Babies are individuals. Some are timid, some outgoing, some sensitive, and others are "surfer dudes," unfazed by the bustle around them.

Likewise, for soothing and sleep…some need sucking, some white noise, some jiggling, and others need allĀ 5 S’s (vigorously!) to calm.

So, if your infant doesn’t instantly quiet inĀ SNOO, try our tips:

Be patient with ā€œolder babies.ā€

If your littleĀ one is over 6 to 8 weeks old, they may need 4 to 5 days to get used to the new motion and sound. The more your babyĀ sleeps in SNOO (naps and nights), the sooner it should comfort them.

Put your baby down…asleep.

We’ve learned that babies who are used toĀ contact nappingĀ need time to adjust. Got a hunch that’s your situation? Try this: When it’s almost bed or naptime,Ā zip your baby in their SNOO Sack, feedĀ them well and offer a pacifier (ifĀ they like it) and rockĀ your little one into a deep sleep. Then, gently transferĀ your baby to SNOO. UseĀ the Happiest Baby App to set the motion on a low level, purple, or blue. After four toĀ five days of naps/nights in SNOO,Ā your baby's new surroundings should begin feeling familiar.Ā 

Build happy SNOO memories.

Start planning three to four fun times in SNOO each day. For example, give a delicious baby massage in there—then takeĀ your bub out for a cuddle. Loving touch can helpĀ babies associate good vibes with SNOO!

Learn the cues.

SNOO won’t calm fussing when your baby needs YOU! Check ifĀ your nugget is hungry, hot, cold, or needs a new diaper. Once you meetĀ your baby's needs, they'll likely soothe and snooze. (IfĀ your baby continues to fuss no matter what you do, check with your doctor.)

Trust yourself.

SNOO can usually calmĀ a baby within a minute. So, if by 60 seconds yourĀ gutĀ tells you SNOO isn’t doing the trick…takeĀ your baby out, sootheĀ themm and then layĀ your bub down again calm. (By the way, SNOO automatically turns off if any crying lasts overĀ three minutes! But, you never need to wait that long if it doesn’t feel right.)

Swaddle with the arms down.

Snug wrapping in a swaddle helps babies settle faster. But if your wiggly worm gets an arm loose inside their SNOO Sack, that’s your cue to tighten the inner band. Also, ensure the bottom of the inner band covers part ofĀ your baby's hand. Most babies sleep better arms down for at leastĀ three to four months. (FYI, ourĀ SNOO Sack has snap openings at the shoulders for babies’ arms to be free.)

Help your baby learn day from night.

Families tell us that their babies woke more at night if they took long daytime naps (and didn’t eat enough). So, it’s good to keep naps to underĀ twoĀ hours. You’ll get more calories in and reduce night waking from hunger.

Try food, louder white noise, or a paci.

Some babies needĀ up to two extra feedings to be ready to sleep…even if they just ate! AndĀ most babies need it noisy to calm down. So, you might run a cool hair dryer 6 inches away for a few minutes, if SNOO just isn’t soothing your little one. Or, offer a pacifier to see if that solves the mystery! (If you’re nursing, it’s best to wait untilĀ your baby is sucking well before using pacifiers or bottles.) Bonus: Falling asleep with a paci is shown to help lower a baby’s risk for SIDS!

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.