A crying baby can leave parents searching for anything that might bring a little peace. One Instagram video has drawn millions of views after a dad appeared to quiet his baby by repeatedly making the “OM” sound.

The clip has received more than 17.1 million views and over 1 million likes, prompting parents to wonder whether the technique has a real calming effect or simply worked for that particular baby.

Why “OM” Gets Attention

“OM” holds deep importance in Hindu tradition and has long been used in yoga and meditation practices. The sound begins with a low, steady vibration created in the mouth and throat, which some people associate with relaxation and focused breathing.

Comments on the viral video offered several explanations for the baby’s response. One person suggested that the sound may feel familiar because it resembles sounds heard before birth. Another said the vibration could activate the vagus nerve, which plays a role in the body’s calming response.

Research gives some support to the idea that “OM” chanting can affect the body and brain. Studies have recorded a physical sensation of vibration during chanting and explored its possible connection with vagus nerve activity.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Siqueiros Bolado (@ck.bolado)

A 2022 study also found that “OM” chanting may help regulate emotional responses to negative stimuli. Another study reported positive effects on psychological and cognitive measures among people who regularly practiced “OM” chanting.

Still, these findings do not prove that “OM” specifically calms crying babies. Research involving infants remains limited.

Why the Sound May Help

Alison Mitzner, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, says the evidence on “OM” sounds and babies is limited, but the basic idea fits with what is already known about soothing sounds.

According to Dr. Mitzner, the low-frequency vibration of “OM” may resemble some of the rhythmic sounds babies experience before birth. Its steady pattern may also mask sudden noises around the baby, similar to how white noise can create a consistent sound environment.

Babies can react strongly to unexpected sounds. A predictable background sound may therefore feel less disruptive than a quiet room interrupted by occasional noise.

Dr. Mitzner explains that “OM” shares several qualities with familiar soothing techniques: a steady rhythm, repetition, low-frequency vibration, and consistent background noise.

These qualities may encourage relaxation, although every baby can respond differently.

Could a Parent’s Calm Matter More?

Parenting expert Hannah Keeley, a master board-certified life coach who has been called “The Baby Whisperer,” offers another explanation. She believes the effect may have less to do with the specific sound and more to do with the parents’ emotional state.

Keeley says the “OM” technique can first calm the parent, and that calmer behavior may then affect the baby. Babies often respond to changes in voice, movement, breathing, and body tension. A relaxed caregiver may naturally hold and speak to a baby in a more reassuring way.

She also points out that “OM” is not the only sound that can have this effect. A repeated “ssshhhhh” sound may provide a similar steady auditory pattern.

That distinction matters. The viral video may show a useful calming method, but it does not establish that “OM” has a special effect on every infant.

Other Ways to Soothe a Crying Baby

Freepik | pch.vector | Soothing a crying baby takes trying different techniques to see what works best.

Parents can try several familiar techniques when a baby becomes fussy. The right method often depends on the baby, the cause of the crying, and the situation.

1. Swaddling – A properly done swaddle can provide a snug feeling that some babies find reassuring.
2. Gentle movement – Rocking, walking, or using a baby carrier can recreate the rhythmic movement babies experienced before birth.
3. Soft sounds – Lullabies, gentle humming, white noise, or repeated “shhh” sounds can provide predictable auditory stimulation.
4. Comforting touch – Holding a baby close or gently rubbing the back or belly can provide warmth and reassurance.
5. Sucking – A pacifier or thumb-sucking can have a naturally calming effect for some babies when hunger is not the reason for the crying.

Does “OM” Work for Every Baby?

There is no reliable evidence that “OM” will stop every baby from crying. Babies have different temperaments and needs, and crying can result from hunger, tiredness, discomfort, overstimulation, or other causes.

The viral technique may be worth trying as a gentle sound-based approach, but it should not replace attention to the baby’s basic needs. If crying seems unusual, intense, persistent, or accompanied by signs of illness or distress, parents should seek medical advice rather than relying on a soothing sound.

The popularity of the “OM” video reflects a broader truth about infant soothing: simple, repetitive sounds and steady movements can sometimes make a noticeable difference. The technique has plausible similarities to white noise, humming, and other rhythmic sounds, but scientific evidence specifically supporting “OM” for babies is still limited.

For now, “OM” can be viewed as one gentle option rather than a guaranteed solution. A calm parent, a comfortable environment, soft, repetitive sounds, and close physical contact may all help a fussy baby settle.

Helen Hayward