Babies need attention. They also crave touch and sensation; that is why you will find that babies want to be held. They will also try to snuggle with you when the mood strikes. It is a fairly common behaviour in not just babies but, even, in young toddlers.
However, what to do if your baby wants to be held and hugged all the time?
Also, is it a healthy sign?
Let’s look at such questions and try to find an answer.
Firstly, why do babies want to be held?
Babies are accustomed to the warm, comfortable environment of their mother’s womb. The constant gentle sound of the mother’s heartbeat has a calming effect on them and creates a soothing environment for them to live in. However, once they are born, they are exposed to the loud, cold world outside the mother’s body.
It takes time for the baby to get used to this new world which is quite different from what they have experienced in the past nine months or so. The need to be held is born from their need to feel that same warmth and comfort that they experienced in the womb. That is why your baby is trying to cling to you and wants to be held all the time.
Signs that Your Baby Wants to be Held
Well, as a new mother, you may miss out on the obvious signs that your baby is simply asking to be held. The most common signs include:
- Excessive crying
- Getting restless
- Fidgeting with things
Usually, the baby will start crying and as soon as you pick them up, they will stop crying. This is the most obvious sign that nothing is wrong with them but all they needed was to be held in the comfort of your arms.
While this is very common for the first few months; you need to sit up and take notice if this continues for a longer time.
If your baby craves attention and wants to be held all the time, then something might be bothering them. It might also signal a behavioural problem.
When to draw the line?
It is very difficult to point out whether or not you are holding your baby for far too much time than what is required. There are both positives and negatives to holding your baby and it all depends on how you strike a balance between the two.
Some positives of holding your baby include:
- It provides your baby with a safe and sound environment.
- It reassures them that they are in safe hands.
- It soothes and calms them down when feeling anxious.
- It provides positive reinforcement.
Some negatives of holding your baby include:
- It can make your baby over-dependent on you.
- It can hamper their development and growth.
- It can encourage negative behaviour in the child.
So, are you holding your baby too much? Well, it is a question that you can answer best. The bottom line is that if it is hampering your baby’s natural growth and development then you must stop. And, if it is somehow calming the baby, you may continue to do so.
