There are a number of other ways to help relieve the sensory experience of pain and help the baby cope with the experience of pain or discomfort. Giving rhythmical, repetitive stimulation may block out painful sensations. For example, rocking and music often are soothing. Firm touch may block painful sensations. Gentle but firm pressure with the hand, or swaddling the baby tightly, provide a constant touch sensation that may block pain.
Distraction can reduce the baby's attention to painful sensations.
Sucking on a pacifier can provide distraction. Responding quickly to signs of pain or discomfort gives the baby some control. No, babies will react in different ways to these attempts to soothe them. For example, for some babies being touched or rocked is not soothing, and for others, sounds or music also may not be calming. It always is important to carefully watch how the baby responds when trying any of the suggested ways to relieve pain or discomfort.