Secrets to sound sleep for baby
For over 25 years, Dr. Harvey Karp has brought calming assurance and restful nights of sleep to parents and their infants worldwide. His 5-prong approach to soothing a fussy baby includes our personal favourite: swaddling! We sat down with the baby whisperer himself to learn the secrets to a sound sleep for baby (and you).
Q: What are the 5 S’s, and why are they so effective?
Q: From a pediatrician’s standpoint, why is swaddling at the center of the 5 S’s?
Q: Does it matter what order you do the 5 S’s in, or is it more about the sum of the parts?
Q: There are many different ways that “shushing” can be interpreted. What kind of white noise works best?
Q: Can you explain how the side or stomach position works to calm a baby?
Q: If your baby won’t take a pacifier or suck his/her thumb, is there another way to implement “sucking”? Or does it simply mean that this S doesn’t work for your baby?
Q: Tell us more about the “Jell-O head jiggle” move.
1) swaddle your baby
2) place him on your lap
3) prop your wrists on your knees and rest his head in your loosely cupped hands
4) wiggle your knees back and forth. The goal is to have his head jiggle on your hands like Jell-O on a plate. This is the same movement she experienced inside your belly when you hustled up the stairs or bounced in an exercise class. She loves it!
Q: Are there elements of the 5 S’s that can still be implemented as your child gets older?
Q: Is it true that men are better swaddlers?
Q: What’s the one piece of advice you would give to a new parent?