Find out whether cuddling or allowing self-soothing is best for your baby's well-being. Explore expert advice and guidance from Meri Sehat on nurturing your baby's comfort and emotional development.

Should I Cuddle My Baby Or Allow Self Soothing?

Introduction

<p>The feeling of cuddling a newborn is different from all other feelings. Cuddling is a normal reaction to a small baby&#39;s cries. New research shows that it is not just spontaneous but also beneficial. A child&#39;s brain grows nearly 90% of adult size by the time they turn three<sup><a href="#accordion">[1]</a></sup>. Therefore, cuddling between the ages of 0 and 3 years is critical for proper brain development.<br />
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<p>Cuddling your baby releases oxytocin in both of you which is beneficial for both you and your tiny one.&nbsp;<br />
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<p>Oxytocin is a hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland in reaction to several stimuli, one of which is cuddling. It is important in birth, breastfeeding, and bonding with your child<sup><a href="#accordion">[2]</a></sup>.&nbsp;<br />
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Understanding Importance of Cuddling and Self Soothing

<h5><strong>1.&nbsp;Build Independence And Resilience</strong></h5>

<p>Being attentive to your youngster has a long-term impact. Babies are reassured that their needs are being satisfied and that they can fearlessly explore the world. They know they can return to their haven if the need arises. Growing up, it helps them to be trusting and resilient. Children with secure bonds are more positive about life despite misfortune.&nbsp;<br />
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<h5><strong>2. Contributes To The Development Of A Happy Brain</strong></h5>

<p>Cuddling enables your baby to form a strong relationship with you. This has long-term consequences for your child&#39;s self-esteem, healthy individuation and exploration, expression of empathy, social relationships, and ability to cope with life&#39;s stresses. On the other hand, babies who are touch starved, have significantly lower amounts of oxytocin and vasopressin. Both of these hormones are known to play important roles in anxiety and social behavior. Lower levels may explain why these youngsters struggle to build bonds as adults.<br />
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<h5><strong>3. Helps With Breastfeeding</strong></h5>

<p>Mums who hold their kids can breastfeed their newborns for a longer time and also with ease, making the experience more relaxing. Additionally, cuddling releases prolactin and oxytocin, chemicals that support breastfeeding and nurturing. Moreover, your kid will begin to feed themself and their digestive tract will be stimulated. This may not appear to be an advantage at first look, but when you consider the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, it all makes sense.<br />
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<h5><strong>4. Strengthens Bonding</strong></h5>

<p>Bonding is described as the process of developing a close emotional relationship. Some parents feel they have a strong connection with their baby during pregnancy, while others bond more after birth especially during the first few months. This is the point where cuddling comes in. It releases oxytocin, which increases attachment and bonding besides reducing anxiety.&nbsp;<br />
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<p>Although the reasons for the early onset are unknown, interaction with infants is said to alleviate postpartum anxiety. Cuddling your kid feels great and has a long-term effect on the kind of bond you develop with them, and vice versa.<br />
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<h5><strong>5. Relieves Pain</strong></h5>

<p>When a kid is harmed or wounded in any way, they quickly raise their arms in the hopes of being cuddled. When younger babies cry, they, too, want to be lifted up and comforted. We&#39;ve known for years that cuddling makes them feel better, and now new research has proven it. Soft touch not only makes infants feel better, it also relieves their discomfort.<br />
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<h5><strong>6. Enables Eye Contact</strong></h5>

<p>Eyesight or vision is the final sense to develop fully. At birth, a baby can only focus on items that are approximately 25 cm away from them, which happens to be the ideal distance between your face and their eyes when holding them. Eye contact is crucial for babies; studies show it&rsquo;s essential in brain development and bonding. So, simply cuddling them and staring into their faces can help with this.<br />
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<h5><strong>7. Promotes Speech Development</strong></h5>

<p>The only way a newborn can see your mouth moving is if you hold them near. Your baby will start to use their mouth, moving their lips and tongue, as you hold them close and start talking to them. When they do this, they&rsquo;re basically making their initial speech efforts. Studies have found that as your child gets older, you&#39;re far more likely to talk to them and encourage them to speak when you&#39;re holding them.<br />
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<p>Skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns was used for the first time in the 1970s in neonatal wards in Bogota, Colombia, when there were not enough incubators to treat infants with life-threatening hospital infections.&nbsp;<br />
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<p>Kangaroos, which cradle their young as soon as they are born, were the inspiration for neonatologists Edgar Rey and Hector Martinez. Mothers were instructed to feed their newborns exclusively breast milk while holding them upright, diapered, but bare-chested, between their breasts as frequently as possible.<br />
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<p>Kangaroo mother care is not only safe but also preferable to technology, like incubators, as demonstrated by a collection of physiological and scientific evidence. Lack of skin-to-skin contact causes the brain to develop alternate stress pathways, which among other things, can cause ADD, colic, and sleep difficulties in babies<sup><a href="#accordion">[3]</a></sup>.&nbsp;<br />
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<h5><strong>1. Improves Adaptability Outside the Womb</strong></h5>

<p>Thermoregulation is a typical issue among neonates, particularly premature babies. After all, your kid didn&#39;t need to maintain her own temperature while in the womb. With Kangaroo care, your baby would adjust to their post-birth environment quickly because their skin is the same temperature as the womb.<br />
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<h5><strong>2. Improves Mental Development</strong></h5>

<p>At 15 years old, premature babies who received kangaroo care showed higher brain functioning &ndash; comparable to adolescents born at term &ndash; than those premature babies who were placed in incubators. According to one study, normalizing heart rate, oxygenation, and sleep helps the brain to develop better<sup><a href="#accordion">[3]</a></sup>.<br />
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<h5><strong>3. Promotes Healthy Weight</strong></h5>

<p>According to one Cochrane Library research, skin-to-skin contact significantly promotes neonatal weight gain<sup><a href="#accordion">[4]</a></sup>. When your baby is warm, they wouldn&rsquo;t need to utilize their energy to control their body temperature.<br />
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<h5><strong>4. Improves Heart Rate And Respiration</strong></h5>

<p>Babies with respiratory distress who remained in kangaroo care positions have been shown to recover within 48 hours without respirators. One study found that newborns who received kangaroo care had more regular heart rhythms than those who did not.<br />
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<h5><strong>5. Boosts Immunity</strong></h5>

<p>Premature babies have weakened immune systems. It makes them susceptible to allergies, infections, and feeding issues. However, early skin-to-skin contact significantly diminishes these issues.<br />
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<h5><strong>6. Increases Milk Supply</strong></h5>

<p>When you and your baby are together, the hormones that regulate lactation level out, allowing you to produce more milk.<br />
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<h5><strong>7. Reduces Fetal Stress and Pain</strong></h5>

<p>Just 10 minutes of skin-to-skin contact lowers stress hormone (cortisol) levels in babies while increasing cuddle hormone (oxytocin) levels, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and making babies feel calm and safe.<br />
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<p>Self-soothing means learning to control your emotions. This is a person&#39;s ability to recognize and manage emotional reactions. Babies begin to understand this concept at the age of 6 months. However, they might still be distressed if they are left to cry after this age. And they would seek others who care for them to assuage or pacify them. Even adults need that from time to time.&nbsp;<br />
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<p>Older babies gradually learn to settle independently as caregivers gradually reduce the amount of assistance provided.<br />
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<p>To encourage self-soothing in children:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Practice Mindfulness:</strong> This can help youngsters think before responding and be more in touch with how they feel.</li>
	<li><strong>Participate In Enjoyable Activities: </strong>Burn some energy and keep your child active to aid emotional management.</li>
	<li><strong>Indulge In Independent Play:</strong> Not only does play keep children active and interested, but it can also teach them how to solve problems on their own, which is an important self-soothing skill.</li>
	<li><strong>Demonstrate Positive Behaviors:</strong> Children learn through observation. It is sometimes preferable to show toddlers how to self-soothe by remaining calm and collected. For example, if your child is worried because it is storming outside, show them how you are being cool and reassure them that everything will be fine.</li>
	<li><strong>Take Naps:</strong> Some kids get irritated because they are exhausted and lack the stamina to function during the day. Consider introducing brief naps into your child&#39;s daily schedule.</li>
	<li><strong>Adopt A Routine:</strong> Routines might aid in easing tension or anxiety. To assist kids, create a schedule with your family and stick to it so the kid knows what to expect each day.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>Researchers have discovered that crying improves health and intellect and that these benefits begin with a baby&#39;s first cry at birth. Continue reading to find out more about the health advantages of crying<sup><a href="#accordion">[5]</a></sup>.&nbsp;<br />
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<h5><strong>1. Detoxifies The Body</strong></h5>

<p>There are three types of tears:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Reflex tears</li>
	<li>Continuous tears</li>
	<li>Emotional tears<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>Reflex tears remove contaminants from the eyes, such as smoke and dust. Continuous tears keep the eyes moist and protect them from infection. Emotional tears may provide numerous other health advantages. Continuous tears are 98% water compared to emotional tears, which carry stress hormones and other toxins. Researchers claim that crying helps get rid of these substances, though more study is needed in this area.<br />
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<h5><strong>2. Aids In Self-Soothing</strong></h5>

<p>Crying could be one of your baby&rsquo;s most efficient self-soothing techniques. Crying, according to researchers, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)<sup><a href="#accordion">[6]</a></sup>. The PNS would assist their body in resting and digesting. However, the benefits are not rapid. It may take many minutes of crying to feel the soothing benefits of tears.<br />
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<h5><strong>3. Dulls Pain</strong></h5>

<p>Crying for extended periods of time produces oxytocin and endogenous opioids, often known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals can help your baby with both physical and emotional pain reduction. When endorphins are released, their body may go into a numb state. Oxytocin then might make them feel calm or joyful. It&#39;s another example of how sobbing relieves stress.<br />
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<h5><strong>4. Improves Mood</strong></h5>

<p>Crying, specifically sobbing, can help relieve discomfort while lifting the infant&rsquo;s mood. While weeping, they would take several deep breaths of chilly air. Breathing in cooler air can regulate and even lower the brain&#39;s temperature. A calm brain is more relaxing to the body and mind than a warm brain. As a result, you would notice their mood improves following a round of sobbing.<br />
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<h5><strong>5. Rallies Support</strong></h5>

<p>If your baby is feeling down, sobbing is an excellent method to let someone around them know they need help. This is known as an interpersonal benefit. Crying is considered an attachment behavior since birth, with the purpose of seeking comfort and care from others in a variety of ways. In other words, crying strengthens social support networks for tough times.<br />
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<h5><strong>6. Helps Recover From Sadness</strong></h5>

<p>Grieving is an ongoing process. It includes periods of grief, numbness, regret, and rage. Crying is very crucial during times of sadness.&nbsp;<br />
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<p><strong>Note:</strong> Everyone goes through the grief process in their own unique way. If you notice that your kid&rsquo;s crying excessively, you should consult your doctor.<br />
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<h5><strong>7. Restores Emotional Stability</strong></h5>

<p>Crying does not necessarily occur in response to a sad event. Your baby may cry when they are happy, afraid, or stressed. Yale University researchers believe that sobbing in this manner can help to restore emotional balance. When the baby cries because they are delighted or concerned about something, it could be their body&#39;s way of recovering from such a strong emotion<sup><a href="#accordion">[7]</a></sup>.<br />
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<h5><strong>8. Assists The Baby in Breathing</strong></h5>

<p>The first cry a baby makes outside of the womb is crucial. The umbilical cord oxygenates newborns in the womb. When a baby is born, he or she must learn to breathe independently. The first cry assists a baby&#39;s lungs to adjust to life outside the womb. Furthermore, crying removes excess fluid from the lungs, nose, and mouth.<br />
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<h5><strong>9. Assists The Baby in Sleeping</strong></h5>

<p>Crying may also assist newborns in sleeping better at night. In a brief study of newborn sleep, 43 participants employed graduated extinction, sometimes known as controlled crying, to put their kids to sleep. Babies were left to cry for a few minutes before their parents intervened. The weeping lengthened the infants&#39; sleep and reduced the number of times they awoke during the night. The weeping did not appear to increase stress in the newborns or harm the parent-child attachment a year later.<br />
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Conclusion

<p>It is beneficial to hold your infant. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot spoil a child by snuggling or holding them. Frequently, babies with their needs addressed are more likely to develop positive self-images and learn that they are appreciated and worthwhile. Cuddling and physical contact would help your child build self-esteem and social skills. Giving your child a big hug can also be an excellent way to convey love, pride, understanding, and support. Go ahead and hug your baby; It&#39;s good for you and good for them!<br />
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Key Points

<ul><li>Cuddling is a natural reaction to a tiny baby's crying.</li><li><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">According to studies, cuddling and skin-to-skin contact have numerous benefits for both parents and babies.</span></li><li><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Self-soothing is a social-emotional tool that newborns and children learn early in life and use throughout their lifetime.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Responding to newborns' cries makes them feel comfortable and promotes their development.</span></li></ul>

[1] Winston R, Chicot R. The importance of early bonding on the long-term mental health and resilience of children. London J Prim Care (Abingdon). 2016;8(1):12–4.

[2] Magon N, Kalra S. The orgasmic history of oxytocin: Love, lust, and labor. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Sep;15 Suppl 3(Suppl3):S156-61.

[3] Ludington-Hoe SM, Hosseini R, Torowicz DL. Skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Care) analgesia for preterm infant heel stick. AACN Clin Issues. 2005;16(3):373–87.

[4] Conde-Agudelo A, Belizán JM, Diaz-Rossello J. Cochrane Review: Kangaroo mother care to reduce morbidity and mortality in low birthweight infants. Evidence-Based Child Heal A Cochrane Rev J. 2012;7(2):760–876.

[5] Bowlby J. Can I leave my baby? National Association for Mental Health London; 1958.

[6] Gračanin A, Bylsma LM, Vingerhoets AJJM. Is crying a self-soothing behavior? Front Psychol. 2014;5:502.

[7] Aragón OR, Clark MS, Dyer RL, Bargh JA. Dimorphous expressions of positive emotion: displays of both care and aggression in response to cute stimuli. Psychol Sci. 2015 Mar;26(3):259–73.

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