Whether you're a new parent or a sibling who's about to hold a new member of your family, learning to hold a baby properly is a very important thing to do. There are several ways to properly hold a baby, from tightly snuggling to face-to-face, depending on how you want to interact with your baby. Remember that you need to be calm and confident before picking up your baby, so that he feels comfortable in your arms.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Hug Meeting
Step 1. Calm and confident before picking up the baby
Babies can often sense when you feel uncomfortable or upset. So calm down. While you need to be very careful when holding them, babies aren't really as fragile as you might think.
Step 2. Support the baby's head with one hand and support the buttocks with your other hand
A newborn's head is the heaviest part of her body, so her head and neck need to be supported carefully. Usually you need to support the baby's head with one hand. Use your arms to lift the baby's bottom. Do this while supporting the baby's head with your other hand.
Step 3. Bring baby's chest close to yours
Hold baby close to your chest so he can rest his head on your chest. Babies will naturally feel comfortable when they hear your heartbeat. Your right hand should support most of the baby's weight, while your left hand supports and protects the baby's head and neck.
Make sure your baby's head is pointing to one side so he can breathe freely
Step 4. Enjoy your relationship with the baby
Holding a baby can be very soothing for both you and your baby. Holding your baby is a great time to sing songs, read books, and entertain your baby until it's time to eat, change diapers or take a nap. You may need to change your hand from time to time. When you change your hand, remember to always support the baby's head with one of your hands.
Listen to your baby. Every baby has a tendency to prefer one position of the carrier. If your baby is fussy or crying, try changing the position of your carrier
Method 2 of 2: Mastering Other Carrying Techniques
Step 1. Carry in a cradle hold position
This position is probably the most used position for holding the baby, and allows you to look at each other with the baby. This position is also the most natural and easiest position to hold the baby. You will find it easier to hold the baby in the cradle hold position while the baby is still swaddled. Here's what you need to do:
- To hold your baby in the cradle hold position, first lay your baby down and pick him up by placing one arm under his head and neck, and the other under his hips and buttocks.
- Open your fingers as you lift the baby closer to your chest so that you can support the baby as best you can.
- Gently slide your hands and support his head, neck and back, so that his head and neck are in line with your forearms, slowly bending your forearms and elbows.
- Don't move your other hand, so that it supports your baby's hips and buttocks.
- Hold your baby close to you and gently rock him back and forth, if you wish.
Step 2. Carry each other face to face
This position is the most appropriate position if you want to interact with your baby. Here's what you need to do to get it right:
- Place one hand behind your baby's head and neck.
- Place the other hand under the buttocks.
- Hold the baby in front of you, just below your chest.
- Have fun teasing your baby.
Step 3. Carry on the stomach
This position is suitable for calming the baby when he is fussy. Here's what you need to do to master it:
- Support the baby's head and chest with your arms.
- Make sure the baby's head is pointing outward, resting on the crook of your arm.
- Pat or stroke the baby's back with your other hand.
- Check the position of the baby's head and neck to make sure it is in a safe and protected position.
Step 4. Carry in a football hold position
This position is suitable for use when feeding him, and can also be used when you are sitting or standing. Here's how to do it:
- Place your hands under the baby's head and neck, and rest his back on the same arm. You can use your other hand to rest your baby's head while adjusting the position. Adjust the baby's position until you and your baby are comfortable as long as you keep their head and neck supported.
- Let your baby snuggle to one side of your body with his legs extended behind you.
- Hold the baby close to your chest or waist.
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Use your other hand to feed the baby or support him. # Carry the baby forward. This position is suitable if you have a baby who is very curious and wants to see what is around him. Here's what you should do:
Hold a Baby Step 9 - Rest your baby's back against your chest so that his head is well supported.
- Place one of your arms under her buttocks.
- Place your other arm across his chest.
- Make sure the baby's head is supported by your chest.
- If you are sitting, then you can put the baby on your lap and not have to support his buttocks with your other arm.
Step 5. Hold baby on your waist when he can support his own head
Once your baby is 4-6 months old, he should be able to support his head on his own. Once your baby is able to do this, here's how to carry him on your waist:
- Place the baby sideways on your waist. Place it so the baby can see ahead.
- Use the arm on that side to support the baby's back and buttocks.
- Use your other hand to support the baby's leg or feed it or do other activities.
Tips
- Sit down the first time you will hold the baby. That way it will be easier for you to do it.
- Play and interact with the baby before holding him. That way the baby will feel familiar with your voice, smell and appearance.
- If you take care of the baby's head gently, and carefully then you will be fine.
- Another method of carrying is to use the side of your elbow to support the baby's head so that your left hand can help support the baby's body.
- Watch someone with more experience hold the baby a few times before you try it.
- Babies love to be held, and you'll be picking them up quite often. A baby carrier can help you soothe your baby and do other chores.
Warning
- Failure to properly support the baby's head can result in permanent injury.
- Do not hold the baby while handling liquids, or hot food, or during cooking.
- Holding the baby in a standing position (stomach to stomach) when the baby can't sit up on his own can injure the baby's spine.
- Shaking or other sudden movements can injure the baby.
