Becoming a new parent comes with many questions, and one of the biggest might be whether it’s possible to hold your baby too much. You may have heard that constantly holding a baby could “spoil” them or make them overly dependent. The truth is, parents are naturally wired to pick up their crying babies. It’s a powerful biological instinct. Still, many mums and dads often wonder: Why does my newborn wants to be held all the time? And more importantly, how can you manage when you need a break?
Why Babies Need to Be Held
The main reason babies want to be held is for comfort and security. This is especially true for newborns, who are in a major period of adjustment. The first few months of life, often called the “fourth trimester,” are a major period of adjustment for babies as they adapt to the world outside the womb.
When you hold your baby, you’re giving them a sense of that familiar security. Crying is their way of communicating their stress and asking for this comfort. By responding, you’re teaching them that they can trust you to meet their needs.
The Benefits of Physical Touch
Holding your baby provides much more than just comfort. Research shows that physical touch offers many benefits for babies, including:
- Regulate body functions (“Kangaroo Care”)
- Reduce stress
- Strengthen parent-child bonding
- Better immune function
- Social learning
Skin-to-skin contact, also known as “kangaroo care,” is especially beneficial. It helps regulate a baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, which are all crucial for healthy growth.
The benefits aren’t just for the baby, either. This close contact can increase breast milk supply and reduce the risk of postpartum depression for the parent. The close physical contact triggers a hormonal response that boosts milk production and facilitates a more effective breastfeeding experience
Can You Hold a Baby Too Much?
It’s extremely difficult to hold a baby too much. Holding them won’t “spoil” them; in fact, responding to their needs builds a sense of security and trust. The idea that too much cuddling creates a clingy or demanding child is a long-debunked myth.
However, there are times when it’s important to consider other needs for both the baby and the caregiver:
- Babies need supervised “tummy time” when they are awake to strengthen their neck, back, and arm muscles. Holding them too much can limit their chances to practice these skills.
- Despite the fact that Singapore was ranked as the third most sleep-deprived city in a survey of 43 cities. If you feel drowsy while holding your baby, you must place them in a safe sleep environment.
What to Do When You Can’t Hold Your Baby
There will be times when you can’t safely hold your baby, such as when you’re cooking or need to take a shower. In these moments, it’s perfectly fine to let your baby fuss or cry in a safe space like a crib or playpen until you’re able to pick them up. Dr. Shu confirms that it’s okay for babies to cry sometimes, especially if you’re not available.
Sometimes, you may just need a break. Even parents who are highly responsive to their children’s needs put them down.
How to Soothe Your Baby
- Giving them a pacifier
- Swaddling
- Change of scenery
- Singing or talking to them in a soothing voice.
Finding Your Own Way
There is no perfect way to parent or a “right” amount of time to hold your baby. The best approach is to follow your instincts. As long as your baby’s needs are met and they feel loved and engaged, how much you hold them is entirely up to you.
Why Confinement Angels
For first-time parents, the world of newborn care can be overwhelming. A confinement nanny acts as a knowledgeable guide, guiding you throughout the parenting journey.
Confinement Angels, the first confinement nanny agency which has an in-house training centre with professionally-trained nannies in Singapore. So if you are looking for confinement nanny Singapore, you need not look further.
Did you know – Confinement Angels has been awarded as Singapore’s Best Confinement Nanny in 2024! Besides that, our confinement nanny Singapore agency provides a holistic service with different experiences to mummy and daddy so that you can get prepared for your parenthood!
