This demonstration of affection increases the production of serotonin, a substance that is present in neurons and increases self-esteem in children.
For optimal development, a boy or girl requires different sensory stimuli. The touch of the skin and physical contact, such as a hug, are some of the most important stimuli for the development of a healthy brain and body. Scientific studies from the Canadian Association of Pediatric Health Centers prove that skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her baby has the potential to generate many benefits, which is why they recommend between 4 to 12 hugs a day.
Understanding how fundamental these gestures of affection are for the correct growth of babies and within the framework of the celebration of International Hug Day, which was celebrated on January 21, Huggies presented some of the benefits of hugs, especially from mom and dad, in the correct development of babies:
Increase security and increase confidence
According to the scientific journal Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, after nine months in the womb, the baby will no longer feel the security it experienced. Hugs increase the production of serotonin, a substance that is present in neurons and increases self-esteem in children. Hugs trigger the release of oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This hormone has many effects on the human body, including stimulation of growth. When the level of oxytocin increases, the level of other growth-related hormones (insulin growth factor IGF-1, nerve growth factor NGF) also increases.
Increases the health of premature babies
In Latin America and the Caribbean, 7 out of every 1,000 babies born do not reach their first month of life, according to figures presented by Unicef. Therefore, in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) published new guidelines to improve the chances of survival and health outcomes of babies born prematurely with methods through physical contact.
The Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is one of these, which according to Unicef and the WHO, consists of ensuring skin-to-skin contact between the baby and its mother, continuously for at least 20 hours, or intermittently. ; that is, as many hours as possible. This technique helps the baby regulate his breathing and the heat of her body, and also promotes breastfeeding and fosters bonding with her mother.
Strengthens the immune system of babies
The more hugs the little ones receive, the greater defenses they will be able to generate. According to the Tec Salud organization, thanks to hugs, babies will generate a greater number of white blood cells, since the immune system is activated every time there is physical contact. In addition, it helps reduce plasma levels of thyroid hormones and makes wounds heal faster. Likewise, they reduce the level of cortisol in the blood, which levels and reduces stress levels.
They help regulate your emotions
The nervous system is the part that controls calmness and excitement, feelings that work separately to regulate emotion. During a child tantrum, the part responsible for excitement is working at 100% while the part responsible for calm is deactivated. According to the Institute of Applied Neurosciences, hugs help relax the nervous system by working on the part that controls calm and thus reduce anxiety and stress levels thanks to the release of oxytocin and dopamine.
Understanding the power of hugs, Huggies has become an ally of Unicef and its early childhood care projects to support mothers, fathers and caregivers of newborns. “Supporting the child development of the country’s boys and girls is a priority for us, and that is why, together with Unicef, we seek to support the optimal development of early childhood and thus offer families the necessary resources for guidance and raising your children much easier,” stated Gustavo Castellanos, manager of Kimberly-Clark for Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.