Apart From Being Soothing, These Are The 6 Positive Effects Of Hugging Your Baby

Illustration of mother hugging a child (Pexels / Gustavo Fring)

JAKARTA - Hugging a baby is a way to express feelings. Perhaps, a number of parents have fulfilled all the needs of the child, but there are things that cannot be ignored to express love to children, namely by giving a hug.

It turns out that it gives a form of affection, hugging also has the following positive effects:

Build emotional closeness

If your child is often rebellious, then hugging him is one way to make him calmer. Maybe, at first the baby will be awkward, especially when he is independent. However, if it is done with sincerity, it will feel the transfer of emotions or strengthen emotional closeness.

Triggers the production of the happy hormone

Two hormones, namely oxytocin and endorphins, are fully responsible for the presence of happiness and relaxation. When hugging him, not only the baby feels happy. You as a parent also feel calmer and happier.

The above is explained by Kathleen Keating in The Hug Therapy. The release of oxytocin and endorphins in children is beneficial for physical and mental development.

The statement of psychologist Kathleen Keating is also proven in research at Bliss Hospital in Montreal. In that study, premature babies were advised to hug their mothers. This method is called the kangaroo method which functions more effectively to stimulate child growth.

Encourage children's brains to be smarter

Still related to the release of the hormone oxytocin in children when their parents hug them. Ostosin can establish connections between cells in the brain. The more connections, the smarter the brain works. In addition, affective touch can also stimulate the sensory nerves of children.

The child is getting more confident

Sometimes the feeling of insecurity experienced by children comes from feeling insecure, afraid, and isolated. Now, by giving a hug, his self-confidence increases. Children feel more comfortable, safe, and feel less alone.

Balance the immune system

The hormone oxytocin is released which can be useful in balancing the immune system in children. So, hugging him is one surefire way to keep him healthy and if he gets hurt it will be easier to heal.

Reduces stress

A child's mood can change due to fatigue and stress, this problem can be reduced with a hug. That means hugging your baby is the most effective way to keep him healthy both physically and mentally.

Six benefits of hugging the child above, you can do it at any time. By maintaining the interaction between parents and children, the emotional bond will also be stronger.