The Neuroscience of Soothing: Triggering the Calming Reflex with the 5 S's

The early weeks of a newborn’s life are a period of intense adjustment. The sudden transition from the noisy, snug, constantly moving environment of the womb to the wide, quiet world can be a shock, frequently leading to the intense crying spells known as the Period of PURPLE Crying or, in some cases, colic.

Pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp proposed the Calming Reflex, a neurological “off-switch” for fussiness, which is triggered when parents mimic the sensory experiences of the womb. The simple yet powerful method to activate this reflex is known as the 5 S's.

Understanding the 5 S's: Science in Simplicity

Each 'S' is a targeted technique designed to soothe a crying baby by appealing to their primal, womb-conditioned needs.

The 'S'	Technique	Womb Mimicry	Scientific Benefit
Swaddling	Snugly wrapping the baby with their arms secured.	Mimics the snug confinement of the uterus.	Prevents the Moro (startle) reflex from waking the baby, promoting longer, more restful sleep.
Side or Stomach Position	Holding the baby on their side, stomach, or over the shoulder for calming.	Helps relieve tummy discomfort and is the least startling position for a newborn.	Activates the Calming Reflex more effectively than being flat on the back (the position for safe sleep).
Shushing	Using a loud, rumbly, continuous sound near the baby's ear.	Imitates the sound of blood rushing through the placenta (which is louder than a vacuum cleaner inside the womb).	Soothes the infant by providing familiar, rhythmic auditory input that overrides the sound of crying.
Swinging	Using small, rhythmic, jiggly motions while supporting the head and neck.	Mimics the constant motion a baby felt when the mother moved.	Provides vestibular stimulation that is highly regulating for the nervous system, helping the baby transition to calm.
Sucking	Offering a pacifier, breast, or finger to suck.	Lowers heart rate, reduces pain response (e.g., after immunizations), and facilitates relaxation.	Lowers heart rate, reduces pain response (e.g., after immunizations), and facilitates relaxation.

The Power of the Combination

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of the 5 S's. Studies have shown that when parents are trained in these responsive techniques, their infants experience significantly less crying and longer sleep duration compared to control groups (Happiest Baby, 2019; Pediatrics, 2016). Furthermore, utilizing the 5 S's can also significantly boost parent confidence (Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 2020), transforming the frustrating experience of infant crying into a manageable one.

Ready to bring science-backed calm into your home? Don't navigate the complex world of newborn neuroscience alone. A Gaga Cares Newborn Care Specialist can implement these co-regulation techniques immediately, ensuring a smoother transition for your baby and more rest for you.

Schedule your free consultation today to discuss how expert overnight or daytime care can regulate your entire family's early journey!

References

Happiest Baby. (2019). The Science of the 5 S's.

Japan Journal of Nursing Science. (2019). Effects of the Happiest Baby on the Block Program on Mothers' Soothing Techniques and Infant Crying.

Ahn, H. Y., et al. (2020). The Effects of the 5 S’s on Parenting Stress, Maternal Role Confidence, and Parenting Efficacy in Primiparas. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.

Barr, R. G., et al. (2016). Reducing Crying in Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Responsive Parenting Intervention. Pediatrics.