Baby Crying at Night with Colic? Try Dr. Karp's 5S Technique
The short answer: Dr. Harvey Karp’s 5S technique — swaddle, side position, shushing, gentle swinging and sucking — is the most effective way to soothe a colicky baby, because it recreates the womb environment your baby misses.
Dealing with crying spells that last more than 3 hours a day on consecutive days? It may be a wind-related tummy syndrome known as colic.
What Is Colic?
Colic refers to prolonged baby crying — more than 3 hours a day — with no obvious cause. It often happens at night and tests parents’ patience.
Applying Dr. Karp’s 5S Technique
Biologically, babies miss their lost “fourth trimester” — the enclosed womb environment. The 5S technique works on the senses to recreate that experience:
- Swaddle: Wrap your baby snugly to prevent the startle reflex (Moro reflex).
- Side/Stomach (Side Position): Hold or rock your baby on your forearm on their side, with gentle pressure on the tummy.
- Shush (White Noise): A shushing sound that mimics the sound of the mother’s blood flow heard in the womb.
- Swing: Gentle rhythmic rocking that mimics the mother’s walking movements.
- Suck: Offer a pacifier or hold your baby close to the chest to trigger comfort.
When to See a Doctor
If your baby’s crying lasts more than 3 hours a day and continues even after you try the 5S technique, consult your doctor or midwife. They can help make sure there is no other medical cause behind the crying. Also check whether your baby shows signs of newborn jaundice such as yellowing skin — jaundiced babies are often lethargic and difficult to feed. If sore nipples are making breastfeeding harder, read about how to fix a shallow latch.
References
- Karp, H. (2015). The Happiest Baby on the Block.
This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or midwife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is colic in babies?
Colic refers to periods of crying that last more than 3 hours a day, on consecutive days, with no obvious cause — often happening at night. It is linked to a wind-related tummy syndrome.
What is the 5S technique recommended by Dr. Harvey Karp?
The five steps are: Swaddle (a firm wrap), Side/Stomach (the side position), Shush (a shushing sound or white noise), Swing (gentle rhythmic rocking), and Suck (letting the baby suck on a pacifier or breast).
Why does the 5S technique work to calm a baby?
The technique recreates the womb environment — the 'fourth trimester' babies miss. For example, swaddling prevents the startle reflex (Moro reflex), and shushing mimics the sound of the mother's blood flow.
When should I see a doctor if my baby keeps crying?
If your baby's crying lasts more than 3 hours a day on consecutive days and continues even after trying the 5S technique, see your doctor or midwife to rule out other medical causes.