Because babies usually get satisfaction from oral stimulation, sucking calms them down and can relieve discomfort. Some parents may be wary of encouraging a pacifier or thumb, but researchers stress that sucking gives infants a way to comfort themselves when Mom and Dad aren't immediately available. While many of these techniques soothe babies well into toddlerhood, what comforts a child changes as he grows. Once an infant can sit up, for instance, he'll still need and enjoy cuddling but may resist being nuzzled under your neck or cradled horizontally in your arms if this restricts his view. That doesn't mean you should put away his blanket just yet, though.
Experts say that's because babies in utero get used to moms' being in motion.
Soothing Sounds Babies also like rhythmic sounds that remind them of the womb, such as a ticking clock or a whirring fan. It makes sense that sounds that mimic the womb are soothing. Some other sounds that are easy on a baby's ears are slow, lilting music and lullabies. But while infants like it when anyone sings to them, researchers say they tend to focus more on their mom's voice, possibly because that's the one they heard in utero. This preference for the female voice may be one reason why babies are so responsive to the high-pitched tone that many adults instinctively use when talking to them.