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.
Your baby's sense of touch begins to develop early in pregnancy as it explores the uterine wall, umbilical cord and even its own body parts, spending the most time touching its face. As early as the ninth week, your baby will respond when its lips or areas around the mouth are touched.