It is not necessary to hold your newborn all the time. While it is important to provide love, comfort, and bonding through cuddling and close contact, it is also important to encourage independent sleep and allow the baby to have their own space for development and self-soothing.
While it is natural for parents to want to hold their newborn all the time, it is not necessary to do so. It is important to strike a balance between providing love and bonding through close contact, and allowing the baby to have their own space for development and self-soothing.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended to practice both “babywearing” and “putting baby down.” Babywearing, which involves carrying your baby in a sling or carrier, not only promotes bonding but also allows you to continue with daily activities while keeping your newborn close. On the other hand, putting the baby down in a safe sleep environment helps promote independent sleep and allows the baby to develop self-soothing skills.
Here are some interesting facts about holding newborns:
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Bonding through physical contact: Holding and cuddling your baby helps promote bonding and emotional connection. Skin-to-skin contact is particularly beneficial for newborns as it regulates their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
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Promoting brain development: Close contact with parents, especially during the first few months, has been found to support healthy brain development in newborns. It helps stimulate the release of oxytocin and other hormones that contribute to their overall well-being.
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Encouraging independence: Allowing your baby to have their own space for short periods throughout the day helps foster independent play and exploration. It provides opportunities for the baby to develop motor skills, engage with their surroundings, and learn to self-soothe.
However, it is important to note that engaging with your newborn through holding and cuddling should always be done responsibly, ensuring their safety and comfort. As Anne Lamott, an American author, beautifully puts it, “You are going to notice something about yourself that indicates some habits of self-care, some discipline. Take care of yourself now, so you can take care of the baby later.”
In summary, while it is important to provide love, comfort, and bonding through cuddling and close contact, it is equally crucial to encourage independent sleep and allow the baby to have their own space for development and self-soothing. Finding a balance that suits both the baby’s needs and the parents’ lifestyle is key in providing a nurturing environment for newborns.
Here’s an illustrative table highlighting the benefits of holding newborns and encouraging independent time:
| Holding Newborns | Encouraging Independent Time |
|---|---|
| Promotes bonding and emotional connection. | Fosters independent play and exploration. |
| Regulates body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. | Supports development of motor skills. |
| Enhances healthy brain development. | Encourages self-soothing abilities. |
| Provides comfort and security. | Allows engagement with surroundings. |
| Aids in the release of beneficial hormones. | Establishes a routine and independent sleep patterns. |
Remember, finding a balance is key to providing the best care for your newborn while ensuring their overall development and well-being.
Answer in the video
In the YouTube video “Baby Wants to Be Held All the Time – Reasons and Solutions,” the reasons behind a baby’s constant desire to be held are discussed. These include the overwhelming transition from the womb, separation anxiety, and the feeling of warmth and security. Some solutions suggested in the video include comforting the baby when they cry, using loose clothing and soft cushions, involving other family members, and gradually breaking the habit by setting the baby down in a bouncy chair or activity mat. The video also emphasizes the temporary nature of this phase and encourages parents to enjoy these moments while they last.
There are other points of view available on the Internet
Contrary to popular myth, it’s impossible for parents to hold or respond to a baby too much, child development experts say. Infants need constant attention to give them the foundation to grow emotionally, physically and intellectually.
Research from neonatologists shows that hugging a newborn (whether premature or full-term) as often as possible has several positive effects. An infant’s heart rate and respiration can be kept stable just by being held for long periods of time.
"Babies like to be held all the time, especially before they can walk on their own," Howard says. "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."
I’m sure you’ll be interested
Rocking the baby provides a soft massage and the warmth of your body eliminates constipation and colics. Research has proved that children which are carried cry on average 43% less, however 54% less in evening hours.
If you pick them up by or under their arms, you risk injuring their arms or shoulders. Worse, their head will dangle and could flop around, potentially causing a brain injury. Instead, place one hand behind their head and neck and the other hand under their bottom.