summary ofThe Happiest Baby on the BlockBook by Harvey Karp, MD

second KEY POINT

A spot that feels safe

Calming a fussy newborn is a sequence, and it starts with swaddling. On its own, it rarely stops a real cry. Instead, it quiets the flailing arms that keep a baby wound up, so the newborn can settle enough to take in everything you do next. It's the foundation that the other moves build on.The wrap itself is straightforward. Keep your baby's arms snug and straight down at the sides, not bent up near the face, where a hand wriggles loose and the whole thing unravels. Around the hips and knees, leave the blanket loose enough for the legs to bend and kick, which keeps the hip joints developing the way they should.A few things commonly go wrong. Keep the fabric clear of the cheek, or a hungry baby will root against it, looking for a feed. And watch the heat. A swaddled baby in a warm room under heavy layers can overheat quickly, so stick to light clothing and keep the room around 70°F (21°C).Timing helps, too. Swaddle when your baby is calm or drowsy rather than mid-meltdown, and don't let a little protest stop you. A bit of squirming usually just means the wrap feels new, and it passes quickly.Once your baby is wrapped, the second S is about where you hold them, on the side or stomach. One rule comes first and never bends. For sleep, a baby always goes on its back. The side and stomach are only for the baby you're holding, awake and in your arms. With that clear, the position itself does real soothing work.Laid flat on the back, an upset newborn can feel as though they're falling, which fires the Moro reflex: the arms fling wide and the crying ramps up. Roll them gently onto the side or tummy along your forearm or nestle them against your shoulder, and the feeling of falling fades. For some babies, this small shift alone is enough to trigger the calming reflex.

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