I have to give a Mama shout out to the book Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. I give it to every new mom that I know and I was just reminded of it when I friend posted a Facebook update praising Dr. Karp for saving her life!
My friend Crystal gave me the book at a shower when I was pregnant with Faith. I smiled politely and shelved it with the smug knowledge that no book held any secrets to raising a baby. Then a few weeks into Faith’s continuous crying I screamed to Kevin in a fit of sheer desperation, “get that damn book and see if it has ANYTHING to use!” So he did and luckily it had something called 5S’s that was bulleted and easy to read with one eye while bouncing a screaming baby up and down.
I’ll tell you it worked like a charm. I felt a little crazy when I had to loudly shush into my baby’s ear while bouncing her rather vigorously, But I got over my embarrassment when I realized it would quiet her every time. I used it with all three of my kids and sometimes I’ve been known to grab other people’s babies, flip them on their side, shake and shush until they fall fast asleep.
Luckily my colic days are over. But if you find yourself bleary eyed and thinking there is nothing left but sheer endurance, give Dr. Karp a visit and shush yourself right to blissful silence.
Cheers!
P.S. Looking for more parenting guidance and tips for self-care? Check out From Chaos to Calm a guided training to help you feel better in this tough season.
My friend Crystal gave me the book at a shower when I was pregnant with Faith. I smiled politely and shelved it with the smug knowledge that no book held any secrets to raising a baby. Then a few weeks into Faith’s continuous crying I screamed to Kevin in a fit of sheer desperation, “get that damn book and see if it has ANYTHING to use!” So he did and luckily it had something called 5S’s that was bulleted and easy to read with one eye while bouncing a screaming baby up and down.
I’ll tell you it worked like a charm. I felt a little crazy when I had to loudly shush into my baby’s ear while bouncing her rather vigorously, But I got over my embarrassment when I realized it would quiet her every time. I used it with all three of my kids and sometimes I’ve been known to grab other people’s babies, flip them on their side, shake and shush until they fall fast asleep.
Luckily my colic days are over. But if you find yourself bleary eyed and thinking there is nothing left but sheer endurance, give Dr. Karp a visit and shush yourself right to blissful silence.
Cheers!
