Whether you are a novice parent or a proud relative of the newcomer to the family, learning how to properly hold a newborn is essential. There are many correct ways to hold the baby, from squatting to face-to-face, depending on the type of interaction you want to have with the little one. Just remember that the important thing is to remain calm and confident before picking up the baby, so that the baby is relaxed towards you.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Crouched Position
Step 1. Maintain calm and firmness before picking up the baby
Children often perceive states of discomfort and worry. Relax, the key is to be confident: holding a baby for the first time can be terrifying for some. You just have to remember that you can too, and that the joy of holding a baby far outweighs all anxieties. While extreme caution is always important, babies are not as fragile as people think.
Step 2. Support the baby's head with one arm and the bottom with the other
A newborn's head is the heaviest part of their body and, along with the neck, is the one that needs the most support. The head is usually held gently with one hand. Use your right arm to lift your butt instead. At the same time, support your head with the other hand.
Step 3. Chest to chest
Bring the baby against your chest so that his head rests on it. The heartbeat instantly calms newborns. The right hand and arm should support most of the baby's weight, while the left supports and protects the head and neck.
Make sure the baby's head is to the side so that he can always breathe
Step 4. Enjoy the bond
Holding a baby in your arms is really soothing, for him and for you. It's a good time to sing, read him something, and entertain him until it's time to eat, change his nappy, or take a nap. Every now and then he alternates his hands. When doing this, always remember to keep one behind the baby's head.
Listen to the little one. Each infant has their own preferences when it comes to being held. If yours is crying or looking uncomfortable, try changing your position
Method 2 of 2: Other Techniques
Step 1. Cradle socket
This is probably the best known technique for holding a newborn and a great way to look him in the eye; it is also the easiest and most natural one. You will do better when the baby is swaddled. Here's what to do:
- With the baby lying down, slide one hand under the neck and head and the other under the bottom and hips.
- Open your fingers to the maximum as you lift it towards you, supporting it as much as possible.
- Gently slide your hand while supporting your head and neck and along your back, so that it rests on your forearm against the dimple between your arm and elbow.
- Cup your other hand under your baby's hips and butt.
- Bring it closer to your body and gently rock it back and forth if you like.
Step 2. Face-to-face taking
It is great for interacting with the baby. Here's how to do it correctly:
- Place one hand behind the baby's head and neck.
- Put the other under your butt.
- Hold the baby in front of you, just below your chest.
- Have fun smiling at him and making faces at him.
Step 3. Belly Grip
It's perfect for calming him down when he's upset. Here's how to learn this technique:
- Place the baby's head and chest on your forearm.
- Make sure your head is turned out, near the crook of your arm.
- Stroke their back or give them a gentle little pat with the other hand.
- Always check your head and neck to make sure they are constantly supported.
Step 4. Football grip
This grip is perfect for feeding him, and can be used both sitting and standing. Here's what it consists of:
- Place one hand under the head and neck and rest the baby's back inside the corresponding forearm. You can use your other hand for support under your head until you are settled, making sure your neck and head are always supported.
- Have the baby lean on your side, with the legs stretched out behind you.
- Keep it close to your chest or waist.
- Use your free hand to feed him or to further support his head.
Step 5. Take "hello world"
It is perfect if you have a curious child and want to make them see their surroundings. Here's how it's done:
- Keep the baby's back against your chest so that the head is resting.
- He tucks one arm under her bottom.
- Place your other arm across his chest.
- Make sure the baby's head remains supported by your chest.
- If you sit down, you can put the baby on your lap and you won't need your hand under your butt.
Step 6. Place it against your hip when he is able to hold his head straight on his own
Once the baby has grown, between 4 and 6 months of age, he should be able to support his head on his own. In this case, here's how to keep it resting on your side:
- Place the baby's side against your hip. His right side goes against your left hip for example, so that the little one can look outside.
- Use the arm opposite the one you have the baby on to support his back and butt.
- Use your other hand for extra support under the legs, or to feed it while holding it in this position.
- This grip is very common, but also important and convenient, especially if you have to do other things as well. Learn this technique, use it wisely and responsibly and you will see that it is worth it.
Advice
- You are sitting the first time you hold the baby. This is the best place to start.
- Play and interact before picking up the baby. This way, he will be able to familiarize himself with your voice, your smell and your appearance.
- If you pay attention to the head, you are delicate and scrupulous, everything will be fine.
- Watch someone knowledgeable about babies hold them to learn before you try.
- Babies like to be held and you may have to do this often. The supports for holding babies can free your hands, calm the little one and make household chores easier for you.
- An alternative method could be to hold the baby's head using the side of the arm near the elbow, leaving you free to use your left hand to support his body.
Warnings
- Do not support a baby's head: it could cause permanent damage.
- Do not hold an infant in your arms while handling hot liquids, food, or while cooking.
- When a baby is still unable to sit up on his own, keeping him in the semi-sitting (tummy-to-tummy) position can cause damage to his spine.
- Jolts or other sudden movements can harm the baby.
