Hold your baby as much as you want
“A fact about babies...When babies are picked up and carried, their heart rate slows and they automatically and deeply relax.
Most of us already know that babies love to be held and carried, and will often cry when they are put down. This fact is obvious for most parents, but the reason as to why is something that scientists are just beginning to understand.
Research has shown that babies deeply relax when they are carried and there is a physiological reason.
It is an evolutionary instinct that causes crying babies to calm down when they are picked up and carried in their mother’s arms (although it does work with other caregivers as well). Their heart rate slows down and they become “deeply” relaxed as a result of a coordinated set of nervous, motor and cardiac regulations.
It is believed that this calming response is a survival trait seen in many mammals (including lions and squirrels) that reduces the “maternal burden of carrying”, making it more pleasurable to carry their babies and creates a benefit for both the mother and the infant.
Humans (as well as many other mammals) are a carrying species and our babies are born with this innate desire and predictable positive response.
You cannot spoil a newborn by holding and carrying them too much! Pick them up, wear them, cuddle them. Nature intended this for you and for them. We were designed this way for a reason. “❤
Words by @sharicriso.cnm.ibclc
