Soothing a Crying Newborn - Tyler Postpartum Doula - Lindale Night Nanny
What Are the 5 S’s?
The 5 S’s activate your baby’s calming reflex, helping reduce crying and settle their nervous system.
1. Swaddle or Sleep Sack
Swaddling snugly (not loosely!) helps prevent the startle reflex that often wakes or upsets newborns.
Over the years as a postpartum doula, however, I have both learned and seen how using a sleep sack helps newborns learn their startle reflex rather than avoiding it. This has much better newborn to infant sleep outcomes.
Why it works: In the womb, babies are held tightly at all times. Swaddling gives them that same secure, contained feeling.
Tip: Arms should be snug, hips loose, and always place baby on their back for sleep.
2. Side or Stomach (for soothing only)
Holding baby on their side or stomach while awake and supervised can instantly calm fussiness.
Why it works: This position helps reduce gas discomfort and mimics how babies were curled inside the womb.
Important: This is for soothing only - always place baby on their back to sleep.
3. Shushing
White noise or a loud, rhythmic “shhhhhh” close to baby’s ear can feel surprisingly effective.
Why it works: The womb is loud—blood flow can be louder than a vacuum cleaner! Silence can actually feel unsettling to newborns.
Tip: The louder the cry, the louder the shushing (then gradually lower it as baby calms).
4. Swinging
Gentle, rhythmic motion—not big bounces—can be incredibly soothing.
Why it works: Babies are used to constant movement in the womb as you walked, shifted, and lived your daily life.
Tip: Think tiny, fast movements, not slow rocking.
5. Sucking
Breastfeeding, a clean finger, or a pacifier can help baby fully settle.
Why it works: Sucking releases calming hormones and helps regulate baby’s nervous system.
Reminder: Comfort nursing is normal and does not create bad habits.
Why the 5 S’s Don’t Always Work Right Away
Many parents try one S at a time and feel discouraged when it doesn’t work. The magic happens when you layer them together—for example:
Swaddle + Side hold + Shushing
Swaddle + Swinging + Sucking
Newborn soothing is not about perfection—it’s about responsiveness.
Want Step-by-Step Help You Can Save?
I created a free Infant Soothing Guide that walks you through:
How to correctly use each of the 5 S’s
Common mistakes parents make
What to try when nothing seems to work
Confidence-boosting reassurance for those long nights
You can download it for free by subscribing on my website below.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. God designed babies to need support—and parents to need community.
Final Encouragement
If you’re in the thick of newborn life, hear this: You are a good parent, even on the hard nights. Soothing takes practice, patience, and grace, for your baby and yourself.
And if you want hands-on support, education, or overnight newborn care, I’m here to help.
