BABY
3 Awesome 'Moves' That Calm Your Baby
Some variations on the "swing" to improve your baby-calming game.

Written by
Dr. Harvey Karp

Want to know how to calm your crying baby? The first step is learning the basics of the 5 S’s: Swaddle, Side-Stomach Position, Shush, Swing and Suck. And now you may be looking for some pro moves to improve your baby-calming game. These variations on the "swing" make calming a fussy baby easy–and fun.
1. The Milkshake
Most parents are amazed how well this method works!
- Sit with your baby on your lap.
- Place one hand under your baby’s chin like a helmet strap and slip the other under the buttocks.
- Lean your baby forward–his head a few inches in front of his body - and lift him straight up–a foot or so–into the air.
- Now, bounce him up and down with fast (two to three times a second), tiny (one-to-two-inch) movements, like you’re making a milkshake.
This is also a great way to burp your baby–and tone your arms.
2. The Jell-O Head Jiggle
Swaddle your baby and cradle him in the classic breastfeeding hold. Let the back of his skull rest on your forearm. Then jiggle your baby in your arms in a very small motion- move no more than 1/2 inch back and forth from your body, and have your jiggle be rapid. The goal is to have your baby's head quiver, like Jell-O on a plate.
3. The Windshield Wiper
Carrying your baby is one of the sweetest treats of being a new mom, but by the end of the day, it can leave you exhausted. How can you jiggle your baby without wearing out your back, your carpet or your sense of humor?
The windshield wiper combines all the 5 S’s for a perfect soothing experience. It’s one of my favourite ways of switching on the .
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