5 ways to soothe a crying baby

These 5 techniques, when tried together, help soothe a crying baby, according to Dr Harvey Karp author of The Happiest Baby on the Block

Swaddling is one of the techniques mentioned by Dr Karp to make a crying baby feel calm and secure.

The Lullaby Trust charity has expert tips on how to swaddle your baby safely, including using thin swaddling materials to make sure they don't overheat.

Familiar smells can soothe your baby, so wash their swaddling blankets with Fairy Non Bio PODS® and Fairy Fabric Softener.

The Netmums Recommended pods, from the laundry brand voted number one for sensitive skin*, gently clean clothes and are suitable for newborns.

*Online panel of 7,413 adults among which Fairy Non Bio laundry products were voted most often as the #1 laundry brand for sensitive skin.

Making a loud continuous 'shushing' sound will help soothe your baby as it's similar to the sounds your baby would have heard in the womb. Many babies prefer white noise sounds to silence (eg hairdryer or the vacuum). Loudly and soothingly making a 'ssshhhh' sound can help too.

Holding your baby in your arms in a side-on position is a soothing hold suggested by Dr Karp. Make sure you cradle your baby closely to you and securely. Note: Babies should always sleep on their backs - find out more about safe sleeping.

When holding your baby in your arms in a side-on position very gently swing your baby from side to side. Always make sure you are supporting the head and neck and use gentle and very small motions to mimic the movements of being in the womb.

The final technique is to let your baby suck on something. Whether they're sucking on a dummy, your fingers or their own, it can be soothing, as can breastfeeding.

The 5 S's – swaddling, shushing, swinging, putting them in a side-on position and giving them something to suck – have been shown to quickly soothe a crying baby.

They follow many of the techniques parents use naturally to soothe a crying baby but used together they can help quickly calm a fretful and crying baby.