How to calm a crying a baby ?
Essential Tips Every Parent Needs to Know: The 5 S’s Baby Calming Technique That Saved My Sanity
Have you ever been sitting with your wee one — eyes stinging from lack of sleep, hair in a state that can only be described as “creative” — while they cry like you’ve just told them CBeebies has been cancelled forever?
Yep, that was me. My son would get so tired, yet somehow refuse to sleep after his midnight feed. He’d cry, I’d cry, and the only one sleeping was my partner.
Then I discovered the 5 S’s — a simple, magical set of steps that actually worked. I’m sharing them here because if even one frazzled parent can avoid the “Google at 3am” spiral, it’ll be worth it.
(And if you want hands-on help calming your baby, plus techniques that strengthen your bond, my baby massage classes in Lanarkshire are the perfect next step — more on that later.)
Step 1 – Swaddle
Grab a big square muslin or breathable blanket and fold it into a triangle. Lay your baby on it with their head just above the fabric. Then, gently wrap one arm in at a time, keeping it snug.
Why? Because in the newborn stage, babies have no idea their arms and legs belong to them. Those flailing limbs? They’re basically their first practical joke — on themselves. Swaddling recreates that snug “womb” feeling and can stop the mystery arm from “attacking” them.
Step 2 – Side lie
Hold your swaddled baby on their side, facing away from you, supporting their head, neck, and body securely. Babies love a good face, but if they’re overtired, staring at yours can be like giving them an espresso. Facing them away helps them switch off.
Step 3 – Sway
You swayed when you were pregnant — every time you walked, they gently rocked inside you. Now, a rhythmic swaying motion tells your baby: Ah, yes, this is familiar… I can relax now. Bonus: you get a sneaky bit of gentle exercise in (parent biceps for the win). Sitting on your birthing ball can also help when you get tired from pacing.
Step 4 – Shush
Here’s the part that feels weird but works wonders: make a loud “Shhhhhhh” sound — louder than your baby’s cry. Or pop on some white noise from Spotify. The whooshing reminds them of the sound of blood flow in the womb.
Yes, you will feel like a broken radiator. Yes, your partner might laugh. No, you won’t care once you see your little one’s eyelids droop.
Step 5 – Suck
Babies have a calming reflex in the roof of their mouth. Offer a dummy, a clean finger the sucking action can help them drift off.
A Gentle Word of Caution
If your baby has reflux or is in pain, these steps might not help and could make things worse. Always check for underlying causes of crying — hunger, a dirty nappy, or discomfort — before trying this technique.
Why I Love the 5 S’s (And Why You Might Too)
These steps brought my son back from the brink of an overtired meltdown so many times. They don’t just calm babies — they calm parents, too. And in my baby massage classes here in Airdrie and Lanarkshire, I show parents soothing touch techniques that work alongside the 5 S’s, helping you feel more confident, connected, and in control.
Whether you’re a first-time parent, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, learning how to read your baby’s cues and respond with confidence is a game-changer.
💗 Want to feel calmer and more connected with your baby? Book into my next baby massage class — small, friendly groups where you can share a cuppa, a laugh, and leave with skills you’ll use every day.