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New Study Debunked About the Myth Holding Your Baby “Too Much.”

New Study Debunked About the Myth Holding Your Baby “Too Much.”

Motherhood Life Balance

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A series of reports and research papers that have been published over the past few years have found that cuddling your baby is actually hugely beneficial for their development.

Have you ever been in a situation where you have been holding your newborn baby, and a know-it-all family member or friend has told you that you are “spoiling” them by nurturing them every time they get upset?

If so, we’ve got some great news for you – new reports indicate this is a load of nonsense.

As well as keeping them warm, holding and cuddling your baby activates oxytocin and stimulates their brains. There is also the added benefit of increasing the bond between parent and child.

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Other findings have suggested that prolonged cuddling helps to regulate breathing and heart rates, while it also aids growth and weight gain. All of these findings are overwhelmingly positive and make the know-it-alls look rather daft.

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Report #1

One of the most important studies in relation to this topic came in 2017 at a Children’s Hospital in Ohio. Researchers observed 125 premature and full-term infants to see how they reacted to gentle and not-so-gentle touch.

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Report #2

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A further report in 2020 has provided more evidence that there is no such thing as holding your baby “too much”. This report by Anne Bigelow and Lela Rankin Williams at Arizona State University and St. Francis Xavier University in Canada found that infant-caregiver closeness activates oxytocin and nerve fiber pathways.

They also found that staying physically close to their baby helps parents to understand their newborn better. This helps when it comes to responding to their baby’s movements and the bonding process.

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To Summarise

All in all, do what you think is best for your child. However, do NOT under any circumstances let someone tell you ever again that you are “spoiling” your child or giving them “unrealistic expectations” by cuddling them and nurturing them when they are crying.

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