Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Whether this is the first time you are promoted to the parenthood or proud as a close relative is allowed to embrace a new member of a large family, learning how to properly hold your newborn is always essential.Depending on how you want to interact with your baby, there are many ways to hold your baby, from a hug to a face-to-face hug. It is important to remain calm and confident before holding your baby, so that he or she feels comfortable with your touch or petting.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Learn to hug your baby

1. 

   Keep yourself comfortable and calm before holding your baby. The reason here is that your baby can sense if you are anxious and nervous. Be comfortable! The key here is to show your confidence. Holding babies can be intimidating for some. Don't worry too much. Tell yourself that you can do this well and the joy of holding your baby can take 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.

2. 

   
   
   Raise the baby's head with one hand and lift the body with the other. For a newborn, the head is the heaviest part of the body. Therefore, you should be softer and more careful when lifting the baby's head and neck. Usually, you will use one hand to support the baby's head. Move right hand to lift the body and buttocks while slowly lifting the baby's head with left hand.

3. 

   
   
   Chest-to-chest grip. Lift and hug the baby so that the baby's head is facing your chest. Children instinctively feel more comfortable hearing 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 facing to the side so she can breathe.

4. 

   
   
   Feel the cord associated with the baby. Holding a baby 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, like singing, telling stories or even joking with your baby, until feeding your baby, changing diapers, or giving your baby a nap. Do not forget to change hands constantly when tired. To do that, you should always keep one hand under the baby's head while switching hands.
   • Always listen. Each child will have unique needs about how they want to be held. If your baby keeps crying, try changing the baby's way!
   advertisement

Method 2 of 2: Learn more methods of holding children

1. 

   Lullaby style. This is considered the most common and simplest way to hold babies. This way, you can look your baby in the eye directly. You can hold your baby in your arms even when your baby is in a diaper. Pay attention to the following tips to make your baby feel most comfortable:
   • To hold the baby, you should first lay the baby down and slowly lift the baby by placing one hand down to support the baby's neck and head while the other hand is under the baby's back and hips.
   • Spread your fingers as wide as possible so that you can lift your baby up close to your chest. Try to keep your baby as steady as possible.
   • Gently slide the hand that is supporting the baby's head and neck to support the baby's back so that the baby's head and body are along your arms. During this time both the baby's head and neck will rest against the bend of your elbow.
   • The other arm remains in the same position, which is still lifting the baby's hips and lower body.
   • Hold your baby close to you and gently lull him back and forth if you want.

2. 

   Face-to-face style. This is a great way to communicate with your baby. To properly implement this method, please refer to the steps below:
   • Place one hand behind the baby's head and neck.
   • The other hand should be placed on the baby's body and hips.
   • Hold your baby below your chest level so that his face is facing yours.
   • Make a funny and funny face to make your baby laugh.

3. 

   Belly holding type. This grip is ideal to soothe your baby when he's upset or upset. Here are some good suggestions for this approach:
   • Cover your baby's head and chest and rest on your forearms.
   • Make sure the baby's head is facing outward and resting against your elbow.
   • Use your other hand to pat or rub your baby's back.
   • Regularly check your baby's head and neck to make sure they are always raised in the correct position.

4. 

   Ball hugging style. This grip is suitable for feeding your baby even while standing or sitting. Here are some suggestions for this approach:
   • Place one hand under the baby's head and neck. Then gently place the baby's back inside the forearm that you are using to hold the baby's head. You can use your other hand under the baby's head as you adjust to ensure that the baby's head and neck are supported at all times.
   • Let your baby curl up around your hips while her legs are stretched out beside you.
   • Gently pull your baby closer to your chest or waist.
   • Use your other hand to feed or lift your baby's head a little more.

5. 

   The closing style "hello world.“This would be the perfect hold if your baby is a curious kid or if you want to show them what's going on around them. The steps below are what you should do:
   • Keep the baby's back facing your chest and the baby's head is always resting against your chest.
   • Place one of your arms down on your baby's lower part.
   • Let your other arm go around your baby's chest.
   • Always make sure your baby's head is resting against your chest.
   • If you are sitting down, the best way is to put your baby on your lap. At this point, you don't have to put your hands down to lift the baby's buttocks.

6. 

   Hold your baby on your side as the baby's head becomes sturdy and able to hold itself on. In the period from 4 to 6 months, when the baby grows a little, he will hold his head firmly without your help. If your baby can do this, you should refer to a few ways below to learn how to hold armpits (This seems to be a popular method for young children and toddlers):
   • Keep your baby's hips (hips snuggled into the hips) or the middle part of the baby's (spread legs apart) facing your hips. Always make sure the baby's left hip or middle part is facing your right hip and vice versa. This depends on which side you want to hold the baby in. Either side, make sure your baby's head is always facing out. (Referring to the photo 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 out.)
   • Use the hand holding your baby to lift and adjust the baby's legs and back firmly and comfortably for both you and your baby.
   • If possible, use your other hand to further adjust the legs, back, lower part or any other part that your baby wants to fix. Of course you can use this hand to breastfeed or do other essential tasks (until your baby doesn't need any extra support and you are comfortable with this grip).
   • This grip is very popular, important and convenient, especially when you need to do many things at the same time. Take the time to learn more about this method and apply it carefully and safely. Make sure you enjoy what you are doing.
   advertisement

Advice

• If this is your first time baby, sit down and hold your baby. This is the easiest way to get started.
• Learn from people who have experience caring for babies and how they hold them before you practice it.
• Play and interact with your baby before holding your baby. This way, your baby will gradually get used to your voice, body odor and shape.
• If you realize that the baby's head is the part that needs to be gentle and careful before handling, you are brilliant!
• Another method of getting the baby's head lifted each time you hold it is to use the elbow to lift it. This way, you can use your left hand to help lift your baby's body.
• Children love to be held, and if you were a mother you would do this often. A nanny can help free your hands, comfort your baby, and make your chores done faster and easier.

Warning

• Do not hold your baby while you are holding hot water, food, or while you are cooking.
• If you fail to hold the baby's head in place, it can tilt to the side and cause lifelong injury.
• Swaying or sudden movements can be dangerous to your baby.
• Shaking your baby upright in a belly-to-belly manner while the baby is still unable to sit up can endanger the baby's spine.