All babies eventually Reboot by fussing and crying. Sometimes Rebooting a few minutes will help a baby move to the Ready Zone to eat, or to the Resting Zone to sleep. However, since newborns cannot be "spoiled," responding to his cries will help him feel loved and secure.

When your baby Reboots, decrease stimulation by talking quietly. Increase support by holding his hands gently against his chest, swaddling him, swaying him gently, or encouraging him to suck your breast or your finger. A pacifier can be used once breast feeding is well established. (Discuss use of the pacifier with your lactation consultant.)

Parents are pleased to learn that many babies have subtle skills for beginning to calm themselves: making sucking movements, bringing hand up to mouth, or using the fencing pose (shown above.) A baby may also use Spacing Out (picture to the right,) Switching Off, and Shutting Down to keep himself calm as well.

The H.U.G. DVD shows you how to spot and encourage your baby’s efforts to calm himself as well as what to do when your help is needed in the Rebooting Zone.