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Hugging & Holding your baby
New scientific findings tells us that different individuals perceive the same stimulus very differently. This is true also with infants. The same way and amount of cuddling or hugging will produce different responses from different babies. A light feathery touch to one baby can be stimulating, but to another one it could be very irritating and annoying. A higher tone voice to one baby can be relaxing and entertaining, however, from another perception of another it could be irritating and very loud.
The way some babies are hugged and cuddled have a big effect on her sense of security. It is important that you find out the special position your newborn prefers to be cuddled. Some babies flail their legs and arms all over when hugged firmly; some just curl up like kittens cuddled on your chest. Each baby has a particular comfort level with the way they are held. So you should try different ways of holding and holding your little one.
Notice also how you move while cuddling her. Some of your movements might affect her ability of be calm and attentive. Many babies are overwhelmed by up-and-down jostling that is fast and jerky. If you notice that she cries and become fussy with this fast and jerky moves, change it to gentle rocking and side-to-side motions. Experiment with slow swaying from left to right and see if she becomes more calm and focused.
For some babies, they prefer swaddling which can be soothing and calming. Swaddling is the method of firmly bundling your baby’s arms and legs in a blanket wrapped around their bodies. Other babies love a firm body massage from head to toes. While a few like to have light touches and tickles on her belly. Most like their sole firmly massaged.
As their muscles and bones develop, she will enjoy bouncing in your lap as you support her from her under arms. Sometimes she enjoys with glee as you bring her up overhead with predictable regular frequency. However, some babies do not adopt easily to changes in cuddling, hugging, or other movement. They are the less flexible ones and more challenging babies. So, try to find out the best position your love one prefers.
Leo Leonidas, MD, FAAP
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