HOW HUGGING CAN CHANGE YOUR BABY'S BRAIN

We look at why early, gentle touch and affection has lasting effects on your child's brain.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an experience like no other - filled with love, awe and perhaps a bit of worry about getting everything just right. Among the many things you do for your baby, one of the simplest and most impactful is hugging them. It turns out, those warm, comforting embraces are not just heartwarming - they profoundly impact your baby’s brain development.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND A HUG

From the moment your baby is born, they’re wired to be ready to connect with the world through touch. This physical contact, especially in the form of hugs, shapes their brain development in ways that can last a lifetime. When you cuddle your newborn, their brain releases a hormone called oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone’. This magical chemical plays a massive role in helping your baby feel safe and loved, while also calming both of you down. The simple act of holding your baby close is fundamental for building trust and forming strong, healthy relationships later in life, as well as giving your baby the confidence to begin exploring the world around them in the present.

THE GROUNDWORK FOR SUCCESS

Hugging your baby isn’t just about the bonding, it’s also about helping them grow into emotionally resilient little humans. Newborns are incredibly sensitive to their environment, and physical contact gives them a sense of safety and stability. Every time you hold and comfort your baby, you’re helping to build their confidence, resilience and attachment. This is essential because babies who feel safe are more likely to explore, make friends easily and handle stress better as they grow. So, every time you give your baby a hug, you’re not just comforting them, you’re contributing to their emotional strength and ability to cope with the ups and downs of life.

BOOSTING THE BRAIN