sway or swing your newborn. A good rule of thumb is to move at a speed that matches the intensity of their crying. The calmer they get, the slower you move.
This mimics the natural motion of a mother's womb. While a pregnant mother walks, exercises, and moves, the developing baby also experiences motion.
Important Reminders!
Never shake a baby! If you're upset or overwhelmed, lay your baby in their crib and walk away. Even if they are crying, they will be safe while you take some time to decompress and regain composure.
And again, support baby's head/neck while soothing them.
Lastly, do not use a swing for sleep. Their head can tilt forward and possibly obstruct their airway.
Sucking
Offering your newborn a pacifier, or even a clean finger, to suck on is incredibly soothing. Though not always needed (as the previous 4 steps have usually calmed the newborn already) another great benefit to pacifiers when a newborn is sleeping is that they are shown to significantly lower the risk of SIDS.
If you are worried about breastfeeding, please contact a certified lactation consultant near you.
You can always wean the pacifier during the later baby months or once your little one is a toddler.
Important Reminders!
Pacifier use while breastfeeding is something to discuss with a certified lactation consultant or your pediatrician.
Talk to your pediatric dentist to determine an appropriate time to wean pacifier use for your toddler.
Final Thoughts on Soothing Your Newborn
In my personal experience, I gradually build each of these 5 steps on top of each other when soothing a newborn. As a newborn gets older (and once they've regained their birth weight), I also recommend these steps while gradually extending nighttime sleep.
Practice, practice, practice! As you practice these steps with your newborn, you'll gain greater confidence in your ability to soothe your little one.
You'll develop a natural rhythm that can greatly reduce stress around helping your newborn sleep.
If you're still struggling with your newborn's sleep and are looking for additional help, I do provide a newborn package specifically designed to guide you through this unique time in your baby's life.
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