Babies have emotions too (1011)

Most of us think all babies love to be held, rocked, and cuddled, but some babies don’t. If your baby is a non-cuddler, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you or you’re a bad parent. It may be the way your baby’s made, part of what makes him a unique little person.

Some very active babies don’t like to slow down long enough to cuddle. Watch this kind of baby closely. Is there a time of day, maybe first thing in the morning or at bedtime, when she’s slowed down and more ready to be held?

Other babies may be extra-sensitive to the world around them. Bright lights, loud noises, sudden changes, or even holding can sometimes be too much. These babies are often very jumpy. For this type of baby, try to reduce the stimulation level. Turn down the radio or TV, put a dimmer switch on the nursery light, and handle her very gently and carefully.

Show love to him in other ways. Smile and make eye contact when you talk to him. Sing to him. Remember, even non-cuddly babies want and need to be held sometimes.

If you baby reacts with fear or anger to new situations, adapts very slowly to any change in schedule, or doesn’t keep a regular schedule, you could easily get angry, impatient and confused. But your baby really needs you to be patient, to gradually introduce new people, foods, and situations, and to offer several chances to get used to anything new. This is the best way to help your baby overcome feelings of fear or insecurity.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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