Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Hold the baby against your chest
• Method 2 of 2: Other techniques for holding the baby
• Tips
• Warnings

Whether you're a first-time parent holding your baby, or a proud family member looking to hold the family's newest addition to your chest, learning how to properly hold an infant is essential. There are a variety of suitable ways to hold your baby; against your chest, faces together, depending on what kind of interaction you want with your baby. Just always keep in mind that it's important to be calm and confident before picking up your baby because then he'll be relaxed before you connect with him.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Hold the baby against your chest

1. Be calm and confident before picking up the baby. Babies often sense when you are unwell or when you are sad. Try to relax. While it is important to handle a baby as gently as possible, babies are not as vulnerable as you tend to think.
2. Support the baby with one arm and support the baby's buttocks with your other arm. A newborn's head is by far the heaviest part of the body and a baby's head and neck should always be gently supported. Usually you will hold the head gently with one hand. Use your right arm to scoop the baby's butt. Do this while supporting the head with your other hand.
3. Hold the baby against your chest. Hold the baby close to your chest so that he can lean his head against your chest. Babies feel reassured when they can hear your heartbeat. Your right hand and arm support most of the baby's weight, while your left hand supports and protects the head and neck.
   • Make sure the baby's head points to one side so that he can breathe properly.
4. Enjoy the intimate togetherness with the baby. Holding a baby can be very soothing for both the baby and you. It is a perfect time to sing to your baby, to read to the baby, and to entertain the baby until it's time for the next feed, a new nappy or a nap. It is necessary to keep your hands different and alternate every now and then. Don't forget to always use one hand to support the baby's head.
   • Listen to your baby. Every baby has a preference for certain positions. If your baby is crying or getting restless, try a different position.

Method 2 of 2: Other techniques for holding the baby

1. Try out the cradle position. This is probably the most common position to hold your baby and look into your newborn's eyes at the same time; it is also the most natural and easy position in which to hold your baby. This position is easiest when your baby is swaddled. This is what it takes:
   • To rock your baby, put your baby down first. Then you lift the baby by sliding one hand under the baby's head and neck, and the other hand under the buttocks and hip.
   • Spread your fingers out as far as possible as you bring it to your chest so that you support the baby as much as possible.
   • Gently slide the hand supporting the head and neck towards his back so that the head and neck slide down your forearm until they are in the socket of your arm and elbow.
   • Hold your other hand where it was, like a bowl around your baby's bottom and hip.
   • Hold the baby close to your body and rock it back and forth if desired.
2. Hold the baby by your face. This is a wonderful position to experience interaction with your child. Here's what you need to do to properly perform this pose:
   • Place one hand under your baby's head and neck.
   • Put your other hand under the buttocks.
   • Hold the baby in front of you just below your chest.
   • Have fun by laughing and making funny faces at your cute baby.
3. Hold onto your arm on the stomach. This is an ideal position if your baby is restless. Here's what you can do to properly perform this pose:
   • Place your baby's head and chest on your forearm.
   • Make sure the baby's head is facing out and resting by the hollow in the arm.
   • Pat or rub gently on your baby's back with your other hand.
   • Always check whether the head and neck are supported at all times.
4. Hold your baby against your chest or stomach at an angle. This is a great position for breastfeeding your baby. The posture is also suitable when you are standing or sitting. This is how you can perform this pose:
   • Place one hand under your baby's head and neck. Rest the baby's back on the inside of the same forearm of the hand you use to support the head. You can use the other hand to hold the head in place while bringing the other arm into position, as long as you make sure that the head and neck are supported at all times.
   • Let the baby bend around your body, legs stretched out behind you.
   • Hold the baby close to your chest or your waist.
   • Use your free hand to feed the baby or to give the baby extra support.
5. Rest your baby with his back against your stomach. This is a great position if you have a curious baby and want to show him what's going on around him. This is all you need to do:
   • Rest your baby's back against your chest so that his head is supported.
   • Keep one arm under his buttocks.
   • Place the other arm across his chest.
   • Make sure the head continues to lean against your chest.
   • When you sit, you can put the baby on your lap and you don't have to put a hand under his buttocks.
6. Keep your baby on your hip if it can support its head on its own. Once your baby has gotten a bit older, somewhere between 4 and 6 months, he should be able to support his own head properly. Once your baby can do this, this is how you wear it on your hip:
   • Rest the baby's side against your hip. For example, rest your baby's right side against your left hip, so that the baby can look around.
   • Use the arm on the side of your other hip to support the baby's back and buttocks.
   • Use the other hand for extra support under the baby's legs, to feed the baby or to perform other tasks.

Tips

• If you are holding the baby for the first time, it is best to sit down. It's the easiest way to learn it.
• Play and interact before picking up and holding it. This allows the baby to become familiar with your voice, smell and appearance first.
• If you pay attention to the head, are careful and gentle with the baby, it will certainly be fine.
• Have a look at someone with a lot of experience holding infants a few times before doing it yourself.
• Babies love to be held, and you may find yourself doing it very often. Baby carriers and blankets help you to keep your hands free, to calm the baby and to carry out household tasks more easily.
• Another way to hold your baby is to hold the baby's head with the side of your elbow using the left hand to support the baby's body.

Warnings

• Failure to support the baby's head can cause permanent damage.
• Keeping the baby upright (chest-to-chest) when the baby is not yet able to sit on its own can cause damage to the baby's spine.
• Do not hold the baby when you are busy with hot drinks, food or while cooking.
• Sudden shaking or unexpected movements can harm the baby.