Do you remember the first moment you were able to embrace, hold and hug your child for the first time? There is nothing quite like that experience. After nine months of waiting, months of detailed preparation, long hours of labor, the beautiful moment finally arrives when a baby is placed for the first time into the arms of their awaiting parents. The first hug with a new life occurs and is preciously indescribable. The feeling of overwhelming euphoria is incredible and indescribable. It’s a true physical expression of love, especially between parent and child.
We all know hugs feel good. They’re warm, and safe, and comforting but did you know there is a scientific evidence to prove the power of hugs on the brain? At a recent Huggies Parents Council roundtable event, we learned about the scientific benefits to hugging by renowned pediatrician, Dr. William Sears.
Dr. Sears explained how hugging for 20 seconds can lower blood pressure, boost immune system and even increase oxytocin. Skin-to-skin contact not only helps parents bond with baby, but also aids in baby’s development. However, the benefits of touch are not just for baby. Skin-to-skin contact reduces the stress level for parents, too, allowing them to be more attentive and receptive to baby’s needs. A hug can truly assist children to grow healthier, less prone to sickness, happier, and create an incredible, strong family connection.
Actually, according to a recent Huggies study titled “The Power of Human Touch for Babies“ skin-to-skin hugs can do more than calm a cry or soothe stress. Hugs can help keep a baby’s heart beating at a normal rate, improve sleep and support healthy weight gain. MRI and PET scans have revealed that hugs stimulate the release of dopamine, the feel-good drug.
Later during the day, neuroscientist, Dr. Olivier Oullier, explained how hugs affect our senses and the brain using mobile brain scan (EEG headsets) that visually showed the impact of hugs.
We got to see real-time demonstrations with the EEG headsets to show how the brain reacts to hugs. It was amazing to see how the everything in the brain completely lit up –like a Christmas tree – when a person was hugged.
BEFORE HUG
AFTER HUG
Through this visual demonstration–reinforced from a scientific, health and emotional perspective – Huggies demonstrated how hugging is a necessity for proper development and to help lead a healthier and happier life.
The common thread learned was that the demonstrative expression of emotion – a loving hug – can make the difference in a family. During the day, Huggies showed that the undeniable power of a hug is proven to help support the needs of babies and families. It is so important for the healthy development of babies and to create a stronger connection as a family. Give your babies and families a hug today and experience the difference it will make!
Huggies believes in the power of hugs to help babies thrive. This simple, loving act represents more than a nurturing cuddle; it produces tangible, neurological effects and is proven to support babies’ emotional and physiological development.
Huggies diapers and wipes are inspired by parents’ hugs that nurture and care at every moment. Visit Huggies.com to get $2 off a pack of Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers, so you can nurture and care for your little one.
Huggies – the fastest growing diaper brand in U.S. hospitals – believes deeply in the Power of Hugs, which is why every diaper and wipe is inspired by a parent’s embrace. The Huggies No Baby Unhugged program helps ensure all babies get the hugs they need to thrive by supporting hugging programs in hospitals and donating diapers across the country. Learn how you can help at Huggies.com/NoBabyUnhugged. #HuggiesCouncil #ad
