February is the month of love. It is also the month of cuddles. In this special year, cuddling with family takes on great importance. This year, why not celebrate Valentine's Day with family and take advantage of it to multiply the cuddles?
From a young age, children seek out hugs. They soothe, calm and reassure them. It also helps them develop their attachment and sense of security. More than that, hugs help them grow healthily; they stimulate them and make them feel good. These are good reasons to increase the number of hugs between parents and children!
Baby massage
One way to cuddle is through massage. In this time of uncertainty, massage helps reduce anxiety and stress (that of adults and children). It creates physical contact of comfort and calm. It strengthens the bond of attachment with baby, in addition to being beneficial for his development.
You can massage a child from birth: you must, however, be gentle and listen for signs of discomfort.
Did you know? In many cultures around the world, massaging your child is a custom passed down from generation to generation. This touch towards the newborn is a way of welcoming him into the world and has a general influence on the child's development.
Where to start? With an approved massage oil. We encourage Quebec brands, such as Énamour , Gom.mee and LOLO et moi . They are gentle and specially formulated for the sensitive skin of little ones, but they are also suitable for the whole family.
Awaken your senses
Touch awakens a child's senses. Pediatricians agree that the sensory stimulation provided by a hug or a simple touch promotes the development of a young child's nervous system.
So, when cuddled, babies experience physiological changes that reduce stress hormone levels.
From a young age, children also want to experiment with different touches for themselves. They seek to vary and recognize different textures.
To encourage him in the quest for his senses, awakening books are valuable learning tools. In addition to listening to the story, baby will enjoy handling them. Touch and hearing also go hand in hand with musical stuffed animals , which are also a source of cuddles and comfort for the child.
With its soft classical music, the Moka musical plush toy is reassuring for the child.
A comforting blanket
Soft and enveloping, the plush, bamboo or cotton blanket also provides cuddles to your child in your absence. It allows you to reassure him, warm him and soothe him by himself. Whether it is to have a good night's sleep in his bed, when traveling or at daycare. We like the local brands Olé Hop , Les Bambins and Sauge & Co.
Ultra versatile, the small muslin blanket is used for different occasions. Although it is thin, it helps regulate the child's internal temperature and swaddle them for bedtime.
A tip: to give your child a long hug, wrap yourselves both in a cozy blanket. A quick spin in the dryer beforehand will warm up the chilly little ones.
Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Quilt
Rocking
If there is one activity that allows for cuddling, it is rocking. Rocking your baby is comforting not only for him, but also for you. In this period when we have to slow down our pace of life, it is also a habit to keep before naptime or bedtime, in order to promote routine.
Which rocking chair to choose? Check out the rocking chairs and armchairs section .
Margot rocking chair by Dutailier
Create a spa atmosphere
How to celebrate Valentine's Day with your family? By creating a spa atmosphere at home. After a busy and exhausting week, the need to relax is felt, even among children. Take the opportunity to light a candle , perfume the house, put on some soft music and take a bubble bath with your child.
The room mist and the white tea and pear candle, from Flambette, are exclusive to Charlotte and Charlie.
Make it a game!
Is your child not clingy? He may be looking for autonomy, independent by nature or simply not comfortable. You just need to find the right moment and the right contact. The cuddle can then take the form of a game or a small secret ritual. Examples? Sending blown kisses, making a heart with your hands, exchanging sweet words or riddles or even playing at tickling each other.
As the child grows up, he also asserts his independence by avoiding hugs, especially in front of his friends. Words from the mother of two "independent" little boys aged 7 and 11, but still affectionate and clingy at their request.
For more ideas and products, visit Charlotte and Charlie's boutiques. Long live love and hugs!
Cover photo credit: @cath_roman
