How To Sooth Your Baby | Newborn Photos Niagara
There's a great book called The Happiest Baby on the Block, written by Dr. Harvey Karp.
I talk about this book during client sessions a lot and wanted to sum things up for you in a blog post.
Here are the basics of the Five S's that Dr. Harvey Karp talks about in his book. If you follow these, it will help you soothe your babies off to sleep.
Swaddle
Before birth, your baby is held tightly inside your room, feeling completely calm and safe. Swaddling helps to recreate this. Babies that feel warm and have their arms securely tucked in will soothe faster. A correct swaddle means your baby's arms are wrapped snuggly, straight at their sides. In the studio, I use a large, square blanket for this. I suggest bamboo as they’re the softest. Here’s a link to some for your use at home. It's important to note that babies aren't meant to be swaddled all day long. It's a tool to use during their fussy times and during sleep. Also, the blanket should not cover your baby's head. Take care not to allow your baby to overheat.
2. Side or Stomach
The safest way for babies to sleep is on their back. Sometimes though, it can feel like it's the worst position for calming fussy little ones. When you hold your baby on their side, their stomach, or over your shoulder, you'll see them begin to relax.
3. Shush
You may believe that babies need total silence to sleep, but that's actually not true. Before your baby was born, they heard many sounds. The sound of blood flow from within your womb is actually louder than a vacuum. The best way to imitate these sounds for your baby is by using white noise. I have a baby shusher, a little noise machine. I keep it handy during my shoots when I need to calm fussy babies and encourage sleep.
4. Swing
When you're pregnant, your baby is jiggling inside you 24/7. You moved constantly. You walked up and down stairs, got in and out of the car, and switched over loads of laundry. Some babies respond well to slow rocking, but crying infants need fast tiny movements. Make sure you support their head and neck, and keep your movements small, and go no more than an inch back and forth. Here's a YouTube video that can help you get it just right.
5. Suck
Your baby has a natural urge to suck. In the studio during sessions, many fussy babies relax when they're given a pacifier. That sucking motion can help them relax into a deep, calm state. I understand some parents aren't comfortable giving their child a soother. Other options include nursing them or allowing them to suck on your clean finger instead.
These five S’s work with most babies and I use these techniques in the studio all the time. It takes practice to remember them all. But hey - you could always write them down a little sticky note and place it on the change table for future use. :)
Are you looking to capture images of your sweet little one? Book your session today.
Client Testimonial
“Karen is such a pleasure to work with. My wife and I felt a sense of calm once the photoshoot began - even experiencing some emotional moments, which were unexpected. We highly recommend her.” - Darren Esau
View Their Heirloom Album Design
Hey there mama, I'm Karen Byker. I live in my hometown of Grimsby, Ontario, Canada. I photograph through all the stages motherhood - pregnancy, newborn, toddler and children well into their teen years.
I am a mother of four that understands what it’s like to be busy, but I've learned how to embrace and enjoy the beauty of it.
I have helped hundreds of mamas to slow down and create artwork so they can remember these special times. Let's chat about documenting the beauty through your chaos.
