Updated on July 5, 2024
Are you a new parent who does not know how to hold a newborn baby? You don’t need to feel sad about this because most new parents do not know how to hold a newborn baby. We learn everything in life only when we have to face a particular stage. There will be difficulties in the beginning, but you will become an expert within days. In this post, you will find 5 easy baby holds with a demonstration video.
How To Hold A Newborn Baby?
A newborn baby appears delicate and nimble but that shouldn’t hold you back from holding the baby. Holding your baby for more hours a day will surely make your baby less cranky and more cheerful. The frequent warmth of parents will help the baby get a comforting touch when needed.
The essentials of holding the baby include supporting the head and the neck. Make sure the head nape and the spine are confidently held with wide-open hands. The bottom should be supported by the other hand. Whatever position you hold the baby, ensure that your baby’s breathing is not obstructed.
How to pick up a baby?
Slide your one hand under the baby’s head and neck and your other hand under the baby’s bottom. It is better to bend your knees to protect your back and easily pick up the baby. Once you have got a good hold of your baby in your hands, slowly straighten your legs. As you straighten your legs, scoop up your baby and bring the baby close to your chest. When going up or down steps always hold your baby securely with both hands.
How To Hold A Newborn Baby – 5 Easy Baby Holds For New Parents
1. Cradle Hold A Newborn Baby
This one may become your go-to hold, because it allows you to have one hand free at all times, which is really important as a new parent because, as we know, life doesn’t stop just because you have a baby. You still have to get things done.
So what you’ll want to do is start with your left hand on your baby’s rear, your right hand supporting her head and neck, and all you’ll need to do is spin her around and place her right on the inside of your elbow. Allow her back to rest on your forearm. Your gonna be supporting her back that way, and then make sure you’ve got your hand right under her bottom.
2. Snuggle Hold A Newborn Baby
The second hold is called the snuggle hold. This is a great way to comfort your baby if she’s a little bit fussy.
Again, you’ll want to start with your left hand under her bottom, your right-hand supporting her head and neck. You’ll spin her around and bring her in close to your chest. Make sure you turn her head so that her airway is unobstructed so that she can breathe well. She’ll be able to hear your heartbeat, and feel your body’s warmth, and it’ll be a good comforting position for her. You can also move her up onto the lower part of your shoulder while continuing to support her head, and this is a good position for burping.
3. Football Hold A Newborn Baby
The third hold is called the football hold. This one is a favourite of dads everywhere for what I think are obvious reasons. But even if you’re a breastfeeding mother, this is a great way to hold your baby to put her in the perfect position for nursing.
What you’ll do is just start in the standard position again with your left hand on the baby’s bottom and your right hand under her head and neck to support her there. You’ll spin her bottom around, placing her legs underneath your right arm. Allow her back to rest on your right forearm, and continue to support her head and neck with your right hand. You can then let go with your left hand, you can have a hand free. Also, if you’re breastfeeding, you just turn her face in and her body is a little bit towards you, and then she’s in the perfect position for nursing.
4. Face-To-Face Hold A Newborn Baby
This next hold is known as the face-to-face hold, which is a great way to interact with your baby if she’s awake and alert.
All you’ll need to do is, starting from this standard position with your left hand on your baby’s bottom, your right hand supporting her head and neck, just spin her around so that you’re face-to-face. From here you can talk to your baby, you can sing to your baby, you can play with her, and make faces. And this is a great way to connect with your newborn.
5. Belly Hold A Newborn Baby
The last hold we’re gonna talk about today is what’s known as the belly hold. This is a great way to hold your infant in a secure position and give you a hand free for burping.
What you’re gonna do is, again starting in this standard position with your left hand on your baby’s bottom, right hand under her head and neck, rotate her around in your left hand and place her on your left forearm making sure to turn her head so that her airway is unobstructed, and then bring her up to this horizontal position, and you have the perfect position for burping.
Credits: YouTube
Read What Are The Benefits of Breastfeeding For The Mother and Baby
Conclusion
Hope you could learn a few easy ways to hold a newborn baby. Don’t feel anxious or worry much about your parenting skills. We learn everything in life as and when needed. In the beginning, you will find it difficult to drive a car or do any other work. But with proper guidance and practice, you will become an expert in that field. In parenting also you will become a better parent with proper guidance and practice. Remember, everyone was a child, then become an adult and became a parent and grandparent. This is the life cycle. Wish you happy parenting.
Recommended for further reading
Read The Importance Of Breastfeeding
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Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips, a blogger, content writer, influencer, and YouTuber passionate about learning and sharing. Guided by “Simple Living, Creative Thinking,” he believes in the power of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning.