Dear Dorie, What is your opinion on the “Five S” theory of sleep? I’ve heard people are paying large fees for this type of assistance in getting their infants to sleep. Does it work?
Curious Caregiver Dear Caregiver, You are referring to Dr. Harvey Karp’s research and publications dealing with “fussy” infants and toddlers. Check your local library and the internet for more specifics. His work is well-known and utilized by sleep consultants as well as parents.
The 5 S’s refer to fundamental parenting techniques for infants that facilitate healthy sleep patterns. As I understand them, they involve including sounds to simulate patterns found in the womb (including the “sh” sound). Swaddling techniques that ensure an infant feels safe and protected. Swinging movement for calming, although like everything in parenting, each infant’s individual preference for rocking versus swinging is unique. Both nutritive and non-nutritive sucking for a variety of purposes and side/stomach positioning.
As far as paid consultants, that depends on how you learn. If you are a visual learner and can read Dr. Karp’s information and apply it, the books and internet should suit you. If you prefer auditory information, try the dvds and/or cassettes. However, if you prefer for these techniques to be modeled, a paid consultant may be the way to go. Know yourself and you will know your child. Good luck.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 17, 2007. Read the original PDF.