How to Hold a Baby

It may seem pretty basic, but knowing how to hold a baby properly can avoid everything from a horrid look of concern on mum’s face all the way to baby dropped on head. This simple little “how to” should give you a few baby holding options and so help put you, and then mum, at ease.

Photo Credit: Designlazy.com

Steps

1- For the curious baby, face them forward. Support your baby’s back against your chest by placing one arm under his/her bottom and the other across his/her chest. This position is good for babies who like to see what’s going on around them. 

2- For sitting and eye-contact lay your baby across your lap. Sit with your legs together and propped up and lay your baby on his/her back with its head resting on your knees and its feet on your belly. Holding your baby allows for eye-contact and play.

3- For standing and small babies, hold them in the crook of your arm. This is how you would most likely be handed a baby. Hold the baby in the crook of either arm, with his/her head resting on the inside of your elbow joint and bicep, close to your chest. Steady him/her with the lower part of your carrying arm and your hand on his/her bottom. Use your free arm to give him a bit of extra support where needed. This will allow the baby to curl up in a comforting fetal position.

4- Lay them face down on your forearm to see if they like the pressure on their tummy. Lie your baby face down along your forearm, the side of his/her head in your hand, with its arms and legs straddling. Put your other hand on his/her back. You can also try moving your arm up and down to give him a tummy massage. 

Tips

Holding and carrying babies when intoxicated is highly irresponsible. Place your baby in the care of someone that you trust should you be planning to let loose a little.