In the journey of raising children, the story of "should I hold a newborn baby a lot?" always causes controversy. Some people think that holding a lot will make the baby get used to breathing and find it difficult to sleep on its own. Others believe that holding a child is a way to help the child feel safe and develop better.
But experts say that babies who are often carried and babies who are often placed lying down can be clearly different in emotions, sleep and bonds with parents, especially in the first months of life.
Babies who are often carried are less likely to cry.
When held, children feel the heartbeat, warmth and familiar odor from their parents. This helps the baby calm down faster, reduce stress and cry less often. Newborns cannot regulate their emotions themselves, so hugging plays the role of a "spiritual blanket" to help the baby stabilize.
Conversely, if the baby is often placed lying down when they need to be comforted, the baby may cry longer due to feeling insecure.
Baby's sleep can be deeper when properly held
Many babies being caressed and comforted at the right time will fall asleep more easily, sleep more peacefully and be less startled. This is especially helpful during periods when babies are often bloated or have difficulty sleeping at night.
However, experts also emphasize that babies need to be placed on the bed when sleeping to ensure safety, avoiding risks related to incorrect sleeping posture.
Babies who are carried a lot tend to bond better
Skin-to-skin contact, eyes and voice when holding a child help form a safe bond. Children feel that they are loved and protected. This is an important foundation for emotional and personality development later.
Children who are often placed alone for too long may be slow to develop a sense of security, especially for sensitive babies.
But holding them incorrectly can also create a habit of not sleeping.
What worries many parents is that the baby is used to sleeping on his arm. If the baby is always carried and lured until he falls asleep before being placed down, it will be difficult for the baby to fall asleep on its own when waking up in the middle of the night.
Therefore, parents should hold them to reassure them, and then gradually get their children used to sleeping in a safe environment.
Important conclusions parents should remember
Holding a child does not make a child spoiled. What makes a child "spoiled" is that parents have no limits and do not understand the needs of development in each stage.
Babies who are properly carried are usually calmer, less fussy, and better connected. However, babies also need to be trained in the habit of sleeping safely and independently step by step.
Just need parents to hold their children with love and sobriety, that will be the greatest gift to help children develop healthily both physically and mentally.
