A few weeks before our due date a friend of ours lent us a book & DVD of "Happiest Baby On The Block". She and her husband convinced us that it worked and helped their baby to sleep and/or calm her down. So, the next day my wife and I popped in the DVD, and I was amazed at some of the clips. Wailing, uncontrollable babies, suddenly calmed by the author of this book (certified Pediatrician), in what appeared instantaneous.
His premise is that there is a 'fourth trimester' where the baby continues to form and develop. Of course, the infant is forced into the world a month early, but has the behavior and expectations of a fetus in the womb. For example, he/she is used to being in tight quarters (in mom's belly), is used to movement (as mom walks around), and is accustomed to regulated noise (organs functioning, body fluids moving, etc.). So the key is to try and re-create that setting for the baby with 5 S's:
1. Swaddling
2. Side
3. Shhh
4. Swinging
5. Sucking
Once my son was born, I was eager to try the doctor's methods. To my surprise, they actually did work (though some more than others). Swaddling is definitely critical to creating a secure, tight space for him. Shhh'ing works as well - especially when he starts wailing. Laying him on his side, sometimes works, sometimes didn't...my conclusion was that it wasn't a big of a deal. Swinging also works, it's more like light shaking (if you watch the video you'll know what I mean). And sucking, we didn't need to use too much - he usually calmed down by step 1-4.
Anyway, I whole-heartedly recommend buying the book and DVD. It makes a lot of sense, and you'll find that the steps are pretty remarkable in settling baby down. Ultimately, it'll make baby happy, as well as mommy & daddy.
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