Do Infants Require Frequent Contact?

Frequent touching is incredibly important to the development of infants. Babies who are touched or massaged regularly gain several physical benefits, including increases in growth, increased brain development and greater well-being in general. Infant massage nurtures babies through touch and it can build a wonderful foundation for the parent-child relationship.

  1. Touch Stimulates Growth Hormones

    • According to Ask Dr. Sears, infant touch stimulates growth hormones in infants. Infants who are touched frequently have increased levels of an enzyme required in vital organ growth and development. The website mentions research that found infants who were not touched enough showed slow growth and some even developed a condition called psychosocial dwarfism. These children were administered growth hormones, but they did not gain significant growth until they received human contact.

    Increased Brain Development

    • The Brazos County Health Department, located in Texas, published the article, "Early Childhood Brain Development." The health department explains there are many connections in the brain, and when used repeatedly, the brain holds on to them, but when they are not, those particular connections fade. For example, a baby that is held and cuddled develops a sense of safety and well-being as that connection is reinforced. A baby who spends more time alone in a crib or infant seat does not develop the same way because such brain connections eventually decrease.

    Stress Relief

    • Infant touch creates a relaxed feeling in infants. The Mayo Clinic recommends giving infants regular massages. Infant massage can be done after bath time in a warm location. Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to decrease stress levels in both baby and parent. Parents may incorporate songs, use oil for the massage or play music in the background to make the bonding experience more special.

    Physical Benefits

    • Infant massage has been shown to alleviate pain in babies, allowing them to lead happier, healthier lives. According to the International Association of Infant Massage, infants who are frequently touched experience a reduction in physical issues such as colic, gas pain, teething pain, and constipation. These babies sleep longer and more soundly than babies who are not frequently touched and held. The association stresses the importance of regular infant touching, which is vital to many aspects of baby's emotional and physical development.

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