Why does my baby need to be held constantly?

They don't: Infants benefit from being held but in reality don't need to be held constantly. They may prefer to be held, most of us do. But they also at some time need to learn that they can't get everything they want...We do need to meet there needs (addressing hunger, pain, discomfort) however.

Comfort: Babies need to be held for comfort, because they are experiencing pain, and the need for body contact. Irritable babies benefit from long periods of holding. Some new parents have difficulty when an infant cries so they pick the child up at the first significant crying. Crying does not always mean a child needs to be picked up. Slow as brief period of crying to see if the baby will self sooth.