How to Soothe a Fussy or Crying Baby: The 5 S’s of the Karp Method

Key Takeaways:

• Babies can be fussy for many normal reasons, such as colic, growth spurts, gas, tiredness, overstimulation, or simply needing comfort.
• The Karp Method uses 5 techniques — swaddling, side or stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking — to trigger a baby’s natural calming response.
• Persistent or unusual fussiness may indicate illness or another underlying issue.

Learning how to soothe a fussy or crying baby is important because it helps both babies and parents feel calmer.

Babies cry — it’s completely normal. Crying is their main way of communicating needs like hunger, discomfort, tiredness, or the need to feel close and safe. Still, when the crying doesn’t stop, it can be overwhelming for parents and caregivers.

The good news is that there are simple, effective ways to help soothe a baby. One well-known approach is the 5 S’s of the Karp Method, which uses gentle techniques. These tools are easy to learn and worth remembering.

Why is My Baby Fussy?

Babies can be fussier than usual for many reasons, and most of the time, it’s completely normal. Fussiness is your baby’s way of adjusting to the world around them. Understanding some common causes can make those hard moments feel a little less stressful.

Colic is one reason some babies cry a lot, especially in the late afternoon or evening. Colic usually starts in the first few weeks of life and may cause long periods of intense crying for no clear reason.

Growth spurts can also make babies extra fussy. During these times, babies grow quickly, which can leave them feeling uncomfortable, tired, or harder to settle than usual.

Gas or digestive discomfort is another common cause of fussiness. Babies’ digestive systems are still developing, which can lead to trapped gas and belly discomfort.

There are many other reasons babies may be fussy, including being sleepy, overstimulated, too hot or cold, hungry, teething, or simply needing comfort. 

What is the Karp Method?

The Karp Method is a soothing approach created by Dr. Harvey Karp, an American pediatrician who studied why babies cry and what helps calm them most effectively.

His method is based on the idea that newborns are comforted by reminders of the womb, where they were constantly soothed by movement and sound [*].

This method uses a set of five simple techniques (called the 5 S’s) that work together to trigger a baby’s natural calming response. Many parents notice that their baby calms faster and may even sleep better.

Before I learned about these techniques, the main soothing tool I knew was swaddling. Even that alone worked wonders. Wrapping my baby snugly made an immediate difference.

That’s why discovering the rest of the 5 S’s was so helpful. Each of the 5 S’s gently recreates familiar sensations from before birth, such as snugness, steady noise, and rhythmic movement.

How to Soothe a Fussy Baby: The 5 S’s of the Karp Method

These techniques are most helpful when your baby is fed, dry, and safe, but still fussy or having trouble settling. If your baby’s crying feels unusual, intense, or doesn’t improve — or if you’re worried something more may be going on — it’s always best to check with your pediatrician. 

With that in mind, let’s walk through the 5 S’s of the Karp Method and how each one can help soothe a fussy baby.

Swaddling

Swaddling was one of the first soothing techniques I learned as a parent, and it’s also where many families start. Wrapping a baby snugly can prevent sudden movements that may startle them awake. This feels comforting for babies who are still adjusting to life outside the womb.

How to swaddle your baby:

1. Lay a thin blanket flat and fold one corner down.
2. Place your baby on their back with their shoulders just below the fold.
3. Gently place one arm at your baby’s side and wrap that side of the blanket across their body.
4. Fold the bottom of the blanket up over the feet, leaving room for the hips to move.
5. Wrap the other side snugly across the body and tuck it in securely.
6. Always place your baby on their back to sleep once swaddled.

Side or Stomach Position

The side or stomach position can be very calming for a fussy or crying baby, but it’s important to remember that this position is for soothing only. When it’s time for sleep, babies should always be placed on their backs, which is the safest position for sleep.

Holding a baby on their side or stomach can feel more womb-like than lying flat on their back. It reduces the startle reflex. Many parents also find that holding their baby over the shoulder, across the forearm, or against the chest works especially well.

How to use the side or stomach position safely:

1. Hold your baby on their side or stomach while supporting their head and neck.
2. Keep your baby close to your body, such as over your shoulder or across your forearm.
3. Make sure your baby’s airway stays clear at all times.
4. Combine this position with other soothing methods like shushing or gentle movement.
5. Once your baby calms down, place them on their back in a safe sleep space.

Shushing

Shushing is one of those soothing techniques that comes naturally to parents. Many moms (and caregivers) instinctively make a soft “shhh” sound when a baby cries. I’ve noticed this happens without much thought. It almost feels automatic. While I can’t say for sure why, it seems like a natural response to trying to calm a baby.

The steady “shhh” sound imitates the constant noise babies heard before birth, such as blood flow and movement inside the womb. This sound is a form of white noise, which helps block out sudden or distracting noises. 

Research has shown that white noise can help babies fall asleep faster and settle more easily (2). 

How to shush your baby:

1. Hold your baby close or place them in a safe, supervised position.

2. Make a long, steady “shhh” sound near your baby’s ear (not directly into it).

3. Start a bit louder than your baby’s crying so they can hear it clearly.

4. Keep the sound consistent and rhythmic.

5. Gradually lower the volume as your baby begins to calm.

Tip: If you decide to use a white noise machine for naps or nighttime sleep, choose one that plays a steady, consistent sound rather than music or changing tones. Keep the volume at a safe level and place the machine several feet away from your baby’s sleep space to avoid overstimulation.

Swinging

This motion actually mimics the rhythmic movements babies experience in the womb during the last trimester, when the mother’s body is constantly moving as she walks, sits, or breathes.

The gentle, repetitive movement helps regulate the baby’s nervous system. Essentially, it reminds them of the soothing environment they experienced before birth.

How to use swinging safely:

1. Hold your baby securely with full support for the head and neck.
2. Gently sway side to side, rock back and forth, or even bounce slightly while holding them close.
3. Keep movements slow and smooth. Avoid fast or jerky motions.
4. Combine with other calming techniques like swaddling, shushing, or holding over your shoulder.
5. Gradually slow the motion as your baby begins to relax.

Sucking

Sucking is a natural reflex for babies, even when they’re not hungry. This is called non-nutritive sucking, and it’s one of the fastest ways to help a baby calm down. Many babies instinctively use this reflex to self-soothe, which is why they stop crying once they start sucking.

Some babies may even suck their thumb or fingers to calm themselves once they have the skill — usually around 2–3 months of age, though it can vary. If your baby isn’t using their fingers yet, offering a pacifier is a safe and effective alternative.

How to use sucking for soothing:

1. Offer a pacifier, clean finger, or allow your baby to use their thumb if they already have that skill.
2. Let your baby suck at their own pace. Don’t force it.
3. Combine sucking with other soothing techniques like swaddling, rocking, or shushing for extra comfort.
4. Once your baby calms or falls asleep, gently remove the pacifier if desired.

Other Soothing Techniques

While the 5 S’s are very effective for many babies, sometimes your little one needs a different approach.

Skin-to-skin contact is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help a baby feel secure. Holding your baby against your chest not only provides warmth and comfort but also helps regulate their heart rate and breathing.

Gentle humming or singing is another method I’ve personally found helpful. I often hum softly while rocking my baby, and the vibration of the sound seems to calm them almost instantly. You can also try soft lullabies or soothing songs. Your voice can be a source of comfort and familiarity.

Warm baths, baby massage, and fresh air can also help relax your baby. A warm bath can soothe tense muscles, while gentle massage can provide comfort and improve circulation. Taking a walk outside or simply opening a window for fresh air can sometimes help distract them.

When Fussiness or Crying Could Mean Something More

Sometimes crying can signal that something else is going on. Babies can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s important to watch for signs that may need medical attention.

Contact your pediatrician if your baby:

• Cries inconsolably for long periods, even after trying soothing techniques.
• Shows signs of illness such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Is unusually stiff, floppy, or lethargic.
• Refuses to feed or has fewer wet diapers than usual.
• Shows sudden changes in behavior that seem out of the ordinary.

Trusting your instincts is key. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to check with a healthcare professional.

The Takeway

The 5 S’s of the Karp Method — swaddling, side or stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking — are simple tools any parent can use.

It’s important to remember that no method works every time. You may need some trial and error to figure out which technique works best and in which situations. This is also a reminder to appreciate the uniqueness of every baby.

Trust your instincts and observe your baby to learn what truly soothes them.

FAQs