There are 2 take-home messages regarding infants:

1.  Touch and physical contact are critical for physical health, mental health, and a sense of trust in the world.

2.  Intellectual stimulation spurs cognitive development so talk, sing, read, and play with your infant.

Bigelow, A.E. (2020). To have and to hold: Effects of physical contact on infants and their caregivers. National Library of Medicine. 61:10 1494.

Greicius, J. (2013). The benefits of touch for babies, parents. Stanford Medicine: September 22, 2013.

Harmon, K. (2010).  How important is touch with your infant?  Scientific American: May 6, 2010.

Maruwada, M. (2022). 10 Cognitive Activities For Infants To Boost Development, Mom Junction. December 20, 2022.