8 Safe Positions In Which You Can Hold A Baby

When the nurse presents your newborn to you, a surge of emotions engulfs you; it is undeniably one of the most exquisite moments in your journey of parenthood. Your hands might tremble, and tears of elation begin rolling down your cheeks. Yet, akin to any new parent, you might find yourself pondering over the appropriate way to cradle your infant.

Every parent experiences a certain apprehension stemming from their innate urge to safeguard their baby while cradling them. Thoughts might arise, such as concerns about accidentally losing grip. However, it's imperative to approach holding your baby with gentleness and composure, despite the evident anxiousness.

This article aims to assist you in this aspect. We have curated a compendium of guidance encompassing preparatory measures, tips for infant care, and techniques for holding your baby securely and providing comfort.

# Shoulder hold

This stance is among the most instinctive ways to cradle your recently born infant. Here's the recommended procedure:

- Hold the baby's body parallel to your own and raise her to the level of your shoulder.
- Gently place her head on your shoulder, granting her a view of what's behind you.
- Offer support to her head and neck using one hand, while the other hand cradles her bottom.

This arrangement enables your baby to perceive the rhythm of your heartbeat.

# Cradle hold

Cradling is an uncomplicated and innate approach to holding an infant, and it's also achievable through swaddling. Here's how you can create a cradling effect to lull your newborn to sleep:

- Keep your baby parallel to your chest and slide your hand from her bottom upwards to provide support for the head and neck.
- Tenderly position your baby's head in the bend of your elbow.
- Subsequently, transition your hand from the neck to the bottom and hips.
- Draw your baby closer to yourself, facilitating a swift transition into slumber.

# Belly hold

Your infant is bound to find comfort in this particular way of holding. Here's the procedure for managing the newborn in this manner:

- Position your baby face down on one of your forearms, with the head elevated above the elbow.
- Allow her feet to rest on either side of your hand, inclined slightly closer to the ground.
- Lay your other hand gently across the baby's back to provide a sense of security.
- This method of holding can prove useful for burping. Employ gentle strokes on the baby's back to aid in the release of any trapped gas.

# Hip hold

Once your baby attains full command over her head and neck, you can opt for holding her by the hips. Consider adopting this stance once your baby surpasses the three-month mark. Here's the method for achieving this:

- Orient your baby to face outward and position her seated on your hip bones.
- Encircle your arm around her waist for added support.
- This arrangement enables your baby to observe her surroundings with ease and comfort.

# Face-to-face hold

This particular embrace facilitates engaging with your baby. Here's how you can execute the hold effectively:

- Utilize one hand to provide support for your baby's head and neck.
- Employ another hand to cradle her bottom securely.
- Proceed to hold the baby just below the chest, facing you.
- Revel in the joy of eliciting smiles and relish the delightful interactions with your little one.

# "Hello World" hold/ Chair hold

Do you have an inquisitive little one? If so, this is a superb grasp that allows her to observe her surroundings. In this arrangement, she will sit on your hand as if she's perched on a chair.

- Permit your baby to recline slightly and find support against your chest, ensuring her head is well-supported.
- Position one hand over her chest to prevent any leaning to the sides.
- Position your other hand beneath her bottom to provide stable support.
- Ensure she receives ample support throughout.

If you're considering trying the same hold while seated, there's no necessity to prop up her bottom. Please note that this position is not advisable for infants below three months of age.

# Football hold

This hold can also double as a feeding posture, adaptable for both standing and sitting scenarios. Here's how to execute it:

- Employ one hand to cradle your baby's neck and head, while your forearm supports the remainder of her back.
- Make any necessary adjustments to your baby's head and neck with your other hand.
- Gently encourage the baby to curl slightly towards your body side, keeping her legs extended behind.
- Pull your little one nearer to your chest.
- If required, utilize your other free hand to provide supplementary support for her head or to facilitate feeding.

# Lap hold

Here's another hold that proves useful during bottle-feeding sessions with your baby, and it's suitable for a seated posture.

- Sit with your feet planted firmly on the ground and position your baby on your lap.
- Ensure the baby's head rests near your knees with her face looking upward.
- Slide both of your hands under her head for support, extending your forearms along her body.
- Allow her feet to tuck in around your waist area.