Brain Development
The rocking motion can stimulate a baby's sensory experiences, contributing to the development of their vestibular system. This system, responsible for balance and spatial orientation, is crucial for the baby's overall cognitive development. (Dr. Edward Zigler, Yale University)

Calming
“The results showed that the infants exposed to the four conditions that included a rocking component quieted more quickly than those either picked up and held at the experimenter's shoulder or not given any form of soothing intervention.” (University of Kansas)

Breathing
“Infants who experience rocking motion have fewer interrupted breathing episodes during sleep. This important research adds to the growing information base that vestibular motion activities (such as rocking) decrease SIDS risk by helping the infant body to regulate breathing.” (University Children's Hospital | Brussels, Belgium)

Bonding
Rocking provides an opportunity for bonding between the parent and baby. The comforting touch and rhythmic motion of rocking help strengthen the emotional connection between parent and baby, fostering a sense of security and trust.

Breastfeeding
Rocking can stimulate the release of endorphins, improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety. Stress reduction can promote better and longer breast milk production. (Dr. Brian De Benedictis, Neonatologist)

Sleep
“People fall asleep faster when rocking. Additionally, they showed improvements in memory consolidation and spent more time in non-REM sleep.” (Cell Press summary of University of Geneva study)

Mood
“When I have a couple, or parents or even friends where one or both individuals experience anxiety, stress, PTSD...I teach them how to do therapeutic rocking.” (Leslie E. Korn, PhD, MPH, LMHC, ACS, NTP)

Labor
“Rocking is healthy for the mother as well as for the baby. Women who rock their infants for 1 hour a day recover faster after cesarean delivery.” (Amy Gagliardi, Yale University)
