End Crying with the FIVE S's

November 2012 Parents magazine had five tips to help you "turn on" your baby's calming reflex.

• Swaddling: wrap arms snugly down against her sides, but leave her legs loose so she has room to move her hips.
• Side/Stomach: it's easiest to calm a crying baby when he's lying on his side or stomach.
• Shushing: start out as loud as your baby's cry. The womb has a constant rumbling that's louder than a vacuum cleaner. Use white noise for napping and nights.
• Swinging: a slow smooth motion keeps babies calm. But to put the brakes on explosive, "colicky" crying, your movements should be fast, tiny and jiggly though not aggressive or like shaking.
• Sucking: nursing or using a pacifier is the key to gliding into tranquility for many babies.

Each baby is different - try several at the same time.