How to hold a newborn baby

Why are parents nervous to hold newborns?

It is very normal for new parents to be nervous about holding newborn babies. With their tiny size and lack of muscle strength, it can feel daunting at first. Common reasons  include:

• Fear of accidentally hurting the baby
• Inexperience with newborns
• Concerns about properly supporting the baby’s head and neck
• Worried about dropping the baby
• Feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for a newborn

Safe newborn hold positions

Cradle hold

In the cradle hold, your baby's head rests in the crook of your arm while your hand supports their bottom. Your other hand can offer extra support to their back or head.

Football hold

Your baby is tucked under your arm like a football, with their head resting on your hand and their body along your forearm. The football hold is a popular breastfeeding position, especially for mothers who have had a C-section, are breastfeeding twins, or experience a strong milk let-down.

Shoulder hold

In the shoulder hold, your baby's head rests on your shoulder, with your hand supporting their neck, back, and bottom.

Lap hold

In the lap hold, your baby lies across your lap with their head resting on one knee and their body supported by the other knee. This position is often used for burping.

Belly hold

The baby lies face down along your forearm, with your hand supporting their chest and your arm cradling their belly. Putting pressure on their tummy can help with gas relief.

Face-to-face hold

You hold the baby upright facing you, using one hand to support their head and neck and the other to support their bottom. This hold is helpful for bonding and interaction.

Safety considerations when holding a newborn

• Newborns do not have the muscles to support their heads. Always support their head and neck to prevent injury.
• Newborns have delicate bones and muscles and require gentle handling.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid bumping the baby’s head or body against door frames or tough objects.
• Ensure a secure but gentle grip to prevent accidental drops.
• Wash your hands before touching newborns. This protects them from infections and illnesses.
• Never shake a newborn to calm them down. Shaking can cause serious brain injuries (Shaken Baby Syndrome).

Common mistakes when holding a newborn

• Not supporting their head and neck in an upright position
• Holding your baby away from your body
• Carrying your baby by their arms or legs
• Shaking or jerking the baby, even playfully
• Placing your baby in your lap without support
• Breastfeeding without support

How do you put a newborn down safely?

Support the head and neck, and slowly lower the baby onto a firm and flat surface. Keep one hand under your baby’s head until it’s fully supported by the surface. If you are practicing tummy time, make sure your baby's face is turned to the side and not flat on the floor.

Tips for holding a newborn

• Relax and enjoy the moment
• Talk to your baby and make eye contact
• Support your baby's body and head
• Try different holds to find what works best for you and your baby
• Ask for help

Hold positions to calm your baby

• Colic hold: Lay your baby face down along your forearm, with their head resting in your hand and their legs straddling your elbow. This position can help relieve gas and discomfort.
• Shushing hold: Hold your baby upright against your chest, support their head and neck, and gently sway or rock while making a shushing sound.
• Swaddle hold: Swaddling your baby in a blanket before picking them up can provide comfort and security and mimics the womb.
• Kangaroo care: Skin-to-skin contact, where the baby is held against your bare chest, can be soothing and calm a crying baby.
• Bouncing hold: Hold your baby upright against your chest and gently bounce or sway. This rhythmic motion can be calming for a baby.
• For extra help: Use a baby carrier to keep your baby close for comfort