How to Hold a Baby

Whether this is your first time becoming a parent or you're proud to be close enough to hold a new member of the family, learning the proper way to hold a newborn is always important. Depending on how you wish to interact with the baby, there are various ways to hold them, from cradling them in your arms to face-to-face holds. The key here is to stay calm and confident before picking up the baby so that they feel comfortable with your touches and affection.

Stay relaxed and calm before picking up the baby. This is important because the baby can sense if you're anxious or nervous. Relax! The key here is to project your confidence. Holding a newborn can be intimidating for some, but don’t worry too much. Remind yourself that you can do this, and the joy of holding the baby can melt away any concerns. While caution is important, remember that babies are not as fragile as you might think.

Support the baby's head with one hand while using the other hand to lift the body. For a newborn, the head is the heaviest part of the body compared to other areas. Therefore, you should be extra gentle and careful when lifting the baby's head and neck. Typically, you'll use one hand to support the head and your other hand to gently lift the body and bottom while slowly raising the baby's head with your left hand.

Chest-to-chest hold. Lift the baby and hold them tightly so that their head is facing your chest. Instinctively, babies often feel more comforted when they can hear your heartbeat. Your right hand and arm should support the baby's body weight, while your left hand and arm should protect the baby's head and neck.

• Ensure the baby’s head is turned to one side to allow them to breathe.

Feel the bond with the baby. Holding a baby can create a wonderful, binding connection between you and the baby. This is a memorable time for you to share beautiful moments with the baby, such as singing, storytelling, or even playing with them. This continues as you feed, change, or help the baby nap. Don't forget to switch hands when you feel tired. To do this, always keep one hand under the baby's head when switching hands.

• Always listen. Every baby has their own needs about how they want to be held. If your baby is crying, try changing the way you're holding them!

Rocking hold. This is considered the most common and simplest way to hold a newborn. With this hold, you can look directly into the baby's eyes. You can hold the baby even if they are wrapped in a blanket. Here are some tips to make the baby feel the most comfortable:

• To hold the baby, first lay them down and gently lift them by sliding one hand under their neck and head while the other hand supports the back and hips.
• Spread your fingers wide so you can lift the baby close to your chest. Try to keep the baby as steady as possible.
• Carefully slide the hand supporting the head and neck to also support the baby's back so that their head and body are aligned along your arm. The baby's head and neck will rest on the crook of your arm.
• The other arm should maintain its position, supporting the baby's hips and lower body.
• Gently pull the baby close to you and rock them back and forth if desired.

Face-to-Face Hold. This method is a great way to connect with your baby. To properly perform this technique, follow these steps:

• Place one hand behind your baby's head and neck.
• Use your other hand to support the baby's body and hips.
• Hold your baby at chest level, ensuring their face is facing yours.
• Make funny faces to entertain and make your baby smile.

Belly Hold. This hold is ideal for soothing your baby when they are upset or fussy. Here are some helpful tips for this technique:

• Cover your baby's head and chest with your forearm.
• Ensure your baby's head faces outward, resting against your elbow.
• Use your other hand to gently pat or rub your baby's back.
• Regularly check your baby's head and neck to ensure they are properly supported.

Ball Hold. This position works well for feeding your baby whether you're standing or sitting. Here are a few tips to perform this technique:

• Place one hand under your baby's head and neck, then gently rest their back on your forearm supporting the head. You can use your other hand to adjust the baby's position for optimal support.
• Let your baby curl against your side with their legs extended beside you.
• Gently pull the baby towards your chest or waist.
• Use your free hand to assist with feeding or support your baby's head further as needed.

World-Viewing Hold. This is the perfect hold if your baby is curious or if you want them to see what's going on around them. Follow these steps:

• Place your baby's back to your chest, ensuring their head rests against your chest.
• Place one arm underneath your baby, supporting their lower body.
• Wrap the other arm around their chest.
• Always ensure your baby's head remains supported against your chest.
• If you're sitting, the best approach is to hold the baby in your lap. In this case, you don’t need to place a hand under their bottom anymore.

Side Hip Hold for a Baby with Stronger Neck Control. From around 4 to 6 months, when your baby can hold up their own head, try this method for carrying them. Here are a few suggestions for this popular method, especially for toddlers or those learning to walk:

• Position your baby's hip or middle part against your side. Make sure the baby's left side faces your right and vice versa. This depends on which side you prefer to carry them on. Regardless of the side, ensure their head faces outward. (For example, in the image above, the mother holds the baby on her right hip, with the baby's left side towards her and their head facing outward.)
• Use the arm holding the baby to stabilize and adjust their legs and back comfortably for both you and the baby.
• If possible, use your other hand to adjust any part of the baby you need to stabilize—this hand can also be used for feeding or other tasks until the baby no longer requires extra support and you feel comfortable with the hold.
• This hold is very common, practical, and convenient, especially when you need to multitask. Take the time to learn the method carefully and apply it safely. Ensure you're happy with the process.

• If you're a first-time parent, sit down and hold your baby. This is the easiest way to get started.
• Learn from experienced parents about how they hold their babies before you practice it yourself.
• Interact and engage with your baby before picking them up. This helps them get familiar with your voice, scent, and appearance.
• If you recognize that the baby's head is the most delicate part and requires gentle handling before picking them up, you’re doing great!
• Another method to support your baby's head when holding them is using your elbow to lift. This allows you to use your left hand to assist in holding their body.
• Babies love to be held, and as a mother, you’ll do this often. Breastfeeding can help free up your hands, soothe your baby, and make household chores quicker and easier to manage.

• Do not hold your baby when you're carrying hot liquids, food, or cooking.
• If you can't properly support your baby's head, it could tilt to one side, potentially causing lifelong injury.
• Sudden movements or rocking can be dangerous for your baby.
• Holding your baby upright in a belly-to-belly position before they can sit up on their own could harm their spine.