How to Hold a Newborn Baby

Now that your bundle of joy is here, you can’t wait to hold him/her in your arms. But that must also fill you with questions as to how you can care for them the best. Newborn babies require the utmost care, especially while lifting and carrying them. Whether you are a seasoned parent or a new parent, learning how to hold a newborn baby will keep both you and your little one safe.

How to Hold a Newborn Baby?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hold a newborn baby, and lift and carry them safely.

1. First wash your hands

Before you pick up your baby or any newborn baby, make sure your hands are clean. The immune system of newborn babies’ is underdeveloped and they can catch infections easily. Always wash your hands or sanitize them and instruct your guests to do the same before holding the baby.

2. Get into the right position

If you’re picking up your baby from a lower position, you might want to bend your back to lift them but you should lift from your legs. It’s especially important for mothers who’ve just given birth to bend their knees and pick up the baby as it shifts the weight from their back to the legs.

3. Support the baby’s head and neck

It’s extremely important to provide support to the baby’s head and neck when picking them. Slide your hand under the baby’s head and place the other hand below the bottom. Once your grip is steady, bring the baby close to your chest.

4. Find the right holding position

You may choose to hold your baby in a variety of positions such as cradle, shoulder hold, belly hold or lap hold. Just make sure whatever position you are in, you’re providing support to your baby’s head and bottom.

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Some Positions to Hold Your Baby In

Now that you know how to carry a newborn baby, here are some positions you can try to hold your baby in:

1. Cradle Hold

This is the easiest and safest way to hold your newborn for the first few weeks of life. Keep your baby horizontal at your chest level and gently slide your hand from their bottom to support their neck so that the baby’s head lies safely in the crook of your elbow. Once you have found a good grip, you can free one arm while the other supports your baby from head to bottom.

2. Shoulder Hold

After picking up your baby, bring the baby’s body parallel to your own and lift their head to your shoulder’s height. Rest their head on your shoulder and chest and support their head and neck with one hand while the other supports the baby’s bottom.

3. Belly Hold

Once you have gained enough confidence to hold your baby, you can also try a belly hold. In this position, you can place your baby, stomach down, across your forearm while their head rests towards your elbow. Your baby’s feet should land on either side of your hand. This position is ideal for burping your baby.

4. Lap Hold

If you want to sit and hold your baby, you can try placing your baby in your lap with the head at your knees. You can lift the baby’s head with both your hands for support and place your forearms under the body. Tuck in the baby’s feet at your waist.

Conclusion

With these tips in mind, there is no right or wrong way to hold your baby. Yes, they are tiny and fragile but they are stronger than you think. Just remember to support their head and neck at all times. Soon holding your baby will become second nature.