How to Hold a Baby
Newborn babies seem so tiny and fragile that many first-time parents are afraid to hold them. But you have to hold your baby so you can care for them and so your baby develops properly. There are some things you need to keep in mind when you're holding your baby.
InstructionsDifficulty: Easy
Step1Support the head and spine. This is the most important thing to remember when you're handling your newborn. Always make sure you have a hand beneath their head and take extra care when you're handing your newborn off to another person to hold. After your baby can hold their head upright, you don't need to be so cautious about always supporting the head.
Step2Place your baby's head in the crook of your elbow and use your arm to support the rest of their body. This is a great position for rocking your baby or soothing an upset baby. Most adults find this is a very instinctual position for holding a baby.
Step3Hold your baby on your chest and hold them gently in place with one hand. Most babies love being snuggled against a chest where they can hear a heartbeat. Make this even more special by removing your shirt and your baby's clothes so you can do skin-to-skin contact. Make sure you throw a blanket over the two of you though.
Step4Turn your baby so they are face-down across your forearm, their face and head cradled in your hand. Hold him in place by putting your hand on your baby's back. To help your baby stay secure, have their arms and legs draped on either side of your forearm.
Step5Grasp your baby tightly against your body, when your baby gets a little older and start squirming more. It's easy for an older baby to be dropped if they don't want to be picked up and are fighting against a caregiver to be put down.
Step6Use a baby sling or a baby pack if you want to keep your baby close to you, but want a free hand such as when cleaning or shopping.
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