1. Swaddle
New parents often wonder how to soothe a newborn to sleep, swaddling is one option. Swaddling your baby means wrapping a baby snugly in a blanket to mimic the secure feeling of the womb. This helps calm babies by preventing their startle reflex from waking them up. Swaddling can help babies feel secure and promote longer, more restful sleep.
2. Side or stomach position
You may be wondering how to calm a newborn; one way is holding a baby on their side or stomach to help them feel calm and less fussy. To use this technique, hold the baby on their side or stomach, supporting their head and neck.
Remember, babies should always sleep on their backs to be safe and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). By using the side or stomach position for soothing and then transitioning the baby to their back for sleep, parents can help their baby feel calm and safe.
3. Sushing
Shushing means making a “shhh” sound near the baby’s ear, like the sounds they heard in the womb. This technique can be very soothing for infants as it helps to block out other noises and create a calming environment.
4. Swing
Swinging means using gentle, rhythmic motion to soothe a baby. This technique is effective because it once again mimics the movement they felt in the womb.
There are many ways to use swinging to soothe a baby, including rocking them in your arms or while babywearing, using a baby swing or gently bouncing them on your knee. The key is to use slow, gentle movements that help the baby feel secure and relaxed. Swinging can be a powerful tool for calming a fussy baby and promoting better sleep.
5. Suck
Sucking is a comfort tool for babies. Using a pacifier, bottle or breastfeeding can help to soothe and calm a baby. Sucking helps to release endorphins, which are hormones your body releases to relieve pain or stress. And, once a baby’s stress is less, it’s easier for them to relax.
Incorporating sucking into your soothing routine can help to provide comfort and security for your baby. Whether you use a pacifier, bottle or breastfeeding, allowing your baby to suck can be a powerful way to help them feel calm and content.