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.
The generally accepted nine senses are: touchtastesmellsighthearingthermoception (the ability to feel temperature) nociception (the ability to feel pain) equilibrioception (the ability to sense your body's balance) proprioception (the abiity to know how your body parts are oriented) Hunger and thirst are also sometimes included.