Soft whispers and gentle rocking are perfect for calm babies. But fretful infants need a bit more vigor to help them calm and fall asleep. This sounds as wrong as the advice to add a slimy, raw egg to a cake mix…yet it’s definitely the best way to calm very fussy babies!

Think of turning on the calming reflex like getting someone’s attention. If a person is engaged in a heated argument, you may have to tap his shoulder several times––very emphatically––just to get him to respond.

Vigor is exactly why vacuum sounds and car rides on bumpy roads calm babies. And it’s why grabbing the swing seat and giving some fast­­––but tiny­­––jiggles is essential to flip on the calming reflex in a screaming, motion-loving baby.

(Of course, you must never shake your baby! When jiggling, always support your baby’s head and neck, and keep your movements to just about 1 inch back and forth.)

Read: The Difference Between the Calming Head Jiggle vs. Shaken Baby Syndrome

Think of baby calming as a dance…and your little love is leading. When he’s wailing, do the 5 S's with more intensity in your shush and jiggle. Then, as he calms, gradually reduce your effort and guide him down to a soft landing where he is swaddled with white noise (as loud as a shower), and perhaps some sucking or gentle rocking.

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.