Parents should not be afraid to hold, cuddle and comfort their newborns, as those early moments of affection play a critical role in emotional and brain development, Specialist Pediatrician Dr Sharron Makafui Aglobitse has advised.

Speaking at the Convergence of Mothers, Dr. Aglobitse challenged the long-standing belief that frequently carrying babies makes them overly dependent.

Instead, she explained that physical affection during infancy lays the foundation for emotional regulation, secure attachment and healthy brain development.

"Please hold your babies," she appealed. "Carry them. Cuddle them."

According to the pediatrician, newborns rely almost entirely on their caregivers to understand safety, comfort and emotional connection during the first months of life.

Far from spoiling children, she said consistent affection helps babies develop the neural connections needed to regulate emotions as they grow older.

"This is where emotional regulation begins," she explained. "Those early interactions matter."

Dr. Aglobitse noted that crying is one of the primary ways newborns communicate and should not always be viewed as a sign that something is wrong.

"Sometimes they simply want to be held," she said.

She encouraged mothers, particularly first-time parents, not to become overwhelmed by every cry but to recognise that babies are adjusting to life outside the womb and often seek comfort through physical closeness.

The pediatrician explained that newborns gradually begin recognising their caregivers through repeated interaction, becoming familiar with their voices, scent and facial features over time.

She described those everyday moments of feeding, talking, cuddling and soothing as important building blocks for a child's emotional wellbeing.

Dr Aglobitse also reminded mothers that the earliest years of life are when the brain develops most rapidly, making responsive caregiving one of the greatest investments parents can make.

She encouraged families to support new mothers so they have the time and emotional capacity to nurture their babies without unnecessary pressure or criticism.

"Every cuddle, every conversation and every moment of comfort is helping your child grow," she said.