Top reasons why babies want to be held
Updated: Nov 14, 2022
Introduction
Having a new baby is an incredibly exciting time. You’re going to be busy with feedings and diaper changes, but don’t forget to take some time for yourself too! Making sure that your baby is happy and healthy is important, but so is making sure you get enough rest. As frustrating as it can be when your baby wants to be held all the time (and what parent hasn’t had that experience?), there are many reasons why this happens. Here are some common scenarios:
You are their lifeline
There are many theories about why babies want to be held, but the most popular one is that your baby needs to feel your physical presence. This is especially important in the first months of life, when a baby is still developing her ability to control her movements and muscles. The closeness with you helps her feel safe and secure, which is why she will instinctively reach out for you when she wakes up from a nap or starts crying in frustration because she wants something.
For example: As soon as I got home from work one day, I felt my daughter's little arms wrap around my neck as I tried to place the grocery bags on the kitchen countertop. She knew instantly who I was even though we'd only been apart for less than 5 hours!
Babies also need their mom’s touch—if not yours specifically then someone else's who smells like you (this might be an older sibling or grandparent). In fact, there have been studies done showing that newborns have preferences for certain scents based on what they've experienced before birth through amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood flow; so if the only person they know smells like cinnamon rolls then that may very well become their favorite scent!
You are the source of all comfort
You are the source of all comfort.
Babies are typically very comfortable around their mothers, so when they’re not in your arms, they want to be as close as possible.
Your baby may need to be fed or wants you to feed him or her.
If your baby is hungry and cries for food, he doesn’t have a way of telling you if he is full or needs more food. As his primary caretaker, it is up to you to determine when he has had enough food based on his behavior and cues that show signs of satiety (feeling full). For example: if he stops sucking on his bottle after a few minutes and looks away from it while still holding onto it with both hands and looking around at things going on around him, then it's time for another round! He will also let go of the bottle when he's done drinking so that you can take it away and give him some time off from feeding time before starting again later — this means there isn't anything else left inside yet since babies don't swallow until after they've stopped sucking altogether which usually takes 3–5 minutes depending on age groupings (term infants vs preemies). They should also be able--at least by 6 months old--to sit upright without support (other than holding onto something) so that gravity isn't helping keep any remaining liquid inside them; otherwise there might not be enough room left for air which would result in bloating! In addition: Some babies need help getting over gas pains because their digestive system hasn't matured yet enough
They’re hungry or want to be fed
Babies are hungry. They want to be fed, and they need to be fed. This is one of the most basic impulses that newborns have, and you can expect them to want this from their older brothers or sisters as well. Babies crave closeness with their parents, especially during feeding times.
The simple act of being held by a parent is reassuring for your baby because it helps them feel safe and secure in an otherwise chaotic world.
The baby knows that when they are held by their parents, they will be fed and cared for. This is a natural reaction to having been born into this world, and it’s one of the reasons why newborns love being held so much.
They need their diaper changed
Babies can't communicate their needs, so they cry to get your attention. If you've ever had a baby and changed diapers, you know that they tend to be a bit messy and uncomfortable for them. Babies will often cry while they're being changed because they are struggling against the diaper that's being put on them. Changing your baby's diaper is an opportunity to bond with them and help relieve some of their discomfort by cuddling and talking to them throughout the process.
This is a good way to help them learn how to communicate their needs. If your baby is crying, try changing their diaper first and then see if it helps them calm down. If not, you may want to call your pediatrician for advice on what else could be causing the crying.
Babies like to be included in your activities
Babies like to be included in your daily activities. They want to be held, and they don't want their family's attention divided between them and other activities. Holding your baby while you're doing housework, cooking or watching TV with the family helps him feel like he's part of things.
This also helps the baby feel secure and loved, which is important for his development. Cuddling can be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.
The more you cuddle with your baby, the better he'll feel about himself and his world. This helps him develop a secure attachment to you—which is crucial for his emotional well-being.
To help bond with new baby
Most of the time, baby wants to be held for simple reasons: bonding and comfort. Holding your newborn baby is a great way to bond with them, and it also allows you to comfort them when they're upset or fussy. This is one of the best ways that you can help your child feel comfortable in this new environment since they've been separated from their mother during birth.
Holding your baby can also help you to bond with them, which is important because it will build trust between the two of you. It's also a great way to make sure that they're comfortable in their new surroundings. When your newborn first arrives home with you, they'll likely be very confused and disoriented by all of the new sights and sounds around them.
They’re sick or something is wrong with them
Babies have a way of expressing when something is wrong. If your baby is sick, he or she will likely become fussy and want to be held. Babies like the security of being cuddled up close to their parents. If you hold your baby while he or she sleeps, it can help prevent him or her from developing colic (a common cause for sleepless nights).
In addition to keeping your baby close for comfort, if he or she has any sort of medical condition that requires holding in order to keep things under control—such as epilepsy—you should definitely do so as often as necessary.
They don’t recognize themselves or their surroundings
Confused, disoriented or scared
In pain
Cold or hot (or even too warm)
Hungry or thirsty (and not able to feed themselves yet)
Tired and need sleep but can’t get comfortable in their crib (or if they snore or make other noises while asleep that wake you up)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to take one thing at a time. If your baby is crying, try rocking or walking with him while he cries. If he won’t stop crying after that, then place him back in his crib and walk away for a minute or two.
Your baby just needs you!
Your baby just wants you to hold them. As a new parent, it can be really scary to think about what your baby needs from you. Sure, they need food and sleep, but there's more to it than that. Babies also need comfort and security—not just when they're crying or upset but during everyday moments as well. And if your baby is feeling insecure, they may want someone who can provide that sense of security: namely, their mom or dad!
Your newborn will look at you expecting to see love (and maybe even some chocolate milk). Newborns don't know what's going on around them yet; they don't understand why everything has changed now that they've been born into this world—but luckily for them there are two people who do understand: Mommy and Daddy (or Mummy and Daddy). As such, these little ones will often turn toward parents instinctively in order to get the love their hearts desire—and getting held by one of these loving caregivers provides exactly that kind of comfort!
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Conclusion
Babies are a blessing, especially at this age. They need our love and comfort to grow into healthy children. We’re lucky if we can be the ones to give them what they need in those early days of life. And remember: there is no such thing as spoiling your baby!