Happiest Baby on the Block

New Parent Classes Specialize on Healthy Newborn Care

In this two-hour class based on the work of renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, parents will learn methods of calming and soothing their infants. Includes a parent kit - handouts, DVD and CD. Taught by Certified "Happiest Baby" educators. Perfect for both expectant parents and those with a newborn under 2 months of age.

The class includes didactic and hands-on instruction in the "5 S's":

  • Swaddling: Tight swaddling provides the continuous touching and support your baby is used to experiencing within the womb.
  • Side/stomach position: The infant is placed on their left side to assist in digestion, or on their stomach to provide reassuring support. “But never use the stomach position for putting your baby to sleep,” cautions Karp. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is linked to stomach-down sleep positions. When a baby is in a stomach down position do not leave them even for a moment.
  • Shushing sounds: These imitate the continual whooshing sound made by the blood flowing through arteries near the womb.
  • Swinging: Newborns are used to the swinging motions within their mother’s womb, so entering the gravity driven world of the outside is like a sailor adapting to land after nine months at sea. “It’s disorienting and unnatural,” says Karp. Rocking, car rides, and other swinging movements all can help.
  • Sucking: “Sucking has its effects deep within the nervous system,” notes Karp, “and triggers the calming reflex and releases natural chemicals within the brain.”

Refunds cannot be issued for class registration cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice.

When: 7–9 p.m., various days of the week

Where: Missouri Baptist Medical Center
Clinical Learning Institute
3005 North Ballas Road
Saint Louis, MO 63131

Sign up

IMPORTANT NOTE: The registration for a seat in this class is for two people. Please register mother only. If a partner or support person is planning to attend, on the check-out page enter their name in the ‘Partner/Other’ field. If not, leave blank. There is no need to add and pay for another registration for them to attend. Due to limits on class size, it is important for your registration to accurately reflect the number of people attending.