The “5 S’s” refer to a popular method developed by Dr. Harvey Karp to help calm and soothe newborns and infants for sleep. These techniques can be effective in promoting a sense of security and relaxation. The 5 S’s are as follows:

1. Swaddling: This involves snugly wrapping the baby in a thin blanket or swaddle to mimic the feeling of being in the womb. Swaddling can help infants feel secure and prevent sudden movements that may startle them awake.

2. Side or Stomach Position: This technique is used only for calming purposes and should not be used for sleep. Gently holding the baby on their side or stomach, while keeping a close eye on them, can help calm them down. However, for safety reasons, infants should always be placed on their back to sleep.

3. Shushing: Creating a gentle, rhythmic “shushing” sound can mimic the continuous noise that infants hear in the womb. This white noise can be comforting and help drown out other environmental sounds.

4. Swinging: Gentle rhythmic motion, such as rocking or swaying, can be soothing to infants. It can be done by cradling the baby in your arms or by using a baby swing or bouncer that provides safe and controlled motion.

5. Sucking: Allowing infants to suck on a pacifier or their thumb can have a calming effect. Sucking provides a natural way for babies to self-soothe and can help them relax.

It’s important to note that while these techniques can be helpful in soothing babies, each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Additionally, always prioritise the safety guidelines recommended by healthcare professionals when it comes to infant sleep, such as placing babies on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

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