Babies want to be held for several key reasons, primarily because it provides comfort, security, and essential developmental stimulation.
Here's a breakdown of why your baby craves being held:
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Comfort and Security: Being held mimics the feeling of being in the womb, offering a sense of safety and warmth. This is incredibly reassuring for a newborn, helping to regulate their heart rate and breathing.
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Basic Needs: Holding your baby allows you to quickly respond to their needs, such as feeding, changing diapers, or soothing discomfort. Babies often cry when they need something, and being held is a way for them to communicate these needs.
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Sensory Input and Development: As highlighted in the reference, holding your baby provides a rich source of sensory input.
- Visual Stimulation: They can observe the world from a higher vantage point, watching your actions and facial expressions. As the reference states, "They can look around, they get to see what the parent's doing, which they find totally fascinating, and that's good for mental development."
- Tactile Stimulation: Physical touch is crucial for development, helping to strengthen the bond between you and your baby.
- Vestibular Stimulation: Gentle rocking and movement stimulate their vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation.
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Bonding: Holding your baby releases hormones like oxytocin (often called the "love hormone") in both you and your baby, which strengthens the bond between you.
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Cognitive Development: Observing you and their surroundings while being held contributes significantly to their cognitive development. They are constantly learning and processing information.
Therefore, your baby's desire to be held is not simply a matter of preference, but a fundamental need that supports their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. Respond to this need as much as possible to foster a secure and healthy attachment.
