8 Positions To Hold A Baby Safely

When the nurse presents your newborn to you, a surge of emotions overwhelms you, marking one of the most poignant moments in your parenting journey. Your hands may tremble, and tears of happiness may cascade down your face. However, like any new parent, the question of how to properly cradle your baby might linger.

Every parent experiences a protective fear while holding their baby, envisioning scenarios where their little one might accidentally slip from their grasp. Despite these apprehensions, maintaining a gentle and composed demeanor is crucial when holding your baby.

This post aims to provide guidance on this matter by offering a compilation of information covering preparation steps, infant care tips, and secure, comforting techniques for holding your baby.

How to Lift a Baby?

To cradle a baby, the initial step is to lift them. Support the head with one hand and the bottom with the other, raising the body to your chest. You can sustain this position as long as you feel comfortable managing the baby's neck and head.

Additionally, it's essential to recognize that your baby may prefer certain holding positions while feeling uneasy in others.

# Shoulder hold

This holds true as one of the most instinctive positions for cradling your newborn. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to execute it:

- Elevate the baby's body to your shoulder height, aligning it parallel to yours.
- Gently rest her head on your shoulder, granting her a view behind you.
- Provide support to her head and neck with one hand, while the other hand cradles her bottom.

This particular position enables your baby to hear the comforting rhythm of your heartbeat.

# Cradle hold

Cradling is an uncomplicated and instinctive approach to holding a baby, and you can incorporate swaddling into this method. Here's a guide on how to cradle your newborn to sleep:

- Position your baby parallel to your chest, and slide your hand from her bottom upwards to provide support to the head and neck.
- Delicately place your baby's head into the crook of your elbow.
- Shift your hand from the neck down to the bottom and hips.
- Draw your baby close to you, creating a soothing environment that can easily lull her to sleep.

# Belly hold

Your baby is bound to find comfort in this particular baby-holding method. Here's a guide on how to handle your newborn:

- Place your baby on your forearm, lying on her stomach with her head positioned over the elbow.
- Allow her feet to rest on either side of your hand, angled closer to the ground.
- Extend your other hand across the baby's back to provide a sense of security.

This positioning technique can be beneficial for burping. Gently stroke the baby's back to assist in releasing any trapped gas.

# Hip hold

Once your baby achieves full control over her head and neck, you can begin holding her hips. Consider trying this position when your baby reaches three months of age. Here's a guide on how to do it:

- Position your baby facing outward and have her sit on your hip bones.
- Wrap your arm around her waist for support.
- This arrangement allows your baby to comfortably observe her surroundings.

# Face-to-face hold

This holding technique provides an opportunity for interactive moments with your baby. Here's how you can execute it perfectly:

- Use one hand to support your baby's head and neck.
- Provide additional support to her bottom with your other hand.
- Hold the baby just below the chest, facing you.

Engage in joyful interactions, make her smile, and cherish the moments of fun with your baby.

# "Hello World" hold/ Chair hold

Do you have an inquisitive baby? If so, this is an excellent holding technique that allows her to observe her surroundings as if she's sitting on a chair in your hands.

- Allow your baby to lean back, resting against your chest to ensure proper head support.
- Position one hand across her chest to prevent leaning to the sides.
- Place your other hand under her bottom, providing essential support.

For a similar hold while sitting, there's no need to support her bottom. Keep in mind that this position is not recommended for babies below three months of age.

# Football hold

This holding position can also double as a feeding stance, suitable for both standing and sitting. Here's how you can execute it:

- Support your baby's neck and head with one hand and the remaining part of her back with the same forearm.
- Adjust the baby's head and neck using your other hand.
- Have the baby curl towards the side of your body, with her legs extended behind.
- Bring your little one closer to your chest.
- Utilize the other free hand to provide additional support to the head or facilitate feeding.

# Lap hold

Here's an alternative holding technique suitable for bottle-feeding while sitting:

- Sit with your feet firmly on the ground and position your baby on your lap.
- Ensure the baby's head is close to your knees, facing upwards.
- Place both of your hands beneath the head for support, extending your forearms along the body.
- Allow her feet to tuck in around your waist region.