Hi Rob,
From my experience, stroking a baby's cheek causes more confusion than
it's worth. A little trick I learned from a shiatsu massage therapist
is gently rubbing the palm of the baby's hand with your thumb. Works
great for newborns. I also put little sleepy babies in the football
position which keeps them awake longer.
Regards,
Susan Nachman-Srebrnik, IBCLC
Ranana, Israel