There are a number of alternative theories to essentialism. An anthropologist, for example, believes that human behavior is greatly affected by the culture and environment in which he is raised.
Touch. Touch is one of the best-developed senses at birth -- and it's absolutely crucial to bonding. Cuddling your baby will make him feel warm and secure, as will swaddling because it re-creates the confined feeling of the womb. And, yes, babies explore through touch, and their preferred tool is their mouth.
Infancy: Sensation, Perception and Learning. THE NEWBORN Babies can see, hear, and respond to interesting sights, sounds, and other sensory stimuli at a much earlier age than was originally believed.A New Baby's Reflexes The newborn, or neonate, has a repertoire of reflexes, or involuntary responses to external stimuli.