The "5 8 5 rule" refers to a technique for soothing a crying baby and getting them to sleep. This involves carrying the baby while walking for 5 minutes, then holding them still for 5 to 8 minutes before carefully placing them back in their crib.
The Breakdown of the 5 8 5 Rule:
This rule is based on research suggesting that specific actions can help calm a baby.
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5 Minutes of Walking: Gently walking while holding your baby can be very effective for soothing them. The gentle movement is often enough to lull them to sleep.
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5-8 Minutes of Sitting: After the walking period, sit and hold the baby still for 5 to 8 minutes. This aims to ensure the baby is in a deeper sleep and less likely to wake up when placed down.
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Careful Placement: After the still-holding period, carefully and slowly place the baby back into their crib or bassinet.
Why this works?
The initial walking phase mimics the sensation of being carried in the womb, which can be comforting. The subsequent still-holding period allows the baby to transition into a deeper sleep, reducing the chance of them waking up immediately after being put down.
Reference
Information in this answer is based on research reported on September 13, 2022, which suggests parents should carry their baby while walking for 5 minutes, then hold them still for 5 to 8 minutes before laying them back down.
