Why spank newborn

The same hands that parents use to lovingly feed, clothe and bathe their babies are also commonly used to spank their bundles of joy.

A new University of Michigan study found that 30 percent of 1-year-old children were spanked at least once in the past month by their mother, father or both parents. A long-time topic of debate, spanking children is a common practice among U. Previous research has focused on disciplining children as young as age 3, in part, because spanking is common among children of this age.

Studies have shown that spanking is related to children's greater aggression, depression and other negative behavior. But the latest findings show that spanking is used on children who are so young that, in some cases, they haven't even taken their first step.

Researchers examined 2, families who participated in a longitudinal study of new births in urban areas. The study indicated that spanking by the child's mother, father or mother's current partner when the child was a year old was linked to child protective services' involvement between ages 1 and 5.

They would perceive it to be normal and a means to get the desired things done. There are also chances that toddlers who are often spanked may indulge in similar or more aggressive lash-outs or bullying with other kids in school.

It may be humiliating and hurt their self-esteem once they grow older. They might grow up lacking confidence, which might further hamper their cognitive development. Babies who have experienced spanking often might not learn the qualities of patience or self-control. They might be unable to cope up with a stressful situation or a conflict. Such kids often find it challenging to deal with a crisis or get depressed.

They might also behave aggressively when frustrated or angry. Impulsive spanking is physically harmful to the baby. When angry or frustrated, a parent might raise a hand or spank the child with an uncontrolled force. Spanking a physically weak baby can cause trauma. On the other hand, as babies mimic elders, they may learn aggressive behavior, which is the opposite of what you would want to incorporate in them. They might perceive that it is right to deal with undesired situations using physical force.

This can make them defiant and aggressive in pre-school. Spanking not only harms the baby physically, but may also leave a long-lasting impact on their mental health in the future. It can also adversely affect the parent-child relationship. You might spank the baby in the heat of the moment out of frustration.

This might lead to a feeling of guilt later on. The classic method of spanking the baby is used as a last resort to cause it some pain and make it cry out loud, although many doctors do opt for massaging the baby as well. If all of these methods fail, too, then the baby is shifted to the ICU and artificial tubes are used to supply oxygen to the body. For doctors and mothers alike, the first cry is always the strongest and reassuring sign of the ability to breathe well.

Therefore, if the baby does not start crying within the first few minutes of delivery, extensive measures are taken to make sure that the baby does begin to do so. Earlier, many doctors would hold the baby upside down firmly around his legs and then slap the butt gently. This not only causes slight pain to the child, but the motion also helps loosen any residues that might be obstructing the airways. Constantly doing so can irritate the child enough to begin crying.

Most people began looking at it as a barbarian practice and inhuman to the delicate baby. Doctors would usually take a lot of care in ensuring the child is not harmed and they would be quite experienced in handling them. Off late, in modern times, those methods are rarely used. With technologies available to control the situation, the source of the problem is handled directly.

The pressure applied by the pump pulls out any residues in the pathways or loosens them enough to let them be thrown out by the lungs contractions. This can bring out a cry quite easily. Another technique that is smartly done is by making use of a towel. This irritating sensation of a coarse surface rubbing against the smooth skin can be enough to stimulate a reaction from the baby, and he might begin to cry due to it. Most natural deliveries take care of it since the baby already begins to experience the discomfort as it passes through the birth canal.

In cesarean deliveries, the doctors provide the stimulus by using a suction pump. It is best to assure yourself that the doctors and medical personnel around are quite experienced and well-equipped to make your baby cry or take corrective action in ensuring its well-being. According to a study , adults who were spanked as children may face an increased risk of mental health problems. While the study does not prove a direct correlation between being spanked as a child and adult mental health issues, there has been no research either that suggests there are any positive effects of spanking a child.

The study further adds that spanking as a child, along with physical neglect and constant abuse can contribute to depression, anxiety disorders , substance abuse, mood disorder, and more as adults. A toddler is spanked for reasons like being fussy over food , running into the street, breaking things or making a mess while eating. These are perfectly normal things for a baby to do. So, when you spank the toddler for these reasons, you are essentially punishing the baby for being themselves.

Enforcing positive parenting techniques instead of spanking has shown results in better development of children.

According to a study by Bakermans-Kranenburg , children raised in a positive environment turn out to be more secure and have strong parent-child relationships. Parents often confuse spanking with disciplining the child. While discipline is necessary, physical violence is a strict no.

Try to use a sterner voice, widen your eyes or be assertive with your words. The objective is to reason with the child and make him understand the consequences of his actions. This, of course, works with slightly older children instead of babies. While you may spank your child in the spur of the moment, sometimes for their own good. But it is extremely essential then that you take out the time to apologise.