Author: Karp, Harvey Md

“The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp is a highly regarded book that offers practical advice for new parents on how to calm and soothe their crying babies. Here’s a detailed summary and some reviews:

Summary

1. The Fourth Trimester:
Dr. Karp introduces the concept of the “fourth trimester,” which refers to the first three months of a baby’s life. He argues that babies are born before they are fully ready for the world, and during this period, parents should try to recreate the womb environment to help their babies adjust¹.

2. The Calming Reflex:
Dr. Karp explains the “calming reflex,” an automatic response that can be triggered to soothe a crying baby. This reflex is akin to a reset switch that helps calm the baby when activated correctly².

3. The 5 S’s:
The core of Dr. Karp’s method involves the “5 S’s,” which are techniques designed to trigger the calming reflex:

• Swaddling: Wrapping the baby snugly in a blanket to mimic the womb.
• Side/Stomach Position: Holding the baby on their side or stomach.
• Shushing: Making a loud shushing sound to replicate the sounds of the womb.
• Swinging: Gentle, rhythmic movements to soothe the baby.
• Sucking: Allowing the baby to suck on a pacifier or breast².

4. The Cuddle Cure:
Dr. Karp combines the 5 S’s into what he calls the “Cuddle Cure,” a method to calm even the most colicky infants. This approach helps babies feel secure and can significantly reduce crying².

Reviews

Positive Reviews:

• Many parents and pediatricians praise the book for its practical and effective techniques. They appreciate the clear instructions and the scientific basis behind the methods¹.
• The book is often recommended for its straightforward approach and the immediate results parents can see when applying the 5 S’s².

Criticisms:

• Some readers feel that the book could be more concise, as it tends to repeat information¹.
• A few parents mentioned that while the techniques work well for most babies, they may not be effective for every child, and some trial and error might be necessary².

Overall, “The Happiest Baby on the Block” is considered a valuable resource for new parents looking for ways to soothe their newborns and ensure better sleep for both the baby and themselves.

Source:
(1) The Happiest Baby on the Block; Summary & Review. https://www.perfectionistmom.com/the-happiest-baby-on-the-block-summary-review/.
(2) The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Cry…. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/132900.The_Happiest_Baby_on_the_Block.
(3) The Happiest Baby on the Block – Critical summary review – Harvey Karp. https://12min.com/the-happiest-baby-on-the-block-summary.
(4) The Happiest Baby on the Block summary – Blinkist. https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/the-happiest-baby-on-the-block-en.
(5) Summary of The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp: Conversation …. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40596600-summary-of-the-happiest-baby-on-the-block-by-harvey-karp.