The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp M.D.

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Stars: *****

I read this book almost a year ago, I thought I had reviewed it! It is one of my favourite books on parenting babies. Karp teaches the 5 S’s which are Swaddling, Side/Stomach Position, Shhing, Swinging and Sucking.

If you learn to do these S’s you should have no problem keeping your baby happy, even if he/she has colic. Here’s a very brief synopsis of each S:

Swaddling – babies are happier when swaddled. Learn how to do it properly.

Side/Stomach Position – babies feel like they are falling when on their back, putting them on their side or stomach calms them.

Shhhing – Lots of people know to hush a baby as it mimicks the sounds of the womb, however they often don’t do it loud enough. The womb was NOT quiet. Learn how to do it right.

Swinging – Whether you use a baby swing or your own arms, movement also imitates the womb and calms the baby.

Sucking – pacifier or breast, babies suck for comfort and there is nothing wrong with that.

The trick of course is not to use just one S at a time but to put them together. You start with the first S and if your baby has not calmed, add the next, then the next etc. Highly strung babies will need more S’s.

This book was awesome and recommended for every new parent.

Link: http://www.thehappiestbaby.com/

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About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.