@drjoe_md: When you pat a baby to sleep you are not just soothing them, you are tapping into one of the earliest memories their nervous system has. In the womb they spent months listening to Mom’s heartbeat, a steady rhythmic pattern that signaled warmth, safety and calm. Gentle, rhythmic patting mimics that familiar beat so their brain shifts into that same comfort state. It is one of the simplest ways to activate a newborn’s built-in calming reflex and help them settle faster. #babytips #newmom #newbaby #pregnancy