Babies often sleep better when held or cuddled by a parent for several reasons:
The Power of Touch and Proximity
- Soothing Touch: Holding a baby provides constant, gentle touch, which releases calming hormones like oxytocin. This helps regulate their heart rate, breathing, and overall arousal levels.
- Proximity and Security: Being close to a parent provides a sense of security and safety, which is crucial for a baby's development.
Mimicking the Womb
- Familiar Sounds and Sensations: The womb is a noisy and warm environment. The sound of a parent's heartbeat, breathing, and even their voice can be comforting to a baby, reminding them of their time in the womb.
- Restricted Movement: Being held close can mimic the feeling of being contained in the womb, providing a sense of security and reducing startle reflexes.
Improved Sleep Cycles
- Regulation of Body Temperature: A parent's body acts as a natural thermostat, helping to regulate the baby's temperature. This can be especially important for newborns who are still developing their ability to regulate their own body temperature.
- Breastfeeding: For breastfeeding babies, being close to their mothers can help them latch on and feed easily, which can lead to deeper sleep.
In summary, babies often sleep better on their parents due to the combination of soothing touch, proximity, familiar sensations, and improved sleep cycles.
