| A: | You are really doing the best for your baby. On many levels, carrying our babies is good for them. Firstly, by carrying your little boy you are stimulating his vestibular system, which is stimulated by movement. It has been proven that by carrying our babies, three-dimensional movement stimulates this system and this results in better motor development. In addition to this, babies are calmed by movement. Secondly, on an emotional level babies want to be near their mothers. Responding to his demands reinforces that his needs are important. This will result in a secure little one. Finally, it is important to remember that every baby is different. So some babies need less contact with their moms where another may be quite clingy. This is just a difference of personality so must be taken into consideration. Just a word of caution. We do want our babies to be able to self-calm independently as they grow older. Help your little one to do this by sitting with him when he moans to be picked up and show him how to entertain himself with a toy, or self calm with his hands or a blanky. |
