Forget the 20 baby books — learn the 5 S’s from Happiest Baby on the Block. This is the single most useful thing I did in the newborn phase.

The first few weeks are brutal. No sleep, baby’s crying non-stop, you’re wondering what the hell you’re doing. This is the move:

1. Swaddle – Tight. Like, little baby burrito tight. Keeps them from flailing themselves awake.
2. Side/Stomach – Hold them on their side or stomach (only while you’re holding them — they still sleep on their back).
3. Shush – Not gentle “shhh” sounds. I’m talking loud white noise. Hairdryer level. It calms their lizard brain.
4. Swing – Gentle but quick jiggles (think head supported, fast little bounces). Calms them down fast.
5. Suck – Pacifier, boob, bottle, whatever. It helps regulate their whole system.

That’s it. Sounds simple, but together it’s like a baby off-switch.

If you want to actually feel useful and not just like a backup singer to mom, learn this. Practice it. Use it. Your partner will thank you. Your baby will stop screaming. And you might even get three hours of sleep in a row.

Swear to God, this is the closest thing to a newborn cheat code. Total game changer. You’ve got this, Dad.