Close holding gives an infant a powerful sense of safety that shapes how the brain develops in the earliest months of life. When a baby rests against a caregiver’s chest, the warmth and steady presence send calming signals through the nervous system. These signals help quiet stress responses and activate the release of oxytocin, the hormone that supports bonding and emotional connection. This soothing state allows the baby’s body to relax, breathe more steadily, and feel protected. As the baby s