Does physical contact relieve a baby's pain?

When a small child cries, even more so if they are just born, it is impossible to know what is happening to them or if they are experiencing any kind of pain.
However, several studies, such as the one developed by the University of Oxford and the University of Liverpool, determined some time ago that caressing them decreases brain activity related to pain.

This affirmation is based on scientific practices, for example, monitoring carried out on a group of babies during blood tests, moments while they were being caressed, evidencing the reduction of around 40% of this neurological activity associated with pain.

At the same time, it was determined that the speed with which the caress is performed is fundamental, since a set of sensory neurons is activated. In fact, physical contact can develop the bond between babies and parents, as well as reduce stress for both.