Happiest Baby On the Block

How about just happy in our house and quiet for awhile?

I like to call the first few weeks of having a newborn entering the “Baby Twilight Zone.” You don’t know what day it is, which end is up or what is happening in the real word. You live, breathe, eat and barely sleep baby cries, feedings and diaper changes. Sometimes those ear-piercing cries seem as if they will never end; and then once you finally do get them calmed, it’s not long before the whole process starts all over again. Having a newborn really does make you feel like you are traveling in another dimension.

We had plenty of those long, challenging nights with Ava. We paced the floor. We rocked. We swaddled. We tried the swing. We made up the most ridiculous songs to sing to her. Several early mornings were spent in the car driving in circles just to calm and soothe her. We were exhausted, our nerves were raw and Doug and I were both wondering, “What the heck just hit us?” Then our pediatrician suggested a certain DVD.

Immediately we ran to the store to buy The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. Dr. Karp claims he can sooth the fussiest of babies and get them to sleep longer. Was this guy for real? Could this miracle worker really help us? Doug and I had our doubts, but we couldn't open that video fast enough and quickly began putting his techniques into practice.

The doctor has several methods for calming a fussy baby and each step progresses depending on the severity of the upset newborn. Not everything worked for us like it did on his DVD. Some of the tricks were successful and others were not, but we did find a few sure fire remedies to immediately calm our screaming princess even if it was for only a few moments. One of the magical positions for Ava is seen in this picture - draped over Daddy's arm. And if nothing else, it made for this great photo op.

Here is a video clip of his on getting your baby to sleep.

I highly recommend this DVD to anyone with a newborn. It is worth it even if you only come away with one little secret. Your sanity is on the line and a few precious moments are worth the price of this video.  Prices range from $15-25 depending on where you purchase it.

In addition to The Happiest Baby, Dr. Karp also has The Happiest Toddler on the Block. I have not read this yet, but now that Ava’s approaching toddler years I think I may pick it up. If anyone can recommend it, please leave a comment below or contact me.

If you need more intense training than a DVD, there are classes available that teach The Happiest Baby methods.  Their website gives all information according to each state. Good luck!

www.thehappiestbaby.com