The importance of touch as a tool, as well as comfort
Your baby’s sense of touch was the first to develop and at first, their responses to touch were simply withdrawal responses, but as they developed grasping reflexes the response to touch in some situations was to hold on.[1]
Your baby will learn about objects using touch with their mouth at first and then their hands. Touch is also used to help them to feed: the rooting and sucking reflexes are both responses to being touched.
Touch is an important part of building relationships and as you care for your baby they are comforted and reassured by being held, stroked and touched.
Stroking might replicate mammals licking their newborns
Our skin has different receptors that respond to varying sensations: some sense pressure, temperature and pain. Recently, scientists have found receptors that respond to the skin being stroked and it is thought these receptors might be linked to mammals licking their newborns.[2] Touching and stroking your baby will comfort them as these receptors are stimulated when you stroke your baby.
Massage gives you and your baby time to really focus on each other
Some research suggests that massage supports your relationship with your baby, perhaps as during this time you focus on them and their responses and, in turn, they respond to your touch, expressions and voice.[3] The relationship between a baby and their carer is recognised as being a key factor that can support positive mental health in the future, and it is thought that massage might support this connection.[3]
Massage supports your baby’s sense of their body and might contribute to brain development.[1] You may have a particular time when you massage your baby, but don’t forget that touching them as you care for them, such as during nappy changing or at bath time, will also provide comfort and connection.
Your touch will always mean reassurance
As your baby grows, they will continue to be comforted and reassured by touch and by being close to you. They might come in for a cuddle or enjoy looking at a book sitting on your knee, or they might be soothed by you placing a hand on their back or gently stroking their arm.
References:
[1] Goddard-Blythe, S. (2004). The Well Balanced Child: Movement and Early Learning. Stroud: Hawthorn Press.
[2] Addyman, C (2020) The laughing baby: The extraordinary science behind what makes babies happy. London: Unbound.
[3] Balakrishna, R., Teixeira, M., Meyrick, J. & Hart, H. (2019) A systematic review of the effectiveness of infant massage programmes in improving mother and infant attachment and dyadic attunement. Community Practitioner. [Online] Available from: A Systematic review of the effectiveness of infant massage programmes in improving mother and infant attachment and dyadic attunement. | Community Practitioner Accessed on: 21st October 2021.