Soothing baby

Your baby has an immature nervous system, which means they are unable to self regulate. They need your help to do so ! Here are a couple of things you can try :

• Movement : stroller, car, motorized rocker, baby carrier, yoga ball. Movement stimulates the vestibular sense of babies, which helps them find calmness. Try and bounce on a yoga ball with your baby in your arms, or going on a walk with them in a carrier.

• Suction : breast, bottle, pacifier. Suction is a physiological need of babies until 6 months of age. That can help them link sleep cycles, resulting in longer sleep stretches. Once your baby is old enough to put the pacifier in their mouth during the day, you can teach them how to do it at night too and eliminate “pacifier wakes”

• White noise / shushing : this mimics what babies were hearing in the womb

• Physical touch : this mimics the tight squeeze of the uterus. Try and wrap your baby in a carrier or in your arms, the containment will make them feel safe and secure. You can also use a swaddle, if you prefer.

• Side or stomach position : this refers to how you hold your baby, not a sleeping position ! Try and hold your baby on your forearm, with their head towards your elbow. The pressure on their stomach can help with gassiness. As a bonus, you can also swing your forearm to include movement !