Whats the role of touch for healthy development?

Question

For child development. I'm doing an early childhood subject at school and it doesnt say anything relevant in my book.

Answer 1

According to scientists, the sense of touch develops in the womb, between 8 and 14 weeks. Most of children's reflexes, such as the rooting reflex (turning cheek in the direction of touch, as though searching for a nipple, which serves to orient the infant to feeding), or the sucking and swallowing reflex, are stimulated by touch. Therefore touch is important to healthy development because it introduces the infant to feeding.

Also, the benefits of skin to skin holding following birth are:

increases respiratory stability,

promotes more restful sleep

encourages a meaningful relationship between mother and baby

increases the mother's positive adaptation to infants cues

Scientists note that a lack of soothing tactile sensations during infancy has been associated with cognitive delays. Touch and tactile stimulation in infancy is essential to perceptual and sensory development.