The 5 S’s for Baby Sleep Explained: How to Settle a Fussy Newborn Naturally

August 14, 2025

The 5 S’s for Baby Sleep Explained: How to Settle a Fussy Newborn Naturally

As a baby sleep consultant, I wasn’t always a pro at settling newborns. In fact my first daughter fell into being fed to sleep, and it wasn’t until I developed mastitis, and subsequent surgery meant I had to stop feeding, that I was forced to dig into some research around other ways to settle a baby.

Enter the 5 S’s.

I understand how overwhelming it feels when your newborn just won’t settle, they’re crying, you’re exhausted, no one can think straight… the fall back plan is the 5 S’s for baby sleep: swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, and sucking. These time‑tested techniques mimic the womb environment to trigger your baby’s calming reflex. They’re especially effective in the first few weeks to months when fussiness peaks.

Ready to learn practical steps that can ease your evenings and help both baby and you get better rest?

Let’s talk about it…

1. How do I use the 5 S’s to settle a fussy newborn under 3 months old?

If your newborn cries inconsolably, start by swaddling, then hold them on their side or stomach while making a loud “shhh” and gently jiggling or patting to create the jiggle, finish with sucking on a dummy. This sequence directly triggers the calming response seen in newborns under 12 weeks ¹. If you’ve been trying these steps for 10-20 minutes with no results, try offering a feed, especially if your baby is under 6 weeks. We need to rule out hunger.

💡 Expert Tip: Keep motions small (1" jiggle), maintain safe swaddle tightness and support head & neck fully.

2. Why is swaddling so helpful for calming newborn fussiness?

Swaddling reduces Moro or startle reflex, giving babies that snug womb‑like feeling that helps calm them quickly ².

I’ll never forget a few years ago I was at a friends wedding, and a new baby wouldn’t stop crying. It was during the actual ceremony and no one could hear the vows, or what the priest was saying, this newborn was hysterical. The new mother had moved to the back of the church, but the sound was still deafening. After 5 or so minutes I decided to go and help, I walked down to this mum, asked if she had a blanket or swaddle, and quickly swaddled the baby. I kid you not, this baby instantly stopped crying. Mum asked me if I had super powers, of course I don’t! This is the power of the swaddle!

💡 Expert Tip: Swaddle snugly but leave hips loose, and always place baby on their back to sleep.

3. Can holding on the side or tummy position actually settle a fussy baby safely?

Yes, with supervision. Holding baby on their side or stomach while awake activates their calming reflex by mimicking womb pressure, helping to settle a fussy newborn under 3‒4 months ³. If your 2‑month‑old is crying after feeding, holding them tummy‑down in your arms while swaddled and shushed can calm them before returning them safely to back‑sleep in the cot.

💡 Expert Tip: Always hold upright, never sleep with baby on side/stomach—only for soothing when awake.

4. How loud should shushing be when a newborn is extremely fussy?

It needs to be surprisingly loud, about as loud as the baby’s crying, to activate their calming reflex ⁴. When my own baby screamed at 9 p.m, bringing the “shhh” volume to match the cry turned their attention and helped settle them faster than whispering. Use a white noise machine turned high in the room but away from baby or a strong shhh from your own mouth, nice and close to baby.

💡 Expert Tip: Start loud, then fade volume as baby calms, avoid soft whispering for high‑energy crying.

5. What’s the safest way to do swinging or jittery motions to soothe newborns?

Use small fast head‑jiggle motions while holding your infant safely. These motions mimic womb rhythms and trigger calm ⁵. If your 3‑week‑old fusses after a feeding, try vigorous pats to mimic a jiggle while side holding them and swaddled in your arms, then soften to gentle pat as they settle. Never shake, only a gentle jiggle or pat that mimics the womb.

💡 Expert Tip: Keep baby’s body aligned; head should wobble, body stays supported, never shake.

6. Why is sucking (dummy or finger) effective in settling a newborn?

Sucking releases endorphins, lowers heart rate and stress, helping babies settle ⁶. When our 8‑week‑old cluster‑fed at dinner, offering a dummy after a calming sequence often helped them fall asleep quicker. This sucking step is often the “final key” in settling a fussy newborn.

💡 Expert Tip: If in doubt, offer a feed first. We don’t want to take away a feed with a dummy.

7. What if the 5 S’s don’t work - when to seek help?

If baby remains inconsolable after ensuring they’re fed, dry, comfortable, and the 5 S’s don’t calm them, check for possible reflux, gas, or illness and consult your well child provider ⁷. For example, if your 2‑month‑old cries despite repeated soothing, consult your provider to rule out conditions such as reflux or colic.

💡 Expert Tip: If you're feeling overwhelmed, place baby safely flat and take a moment. Then return gently and try again or seek advice.

8. How long can the 5 S’s remain helpful as baby grows older?

The techniques are most effective in the first 2–3 months, but elements like swaddling (until rolling) or sucking can remain helpful through 4–6 months ^1⁴.

For instance, at 4 months, swaddling should stop once baby rolls. But shushing or a dummy may still help at bedtime until self-soothing develops.

The Bottom Line on Settling a Fussy Newborn

The 5 S’s (swaddle, side/stomach position, shushing, swing/jiggle, sucking) mimic womb sensations to trigger calming reflex.
They work best in the first 2–3 months when fussiness is most intense.
Use loud shushing and vigorous small-motion jiggle to turn on the calming reflex.
Always prioritise safe sleep, that means back to sleep, firm cot/basinet mattress, no loose bedding.
Seek medical advice if the sequence fails despite basics (clean nappy, feeding, comfort).

Trust your parenting intuition … you’re doing an amazing job.