For babies, nothing is more comforting than feeling the gentle caress of their mom or dad on their skin. Indeed, touch is said to be the first form of language.
Experiment
Already, in your womb, baby was experimenting with the outside world through touch: for example, he liked the feeling of amniotic fluid on his skin. All these tactile sensations he feels on his skin are preparing him for the outside world. You will have certainly noticed that, already in your belly, he reacts to your caresses, right?
Love
The skin is the largest "organ" in the human body and, while sight, hearing and smell are still developing, it is particularly sensitive to external stimuli. The skin envelops us and constitutes our bodily limits. It protects us, from hot, cold, attacks. She thus puts us in touch with the outside world, by touch or by her natural sensitivity. This is probably why it is said that touch “speaks” louder than words! So, when you give a hug, or a kiss to baby, it's a bit like whispering "I love you" in the hollow of the ear. And these wordless words are the first that babyunderstands!
Comfort
Baby needs comfort, and the greatest of course comes from petting. Through touch, you are able to convey the depth of your affection, but also your support. All these caresses weave the unique bond that will unite you and your child. They are priceless!
Appease
By the touch of his hand on the skin of their baby, mom and dad intuitively transmit love, appeasement, security. We have also observed the effect of caresses on the heart rate of babies, as well as the many benefits of skin-to-skin.
Tie
Research has proven that in addition to being very pleasant, these famous caresses contribute to the establishment of the bond of attachment of babies to their parents. They still seem tiny to you, yet these displays of affection also play an important role in the development of baby's social interactions.
Discover
Touching also allows baby to fully define himself. Little by little, he becomes aware of his body. Thus, he does not form a single being with his mother: he is indeed "one", in his own right. His foot, his hand, his belly. Thanks to your caresses, he realizes himself as a human being.
Less crying
Did you know that research shows that the more you touch baby, the less he tends
to cry? In addition, we now know that physical contact does not only convey a feeling of securityto the child. All those kisses and cuddles are really helping her grow and develop.
Too much, or not enough?
So, yes: hugs feel great! But it is no less important to listen to baby. Indeed, some of them are less “sticky” than others. All children are different! It is therefore important to measure the frequency and type of caresses according to the reactions of the child. Sometimes a simple hand placed on the shoulder or belly is enough to calm baby.
In short, you have to be attentive to baby's reactions. Gradually, you will come to understand and know what he needs and wants just by hearing his cry, or watching his expression.
Building Connections
We now know that the children who have been caressed will in turn be adults who will love it: it's a beautiful spiral of infinite love! Moreover, the positive effects of touch have been widely proven by baby massage. This moment of intense and so sweet tenderness makes it possible to strengthen baby's he alth. This is an ancestral practice that has persisted for ages and that we would benefit from rediscovering.
