The 5 S’s for Calming a Crying Baby: Swaddle, Side, Shush, Swing, Suck

Updated 2026-11-02 · Reviewed against the sources listed below

The “5 S’s” were popularized by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp as a way to switch on a baby’s natural calming reflexes by recreating the feel of the womb. Here is what each S means, what the research found, and the safety rules that go with them.

The five steps

1. Swaddle: wrap snugly, arms in, hips loose.
2. Side or stomach position: hold baby on their side or tummy in your arms while calming. This is for holding only, never for sleep.
3. Shush: a long, steady “shhhh” near baby’s ear, louder than you might expect while they cry, softer as they calm.
4. Swing: small, gentle, jiggly movements with baby’s head and neck supported. Never shake a baby.
5. Suck: offer a breast, bottle or pacifier.

What the research found

In a randomized trial of 230 infants at their 2- and 4-month checkups, babies comforted with the 5 S’s right after their vaccinations had significantly lower pain scores and cried for less time than babies who received standard comfort ^[1]. The study tested all five steps together, so it cannot say which step mattered most. Steady sound on its own has also helped newborns settle: in one study, 80% fell asleep within five minutes with white noise playing ^[2].

Safety rules that matter

• Always back to sleep. Side and stomach positions are only for calming in your arms. Lay your baby on their back for every sleep ^[3].
• Stop swaddling when baby shows signs of rolling, and never use weighted swaddles ^[3].
• Swing gently. Tiny motions, head supported, never shaking.
• Keep sound devices low and far from the crib, at least 2 meters (about 7 feet) ^[4].

Let the shushing keep going

Shushing a baby for an hour is tiring. Our Baby Shusher keeps a slow, soft shush going over gentle white noise so you can rest your voice.

Questions

References

1. Harrington JW, Logan S, Harwell C, et al. Effective analgesia using physical interventions for infant immunizations. Pediatrics. 2012;129(5):815–822. Link
2. Spencer JA, Moran DJ, Lee A, Talbert D. White noise and sleep induction. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 1990;65(1):135–137. Link
3. Moon RY, Carlin RF, Hand I; AAP Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Sleep-related infant deaths: updated 2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environment. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057990. Link
4. Hugh SC, Wolter NE, Propst EJ, Gordon KA, Cushing SL, Papsin BC. Infant sleep machines and hazardous sound pressure levels. Pediatrics. 2014;133(4):677–681. Link

This article summarizes published research for general information. It is not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about your baby’s sleep, feeding and crying.