OM — often spelled AUM — is considered the most sacred sound in spiritual traditions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is known as the primordial sound — the vibration from which the entire universe was born.
It is not just a word or a chant; it is an experience, a powerful vibration encompassing the essence of ultimate reality, consciousness, and existence itself. According to ancient teachings, OM represents the union of body, mind, and spirit.
OM is made up of three distinct sounds:
- A (pronounced “awe”) — representing the waking state.
- U (pronounced “oo”) — representing the dream state.
- M (pronounced “mmm”) — representing the deep sleep state.
Together, these sounds express the totality of human consciousness.
How OM works for calming babies
Here’s how OM works for calming babies:
- Vibrational Comfort:
The sound of OM creates a deep, humming vibration that babies can feel. Since babies are very sensitive to sound and touch (even through vibration in the air and skin), the soothing, resonant quality of OM can feel comforting and familiar, almost like the heartbeat or muffled sounds they heard in the womb. - Mimics the Womb Environment:
Inside the womb, a baby constantly hears the mother’s heartbeat, digestive sounds, and the rush of blood — all low, rhythmic sounds. OM chanting produces a similarly low, continuous vibration, helping newborns feel safe and reassured. - Regulates Breathing and Heart Rate:
When a caregiver chants OM, it naturally slows their breathing and heart rate. Babies are highly attuned to the caregiver’s emotional state; when they sense calmness through your breath, heartbeat, and tone, they often mirror that calmness themselves. - Emotional Transmission:
Sound carries emotion. Chanting OM helps parents or caregivers stay grounded and calm, and this energetic state is often transmitted directly to the baby, helping the little one feel emotionally secure. - Engages the Baby’s Auditory Senses Gently:
Unlike sudden or sharp sounds, OM is soft, flowing, and continuous. Gentle stimulation of a baby’s auditory system through such sounds helps relax rather than startle them.
How to Use OM for a Crying Baby:
- Hold your baby close (skin-to-skin if possible).
- Hum or softly chant OM near their ear or simply in the room.
- Gently rock the baby in a rhythm that matches your slow chanting.
- Stay relaxed yourself — your calm energy matters as much as the sound.
Tip: Even humming the “Mmmm” part of OM alone can be very soothing for infants.
Of course, sometimes a baby’s crying could mean they need something urgent (feeding, a diaper change, or medical attention). OM chanting is best used after you’ve checked and met their basic needs, or alongside comforting measures.
While direct scientific studies on “OM sound for calming crying babies” are rare, related evidence from neuroscience, psychology, and sound therapy supports why and how OM chanting can help soothe a baby.