>>From:    Nancy Holtzman <[log in to unmask]>

>>The 5 S's are Swaddling, Shushing (loud white noise), Sucking,
>>Swing/Swaying, and Side/Stomach position.


That's right!  Thanks, Nancy.

The 5 S's all imitate a baby's experience in the uterus.  And, when done
correctly they can activate a baby's "calming reflex" in minutes...or
even seconds. (The calming reflex is virtually "off switch" for crying
that all babies are born with).

However, the 5 S's must be "done correctly" because this reflex, like a
knee reflex, requires great exactness to turn it on (if you whack a
knee, but you're off by an inch NOTHING happens.  Likewise, if the 5 S's
are done incorrectly (the shushing is too quiet or the swinging isn't
jiggly enough - it may simply fail to turn the reflex on.

(When teaching the 5 S's you also have to make sure parents know to keep
their babies safe they should: 1) not overheat them with the wrapping,
2) not allow them to be in bed with loose blankets, 3) use the side or
stomach position for calming, but have them sleep on the BACK, 4) never
jiggle in anger or with violent shaking.)


Best wishes,

Harvey Karp, MD
UCLA School of Medicine

PS: You mentioned Jim McKenna and Attachment parenting.

1) Just to be clear, I am also a huge supporter of attachment parenting
(in fact, as you know, the basic philosophy of my book and video "The
Happiest Baby on the Block" is that the first 3 months of life are
really a "4th trimester' and that being by themselves in a quiet room is
a rather bizarre and UNDERSTIMULATING environment that makes some babies
go bonkers!)

2) Jim, as most Lacnetters know is the Chairman, Department of
Anthropology, University of Notre Dame and Director, Mother-Baby
Behavioral Sleep Laboratory.  He has been kind enough to support my
approach and I am very proud to share with you his comments - "The
Happiest Baby is a witty and masterful book bursting with wisdom from
start to finish. It contains some of the best and most original ideas
about new babies I have ever seen.  Dr. Karp entertains as he teaches
providing wonderful and innovative suggestions in a family friendly
way."

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