“Are you ever going to put that baby down?”
“Don’t you think you’ll spoil him by holding him all the time?”
“You should teach him to self-soothe before it’s too late.”
These are just a few of the comments I faced when my little ones were newborns. Not just from strangers, but also from family and even some healthcare professionals. The idea that I could spoil my baby by holding him constantly was a persistent concern.
Now, with my boys aged 4 and 9, I can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of those statements. Time flies, and I find myself wishing they would slow down just long enough to cuddle like they used to. Back then, though, the pressure and doubt crept in. I wasn’t entirely sure that they would grow into independent little beings, and that criticism stung.
In reality, holding my babies around the clock wasn’t merely a choice—it was a necessity. When I set them down, they cried, and every instinct within me urged me to pick them up. Despite the judgment I faced, I trusted my feelings. As it turns out, I was absolutely right. Babies require physical contact when they fuss, and there’s a wealth of research supporting the notion that one cannot spoil an infant. In fact, holding babies is crucial for their overall health and development.
Research on Skin-to-Skin Contact
Recent findings published in Pediatrics explored the long-term benefits of skin-to-skin contact for premature infants. This study revealed that those who were held closely not only had higher IQs and larger areas of gray matter in their brains but also earned better salaries two decades later. Moreover, these babies exhibited less hyperactivity and aggression in school and had fewer absences.
While this research focused on preemies—who clearly need extra care—similar studies have shown that full-term babies benefit as well. For instance, a 2012 review from the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group found that full-term infants who received skin-to-skin care in their first days experienced better respiratory stability, improved breastfeeding rates, and cried less.
The Ongoing Benefits of Holding Your Baby
The benefits of holding your baby extend well beyond those initial days. An older yet relevant study in Pediatrics highlighted that regular cuddling significantly impacts a baby’s contentment and feeding frequency. Furthermore, carrying your baby throughout the day can alleviate fussiness and colic symptoms, particularly at their peak around six weeks old (and if you’ve dealt with a colicky baby, you know how desperate you can be for a solution!).
Need more convincing? Research shows that holding your baby during painful medical procedures, like vaccinations, can significantly reduce their perception of pain. Skin-to-skin contact not only aids in breastfeeding but also fosters a strong bond between parents and their little ones.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in a deeper dive into this subject, consult the enlightening article by Dr. Laura Bennett, which discusses the crucial brain development stages during the first few months of life. She emphasizes how critical care at this time can shape optimal brain growth.
It’s clear that there’s a mountain of scientific evidence demonstrating that you absolutely cannot spoil a baby. Conversely, not holding them enough may lead to detrimental effects on their health and development.
Sometimes, I wish I could go back in time and share this wealth of knowledge with those who judged me for keeping my babies close. However, like many new mothers, I was often too exhausted to engage in debates about my parenting choices.
Fortunately, most moms instinctively understand that their baby belongs in their arms and recognize that the notion of spoiling a child is a complete myth. But if you seek scientific validation, it’s readily available—and new studies are emerging all the time. Alternatively, you can give any critics your best “resting face,” scoop up your baby, and simply walk away.
Additional Resources
For those looking for more information on home insemination, check out our article on Intracervical Insemination. You can also visit Make A Mom for expert insights on at-home insemination kits. If you’re facing challenges with pregnancy, Drugs.com offers excellent resources on female infertility.
In summary, don’t let outside opinions sway you from what feels right. Trust your instincts, hold your baby close, and enjoy these fleeting moments, as they grow up all too fast.