How to Calm Your Colicky Baby

Dr. Harvey Karp's 5 S's


Pediatrician Harvey N. Karp tells parents to use his "Five S's"—which simulate the womb's environment—to turn on an infant's calming reflex and help her sleep longer. Tip: Practice with a doll or sleeping baby.

Swaddling Wrap the baby securely in a blanket with her arms tucked inside so she can't flail.

Side/stomach position Hold the baby snugly in your arms on her left side or stomach.

Shushing sounds Use white-noise machines, humidifiers, fans, vacuums, etc. The shushing should be as loud as the baby's crying.

Swinging Try rocking, car rides or infant swings.

Sucking Let your baby nurse, take a bottle of breast milk or formula, or suck on your finger or a pacifier.

To see Dr. Karp's 5 S's in action, watch the video below.


Need more help? Check out The Happiest Baby "Super-Soothing" Sleep Sounds, with its 5 white noise tracks that promise to help calm the fussies super fast. An extra bonus: it may even help boost baby's sleep by 1-3 hours at night. According to Karp, you can stop the sound whenever you want, but most parents use it for a year or more. Find out more at thehappiestbaby.com.