Parenting on Instagram: "The habit of giving light pats to soothe a baby to sleep has an explanation linked to the uterine environment and sensory development in the first months of life. During pregnancy, the fetus is constantly exposed to rhythmic stimuli from the mother’s body. The most striking of these is the sound and vibration of the heartbeat, echoing like a steady rhythm beside the baby. This repetitive and predictable rhythm acts as a signal of safety and comfort, helping to calm the d