In many Spanish-speaking countries moms refer to their newborns as ‘criatura’ (creature).  This is actually common in other areas throughout the world as well.  I am currently reading the book “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Harvey Karp.  Dr. Karp, a pediatrician, writes that in many ways babies are born three months too soon.  He argues that during the first three months, our babies are so immature that they would benefit from being able to hop back into the womb whenever they feel overwhelmed, which is understandably often.  Our job as parents is to spend these first three months re-creating the environment of the womb that was home to the baby for so long.

The author gives the following suggestions, the” 5 S’s”, to turn on your babies calming reflexes and mimic the environment of the womb:

  • Swaddling – wrapping the baby tightly for 16-20 hours a day
  • Side/Stomach – laying a baby on her side or stomach
  • Shushing – white noise as loud as a vacuum cleaner
  • Swinging – consistent rhythmic, jiggly motion
  • Sucking – sucking on anything from a nipple or finger to a pacifier

Dr. Karp’s research is consistent with what I have read from other pediatrician’s and parents.  Bill and I look forward to continuing this conversation with our pediarician and setting up the nursery so that it is ready for the happiest baby on our block!