Saturday, January 21 was International Hug Day. While all parents do little or nothing, hugging their child in their arms would actually have many more benefits than you might think. And science proves it.
A hug is not nothing. Although this gesture may seem trivial, it is in fact of great importance in the relationship between a parent and his offspring. Mostly, It greatly promotes the development of the child. To prove it, the HuffPost listed five scientific arguments proving that hugging your child is not only pleasant, but above all beneficial for his health.
First of all, the hug soothes. Physical contact helps the child or baby to calm down and bond, while causing physiological changes. In effect, a study from 2020 and carried out by researchers at the University of Tokyo revealed that the heart rate of toddlers slowed down when they were hugged. Especially when it was one of their parents. Next, the hug would also modify the genes. In any case, this is what scientists from the University of British Columbia, in Canada, have concluded in their work published in 2017. According to them, children who were cuddled prematurely and more than others showed changes in their DNA. the metabolism and the immune systemwith traces visible even five years after the experiment, have notably been modified.
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Next to that, hugging his offspring would also cause the release of oxytocin. Nicknamed the “love hormone”, it has multiple virtuous effects, including better sleep, better heart health and reduced stress. Benefits that benefit both parents and children. Furthermore, according to a study from the University of Miami dating back to 2019, massaging babies born prematurely can make them gain up to 47% in weight. It would also promote their mental development. from the age of 1 year.
Developing the brain and allaying fears
Cuddle your baby can also change the development of his brain. A study published in the scientific journal Current Biology, in 2017, demonstrated that touch stimulates the brains of premature babies. This would also affect their future receptivity to gestures of affection. This principle is at the center of the so-called “kangaroo” method, recommended by the WHO. Its benefits have been studied in Canada and Israel and the results are clear: placing a baby on the belly of his parents rather than in an incubator for at least one hour a day for fourteen days, during the neonatal period, hasimproves cognitive abilities, stress response and sleep.
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At last, taking your offspring in your arms can soothe their fears. As several studies have proven, still according to our colleagues, physical contact actually helps children to better manage their anxieties. Despite all the benefits of the hug, you must always keep in mind that it remains a gesture requiring the consent of the child. Forcing him to be hugged, even by his parents, can on the contrary have harmful effects on his development.