It takes a few months before you feel confident holding and carrying your baby. You will only relax once your newborn gains strength, as they are fragile and sensitive in the first months, and improper holding can lead to incorrect development and injury. Even if you are an experienced parent, holding a newborn may initially seem unfamiliar or even completely daunting.
Ways to Carry Your Baby:
– Place the baby on their back, and put one of your hands along their head and body. Always support your newborn with the other hand.
– If the baby has colic, place your hand the same way but turn the baby onto their stomach. Although this might seem uncomfortable and demanding, it has been shown to help with colic.
– Place the baby on your shoulder; they will be grateful because they can listen to your heartbeat, which will soothe and lull them to sleep.
– Hold the baby in your lap in a lying position by bringing your legs together and placing their body comfortably, supporting their head with your hands. You can gently rock the baby in this position.
– You can carry the baby in a sling as soon as you feel your body has recovered from childbirth.
– A baby should not be carried in a baby carrier before the third month, until their hips mature and they can hold their head independently.
Useful Tips:
- Always check that your hands are clean before picking up the baby. The baby’s immune system is still developing, so any bacteria and viruses you carry can make them sick.
- Carrying the baby starts with lifting them. First, place your hand under their head and the other under their spine. Holding them this way, slowly lift their body to chest level. As long as you support the baby’s head and neck, the position is up to you. There are different holds that you and your baby will enjoy. Some of these positions are also great for breastfeeding and burping.
The baby’s body should be in a horizontal position, and their arms and legs should be free to move. In this position, the baby is lifted and lowered and held during bathing. Additionally, to strengthen the baby’s neck and back muscles, it is recommended to hold them on their stomach from the first day – on your lap while sitting, over your shoulder, or in your arms while carrying them. This is important for the development of your newborn’s spine.
You can also stimulate proper development and turning of the baby by rotating them over their side when lifting them.
- Comfort is one of the most important things in holding a baby. Not only do you want to feel physically comfortable, but you also want to feel confident in your hold. Experienced fathers suggest that it takes about five minutes to relax and confidently hold a newborn.
- When holding the baby, it is very important always to have a hand supporting their head and neck. Babies need time to gain control of their neck muscles to hold their head up on their own. Until that happens, you are responsible for that. This milestone is usually reached around the fourth month of life.
- Do not cook or carry hot drinks while holding the baby. Knives, flames, and excess heat are dangerous and can accidentally cause injuries.
- Never shake your baby, whether playing or expressing frustration. This can cause brain bleeding and even death.
Pay attention to the baby’s mood while holding them. If they are fussy or crying, you can try a different position to see if it is more comfortable for them. You can also try gentle and slow rocking. Keep in mind that the baby’s head should always be turned to allow them to breathe. There is no right or wrong way to hold a baby if you keep these tips in mind.
