A newborn infant is 100% dependent on parents. Their basic needs are food, warmth, and companionship; and although some may argue that the later is not essential, that idea is strongly contradicted. Infants need physical touch as much as they need food in their bellies.
The most essential of all interactions between caregiver and child is bonding. Some of the benefits of touching, rocking, or massaging a child may surprise you. A child bonded to their caregiver feels love and gains self confidence. Before a child will learn and grow, they require a sense of security which comes through nurturing and care. This sense of security dispels fear and enables a child to explore and gain independence.
Emotional bonding happens when a child is cuddled, rocked, and talked to and this early nurturing develops independence, confidence, and happiness.
Some of the Physiological benefits of touch include:
- An increase in cardiac output
- Help with circulation
- Promotes respiration
- Discourages lung congestion
- Aids in digestion and absorption of food
- Hastens evaporation and stimulates all areas of the skin.
Each child will react differently to your efforts to bond. Just because one method does not work, does not indicate that the child does not need your companionship. Keep looking for ways that will work.
Here are a few ideas to give that nurture and companionship:
- Touch them frequently and gently in non threatening ways
- Talk softly
- Lots of hugs and kisses
- Patting their hands together playfully
- Stroking them soothingly and appropriately
- Gentle squeezes
- Rocking
- Gentle massaging
- Rhythmical movements
Children will have a greater sense of love and confidence as their caregivers give them plenty of bonding opportunities, companionship, and emotional feasts.
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