Connecting With Your Infant Toddler
The Sway Song
Goals: Newborn or infant bonding, interaction, and soothing
Book 1.3
Title: The Sway Song ©
Lyrics: JoAnn M. Rae Music: Sarah Garden
Verse
Mama/Papa lifts you up and down,
We see your beautiful eyes.
Look out and see the new day skies,
Our beautiful baby, we hold you near.
Sweet little baby, have no fear,
A new day’s dance is here.
Chorus
Baby cheeks so soft,
Baby’s cheeks so warm,
Cheek to cheek, we slowly sway,
Our sweet dance will start our day.
Verse
Mama/Papa sways you side to side,
Look with your beautiful eyes.
Look out and see the new day skies.
Look at the sky so blue and clear,
Sweet little baby, have no fear,
A new day’s dance is here.
Chorus
Baby cheeks so soft,
Baby’s cheeks so warm,
Cheek to cheek, around the room we sway.
Our sweet dance will start our day.
Verse
Mama/Papa lifts you up,
A new day brings cheer,
Sweet little baby, have no fear,
A new day’s dance is here.
A new day’s dance is here,
A new day’s dance is here.
Receptive Language Verbs
- dance
- sway
- lift
Receptive Language Nouns
- eyes
- baby
- soft
- warm
Parent guide: Using the Sway Song for comfort, bonding, and word knowledge.
Purpose of This Song
Designed to help soothe and relax your child, especially during transitions like waking, resting, or preparing for sleep.
Helpful Soothing Techniques
Some children—especially those with sensory sensitivities—may squirm or resist being held. This is normal. The goal is to help them feel safe and calm in a way that works best for them.
Try These Comfort Strategies
- Gentle holding: keep movements slow and steady and adjust your hold if your child seems uncomfortable.
- Swaying motion: gently sway side to side or rock back and forth with smooth, predictable motion.
- Singing softly: use a calm, quiet voice and steady rhythm.
- Swaddling, if appropriate: follow safe swaddling guidelines.
Key reminder: there is no one right way to soothe your child. Your calm presence, gentle touch, and consistent rhythm matter most.
Although positional sensitivity is not part of the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, many children with autism—and many children generally—benefit from thoughtful, gentle care during movement and position changes.
What this can look like
- Discomfort when being picked up, laid down, or repositioned
- Sensitivity during diaper changes or getting dressed
- Resistance to transitions such as sitting to standing or floor to chair
- Needing extra time to adjust to new positions
Why it happens
- Movement or touch may feel too intense or unpredictable
- The body may have difficulty processing where it is in space
- Transitions can feel sudden or overwhelming
Helpful approaches
- Move your child slowly and predictably
- Give a verbal cue before changing position
- Use consistent routines so changes feel expected
- Watch your child’s cues and adjust based on comfort
Positional changes matter. Many children with autism spectrum disorder experience differences in sensory processing related to movement and body position. Move your child slowly, provide verbal cues, and keep routines consistent. Being mindful of positional changes can support comfort, trust, and regulation.
Be sure family members understand how to interact with and move your child. Avoid startling them or moving them suddenly, as this can be overwhelming.
It is also important to recognize that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may process language differently than typically developing children. They may not always realize verbal communication is directed toward them, especially if they cannot see the speaker.
Approach your child from the front or move into their line of sight before speaking. This helps them connect your words with your presence and makes interactions more predictable and comfortable.
Helpful items may include Tinka the turtle, Lamby and Rammy (sheep), a baby doll, a coloring book, and a soft, tag-free shirt. These materials can support comfort, play, and familiarity for your child.
Typical child development follows expected milestones in movement, language, and social skills from infancy through preschool. Children with autism develop over the same stages but may show differences in communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory responses. Support through structure, clear communication, and appropriate environments helps both groups develop effectively.