How to Trigger a Baby’s CALMING REFLEX!

There is something really cool that babies can do from ages 0-4 months. The calming reflex! This is something that Dr. Karp talks about in his “Happiest Baby on the Block” series. The right combination of movement and sound soothes the crying, upset baby and triggers the “calming reflex”, helping them become calm and drowsy.

How to turn on the “calming reflex” in a baby 0-4 months old:

The calming reflex soothes a fussy baby and is an essential part of helping a fed and changed baby settle down to become drowsy for sleep. You just need the right combination of motion and sound - loudly shushing and vigorously patting your baby.

How loud should you shush and how vigorously should you pat? Watch the video for my demonstration! 😄

Shushing should be as loud as the baby’s crying! Once they have calmed down, I recommend using a white noise machine (or brown noise really is great) to help them continue to stay calm and settle in for sleep without being disturbed by small noises.

Remember, the white noise is not left on 24/7, but only during the times that your baby is asleep. It should be pretty loud - think of the level of a running shower next to the baby’s crib, if that gives you an idea. (70 decibels)

Your baby’s “calming reflex” will likely disappear around 3-4 months old, but positive sleep association with white noise remains!

If you like to read about babies and sleep like I do, check out Dr. Harvey Karp’s book “The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep”!