You’ve probably heard a lot lately about “nervous system regulation” — cold plunges, breathwork, yoga, forest bathing, and all the other trendy adult self-care hacks. But what about our babies? Do they need help regulating their nervous systems too?

Short answer? YES.
Long answer? Also yes — and let’s dive into how.

What Is Nervous System Regulation, Anyway?

Think of your baby’s nervous system as their body’s command centre. The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain, spinal cord, and a busy network of nerves chatting between every organ, muscle, and tissue.

This system is a two-way street:

• The brain sends orders out (like “move your arm!” or “digest that milk!”),
  
  
• and the body sends feedback up (like “we’re full” or “we’re chilly!”).
  
  

Regulation is the ability of that system to adapt smoothly to changes or stressors. Think: handling life’s little curveballs without totally short-circuiting.

Imagine you’re about to write a big exam. You feel your heart race and your stomach flip — but you take some deep breaths, calm yourself down, and power through. That’s your nervous system doing its thing like a champ. Babies, though? They don’t have that skill yet — which is where you come in.

Babies Can’t Self-Regulate (Yet)

Newborns enter the world with zero self-regulation skills. Nada. Zip.
Their brains are still under construction — especially the frontal cortex (you know, the part that helps with logic, control, and calming the heck down).

Instead, they’re operating mostly from the primitive brain — which handles survival basics like breathing, feeding, and letting you know something’s wrong… by crying. Lots of crying.

Between 3–4 months, their brain starts leveling up, but they still depend heavily on caregivers to help them manage stress and stimulation.

Enter: Co-Regulation

This is the magic sauce. It means your calm presence helps calm your baby. They literally borrow your nervous system to learn how to manage their own. It really is so perfect. 

Simple, Powerful Ways to Support Your Baby’s Nervous System

1. Skin-to-Skin Contact

Holding your baby against your chest isn’t just cozy — it’s biology at work. Skin-to-skin recreates the womb environment. So if your baby wants to nap on you 24/7? That’s not “spoiling” — that’s regulation.

Pro tip: When you’re both overwhelmed, hold your baby close and take a few deep breaths. Your calm can help reset their whole system.

And yes, this can feel exhausting. You’re allowed to need space. You matter too. Baby might fuss, and that’s okay — they’re safe. Your health is just as important as theirs.

2. Hands-On Soothing Techniques

• Gentle Touch: Stroking their head, back, or feet = nervous system gold.
  
  
• Patting: Light, rhythmic pats on their bum or back mimic the womb’s motion.
  
  
• Movement: Rocking, swaying, or light bouncing is super comforting.
  
  

Pro Tip: This beats any battery-powered baby swing or gadget. You’re the best regulator they’ve got.

3. Sensory Soothing

• Sound: Shushing sounds (“shhh shhh” or “shoo shoo”), soft talking, humming, or singing can do wonders.
  
  
• Sight: Nature scenes, soft lighting, or high-contrast visuals can calm or engage, depending on their needs.
  
  
• Smell: Your scent is the most comforting thing. Even a worn shirt can help soothe your baby when you’re not right there.
  (Bonus: Light lavender diffusion — used sparingly — can be calming and gentle enough for baby)
  
  

4. Warm Baths

A cozy bath can ease tension and promote relaxation. If your baby isn’t a fan of solo baths, hop in with them. Skin-to-skin and warm water? It’s pure baby-bliss. 

5. Babywearing

This is the ultimate multitasker. A quality carrier (like Ergo or Mabe) checks all the co-regulation boxes:

• Snuggly contact
• Some Skin-to-skin 
• Soothing movement
• Your scent, voice, and heartbeat

Basically, you’re a mobile womb. Babies LOVE it. And it frees up your hands. Enough said.

6. Responsive Parenting

Attune to your baby’s cues. Responding calmly helps them feel secure, which is huge for nervous system development.

If you're feeling tapped out? Step back for a moment. Your emotional well-being directly affects your baby’s. So take that nap. Go outside. Text your mom-friend. Move your body. Do the thing that fills your cup.

7. Chiropractic Care & Other Bodywork

Gentle pediatric chiropractic care can help by addressing physical tension from birth or in-utero positioning. By improving proprioceptive input (the body’s sense of position), it helps the nervous system function more smoothly.

Other great options:

• Craniosacral therapy
• Osteopathy
• Pediatric physiotherapy
  
  

These gentle approaches support the body and nervous system from the outside in.

Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Beautifully

Helping your baby regulate their nervous system isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, presence, and knowing when you need support too.

Remember: co-regulation now leads to self-regulation later. You’re laying the foundation for a resilient, calm, and emotionally healthy human being.

So breathe deep, snuggle close, and know that you’re exactly what your baby needs.