Is it good to hold newborns frequently?

It is generally not advisable to hold newborns frequently, as it may interfere with the caregiver's rest and could also affect the development of the spine and neck.

If a newborn is not crying or fussy, it's best to encourage independent sleeping. Frequently holding the baby may lead to dependency, causing the baby to cry and become unsettled when not being held, making it difficult for the newborn to fall asleep naturally. This also further disrupts the caregiver's rest. Moreover, newborns have relatively soft bones; constant holding may interfere with normal skeletal development, potentially leading to conditions such as spinal curvature or torticollis. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to hold newborns excessively.

After birth, it is advisable to help newborns develop good sleep habits. They should be placed to sleep on their back or side, which supports spinal development, reduces neck strain, and promotes healthy bone growth. This practice also allows caregivers more rest time and helps establish healthy sleep patterns in newborns, avoiding negative impacts on sleep quality.