Known as the fourth trimester, the first 3 months of your baby’s life is when they make the transition from the womb into the world.

During this time a baby may become over stimulated with loud noises, bright lights and unfamiliar smells. Basically it’s sensory overload!

Here our new contributor Rebecca Palmer explains how you can help your new-born baby settle into the world with the following Five S’s……

Swaddling

Although not recommended by health professionals due to sleep risks, swaddling in a safe way can recreate the contained feeling in the womb.  It replicates the feelings of warmth and protection and the snug fit experienced whilst in utero. Swaddling also stops your baby’s uncontrolled arm and leg flailing thanks to your baby’s “Moro” startle reflex, one of the new-born reflexes.

When you are swaddling remember these safety tips:

Never cover your baby’s face

Use a light blanket such as a cellular blanket or large muslin

Keep the swaddle loose over your baby’s hips and legs

Don’t leave a swaddled baby unattended

Side/stomach soothing

Lay your baby on her side or stomach, with your baby’s arms at their centre. This containment hold replicates the position in the womb, makes them feel less vulnerable and more organised. Although, it is important to remember to never leave your baby unattended in this position due to the risk of SIDS.

Shushing sounds

You may think that in the womb it is very quiet. However it is rather loud due to the blood flowing through the mother’s arteries.

White noise such as the vacuum cleaner, the hairdryer, the washing machine, the car engine, etc all recreate the noises heard by your baby whilst they are all snug in the womb.

White noise apps are readily available on smart phones and there are many toys available on the market that contain a white noise.

Failing that, shushing your baby whilst rocking is very effective.

Swinging

Rhythmic movements such as swaying, rocking and swinging all help to stimulate the vagus nerve which is responsible for lowering the resting heart rate and making babies more relaxed.

Babies were gently swayed during their time in the womb and you no doubt noticed that whilst you were up and walking around, your baby would be still but as soon as you were still, your baby would wake and you would suddenly feel their movements.

This is because your movements would rock your baby to sleep, making the swinging a go to move during the fourth trimester.

Sucking

A new-born baby has a strong suck reflex and research has shown that sucking reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) in a baby’s brain. Sucking on a dummy, a nipple or their hand can comfort and soothe a baby.

Babies miss the rhythmic, hypnotic sounds and movement that they experienced in their watery, dark and warm home. Recreating the womb can help your baby transition from womb to world, reducing colic episodes.

Rebecca Palmer is an expert in baby massage, baby yoga and colic based in North Yorkshire. For more information contact Rebecca:

www.colicsos.com  www.happysleepybaby.com