A loving touch
Babies have a biological need for close physical affection. Nothing is more important to their emotional, physical and intellectual development than a comforting cuddle or a loving touch. What is certain is that babies who are cuddled, stroked and caressed are more likely to grow up to be loving social beings. They also gain independence and confidence, which leads on to an important milestone by the end of the first year: the ability to play alone.
Babies who are regularly held and touched gain weight faster, develop stronger immune systems, crawl and walk sooner, sleep more soundly and cry less than babies deprived of close physical contact. Children who are given plenty of physical affection show more task orientated behaviour, less solitary play and less aggression at school. They also achieve higher levels of educational qualifications in later life.
Sense of touch
In utero, touch is the first sense to develop. Within 3 weeks of conception, the foetus develops a primitive nervous system which links skin receptors to tube-like cells at the tip of the embryo, which then expand and mature to form the spinal cord, and then the brain cells. By the 16th week, the foetus shows sensitivity to touch in all parts of the body and around the 25th week of gestation, virtually all the nerve pathways designed to carry pain signals are in place. At full term, the sense of touch is highly developed. No wonder it plays a critical role in the development of the parent-baby bond.
Touch is the last sensory system to fade as we grow older. However, the elderly still need touch as much as they did when they were young. Without it, they may feel disconnected, isolated, lonely and unfulfilled. Touch stimulation is vital for communication, for healthy functioning of the brain and hormonal balance of the body and for physical and emotional wellbeing. It is also an essential part of being loved.
Touch therapies
Many of the touch therapies that have been practised for thousands of years in cultures across the world are now gaining acceptance as intervention or therapeutic therapies. Skin-to-skin and massage for example, can produce positive benefits for babies with colic and constipation, respiratory and sleep problems. They also stimulate nerves in the brain that aid digestion and are particularly beneficial for babies with feeding difficulties, and for infants with health problems.
Through massage, the muscles receive a good circulation of blood, which strengthens them for movement. The circulatory system in the hands and feet of the newborn is undeveloped: massage helps them to become warm. Massage also opens the pores and encourages the release of sebum, which prevents microorganisms from entering the baby’s body. Babies who are regularly touched have a more stable heart and breathing rate and are less tense and irritable.
The other benefits of massage include:
- Decreased stress and anxiety
- Improved circulation
- Restful sleep
- Improved feeding patterns
- Increased alertness
- Reduced pain in teething
- Increased peak air flow in babies and children with asthma
- Improved muscle flexibility and motor function
- Increased intellectual development
- A happier, healthier baby
Physical contact positively influences the development of the brain and deepens the relationship between mother and child. It also spells love, involvement, care, security and protection. Without it, they will not grow and develop into normal, happy, healthy children or adults.
Note
The most important guideline in touching young children is in respecting their likes and dislikes. A tickling or playful activity must be ceased immediately and without question if the child squirms, winces or cries. Touch also needs to be avoided in erogenous zones such as the inner thigh, groin, buttocks or breast areas because this could leave children vulnerable in allowing unwarranted sexual advances.
