How to Hold a Baby

Whether it’s your first time as a parent or the pride of being a close relative who is allowed to cuddle a new member of a large family, learning how to properly hold a newborn is essential. Depending on how you want to interact with your baby, there are a variety of ways to hold your baby, from a lap to a face to face hug. The important thing here is to stay calm and confident before holding your baby, so that she feels comfortable with your touch or cuddle.

Table of Contents

Learn how to hold your baby in your arms

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Keep yourself comfortable and calm before holding your baby. The reason for this is that your baby can sense if you’re nervous and nervous. Get comfortable! The key here is to show your confidence. Holding a newborn can be intimidating for some people. Don’t worry too much. Tell yourself that you can do this well and that the joy of holding your baby can melt away any anxiety. While it’s important to be careful at all times, remember that children are not as weak and fragile as you might think.

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Lift the baby’s head with one hand and lift the body with the other. For a newborn baby, the head will be the heaviest part of the body compared to other parts of the body. Therefore, you should be more gentle and careful when lifting the baby’s head and neck. Usually, you will use one hand to support the baby’s head. Reach with your right hand to lift the torso and bottom while slowly lifting the baby’s head with your left hand.

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Chest-to-chest grip. Lift and hold your baby so that his or her head is facing your chest. Children instinctively feel better when they 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 area.

Make sure your baby’s head is pointing to the side so he can breathe.

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Feel the bond with your baby. Holding babies can create an interesting bond between you and your baby. This will be a memorable time for you to have beautiful moments with your baby, such as singing, telling stories or even playing with your baby, until feeding, changing diapers, or giving your baby a nap. Don’t forget to switch hands every time you feel tired. To do that, you should always keep one hand under the baby’s head while switching hands.

Always listen. Each baby will have unique needs about how they want to be held. If your baby keeps crying, try changing the baby’s way!

Learn more methods of holding babies

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Hug style. This is considered the most common and simplest way to hold a newborn. This way, you can look your baby directly in the eye. You can hold your baby in your arms even while he is swaddled. Pay attention to the following tips to make your baby as comfortable as possible:

To hold your baby, you should first lay him down and slowly lift him up by putting one hand down to support his neck and head while the other hand goes under his back and hips.
Spread your fingers as wide as possible so that you can lift your baby close to your chest. Try to hold your baby as steady as possible.
Gently slide the hand supporting the baby’s head and neck up to support the baby’s back so that the baby’s head and body are along your arm. During this time, your baby’s head and neck will rest on your elbows.
The other arm remains in the same position, ie still lifting the baby’s hips and lower body.
Hold your baby close to you and gently rock him back and forth if you want.

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Face to face type. This is a great way to communicate with your baby. To properly implement this method, refer to the steps below:

Place one hand behind your baby’s head and neck.
The other hand should be placed on the body and hips of the baby.
Hold your baby below your chest level so that his face is facing yours.
Make funny and funny faces to make your baby laugh.

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Belly type. This hold is ideal for soothing your baby when he’s upset or upset. Here are some good suggestions for this method:

Cover your baby’s head and chest and place it on your forearm.
Make sure your baby’s head is facing out and resting on your elbow.
Use your other hand to gently pat or rub your baby’s back.
Regularly check your baby’s head and neck to make sure they’re always in the correct position.

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Ball hug. This holding style is suitable for feeding your baby even when you are standing or sitting. Here are some suggestions for this method:

Place one hand under your baby’s head and neck. Then gently place your baby’s back on the inside of the forearm that you’re using to hold your baby’s head. You can place your other hand under the baby’s head as you have adjusted to ensure that the baby’s head and neck are always supported.
Let your baby curl up around your hips while her legs are stretched out beside you.
Gently pull your baby close to your chest or waist.
Use your other hand to feed or lift your baby’s head a little bit.

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The “hello world” style of carrying. This will be the perfect hold if your baby is a curious baby or if you want to show him what’s going on around him. The steps below are what you should do:

Keep your baby’s back facing your chest so that his head is always resting on your chest.
Place one arm on your baby’s bottom.
Let your other arm go around your baby’s chest.
Always make sure that your baby’s head is still resting on your chest.
If you’re sitting down, it’s best to put your baby on your lap. At this point, you don’t have to put your hands down to lift the baby’s bottom.

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Hold your baby by your side as his head becomes stable and can support himself. Between 4 and 6 months, as your baby gets a little older, he’ll be able to hold his head on his own without your help. If your baby can do this, you should refer to some of the ways below to learn how to hold the armpit (This seems to be a popular method for babies and toddlers):

Place your baby’s hips (huddled against your hips) or your baby’s midsection (legs apart at your sides) facing your hips. Always make sure your baby’s left or middle hip is facing your right hip and vice versa. This depends on which side you want to hold your baby on. No matter which side, make sure your baby’s head is always facing out. (Regarding the picture above, the mother is holding the baby on her right hip while the baby’s hips are on the left and the baby’s head is facing out.)
Use the hand you’re holding your baby to lift and adjust your baby’s legs and back firmly and comfortably for both you and your baby.
If possible, use the other hand to further adjust the legs, back, lower body, or any other part that your baby wants to fix. Of course, you can use this hand to feed your baby or do other necessary chores (until your baby doesn’t need any extra support and you’re comfortable with this way of holding).
This type of grip is very popular, important and convenient, especially when you need to multi-task. It is advisable to take the time to learn more about this method and apply it carefully and safely. Make sure you’re happy with what you’re doing.

Advice

If this is your first time with a baby, sit down and hold your baby. This is the easiest way to get started.
Learn from experienced people about newborn care and how they hold babies before you practice it.
Play and interact with your baby before holding him. This way, your baby will gradually get used to your voice, body odor, and appearance.
If you’ve realized that a baby’s head is the part that needs to be gentle and careful before being held, you’re in for a treat!
Another method of getting your baby’s head lifted every time you hold her is to use the elbows to lift them. This way, you can use your left hand to help lift your baby’s body.
Babies love to be held, and if you’re a mother, you’ll do it often. A nanny can free your hands, comfort your baby, and make your chores quicker and easier.

Warning

Do not hold your baby when you are holding hot water, food, or when you are cooking.
If you don’t keep your baby’s head steady, it can tip to one side and cause lifelong disability.
Sudden swings or movements can be dangerous to your baby.
Shocking your baby upright in a belly-to-tummy fashion when he’s still unable to sit up on his own can be dangerous to his spine.

Steps

Learn how to hold your baby in your arms

Learn more methods of holding babies

Advice

Warning

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