Pediatricians teach how to correctly apply the technique that is gaining popularity on social media.
The “5S” technique – composed of the elements “swing”, “swaddle”, “suck”, “side” and “shushing” (“shhhh” sound) – is an approach that has helped many parents calm their children in moments of difficulty. crying and mild discomfort.
On social media, mothers, fathers, doctors and childcare workers defend the effectiveness of the technique and recommend the way to calm the crying of newborns. But does the 5S technique for calming children really work?
In an interview with Earth you, Pediatrician Tatiana Cicerelli Marchini states that the technique is especially effective in newborns in the first months of life, a phase in which inconsolable crying is frequent, often associated with colic.
In which situations is the “5S” technique most suitable?
According to the expert, the technique is recommended for newborns who cry due to minor discomfort, tiredness or excessive stimulation, which is why it is particularly useful in the first months of life.
“It is at this stage that babies cry inconsolably without any apparent cause, and the method is particularly effective as it imitates the sensations of security and comfort that the baby experienced in the womb,” explains the pediatrician.
The application of ‘S’ requires special attention
Among the elements of the “5S”, the “swaddle” (swaddling the baby) requires particular attention to avoid risks to development. “Bandaging must be done with caution, especially to avoid damaging the development of the hips and reducing the risk of suffocation. The legs and hips should have room to move, with the knees bent and open, the pediatrician advises.
Additionally, it is important to stop “swaddling” when your baby starts trying to roll over, usually between 2 and 4 months.
As for “shushing” – the “shhhh” sound – it should be similar to white noise and serves to block out other sounds that could distract the baby. According to the expert, the sound should be kept at a moderate volume, below 50 decibels, which is equivalent to the level of a shower.
“The sound doesn’t have to be very loud to be effective; it must be continuous and close to the child, but at a safe distance to protect his hearing”, advises the doctor.
The “5S” tend to be more effective up to 4-6 months, a period in which the baby still responds well to restraint and rocking stimuli. After this period, as the child develops other forms of self-soothing, the effectiveness of the technique may naturally decrease.
Adaptations for specific conditions
For children who suffer from reflux, pediatrician Cecilia Gama recommends some measures that can help avoid discomfort related to regurgitation:
Avoid a band that is too tight on the abdomen
A band that is too tight can increase abdominal pressure, making reflux worse. Wrapping your baby more softly, especially around the tummy area, can help reduce this discomfort.
Position of the child
When applying the “Side-Stomach Position” of the 5S method, the ideal is to hold the baby slightly inclined in your arms, with the head a little higher than the rest of the body. This helps prevent reflux during the process of calming your baby. After the baby has calmed down, it is ideal to make him sleep on his back, as it is the safest position.
Avoid using a pacifier immediately after feeding
To reduce the risk of regurgitation, it is ideal to wait a few minutes after feeding before offering the pacifier (the 5S “Sucking”).
Babies with severe colic
For babies with severe colic, the 5S can be adjusted to relieve abdominal discomfort and calm pain:
Light massages before the Swaddle
Before wrapping the baby, parents can perform a light massage on the baby’s belly, making circular movements clockwise. This helps relieve gas and reduce discomfort caused by colic.
Wrap with legs slightly loose
Instead of wrapping your legs too tightly, maintaining some freedom so your baby can move them can help release gas, which brings relief from colic.
Gentle rocking with circular movements
Swinging can be adapted to smooth, circular motions, which can help relieve colic pain. Parents can hold the baby in a “bowl” position (holding the baby’s belly with their hand and tilting it downwards) and gently rock him in this position. This motion helps massage your abdomen and relieve gas.
Continuous white noise
Babies with severe colic often soothe with a steady “Shhhh” sound or quieter, continuous white noise, which helps maintain a calm, less stressful environment.
Pay attention to the white noise
Recently, the use of white noise has been discouraged for children, especially at high volumes or for long periods, due to potential risks to auditory development and sleep quality. Marchini suggests gentler alternatives, such as:
Natural noises: sounds of rain, wind or sea waves, which are more natural and relaxing.
Heartbeat: sound similar to that heard in the womb, which can be especially calming for newborns.
Soft music and lullaby melodies: lullabies or instrumental melodies that help you calm down without continuous volumes.
The voice of the parents: speaking or singing softly helps create a feeling of security and comfort.
The professional reiterates that, regardless of the sound chosen, it must be kept below 50 decibels and used only for the time necessary to calm the child.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
