How to hold a baby | The Ultimate guide to baby holding
Can you recall the first time you held your baby; you must have been nervous. The moment you held him, your heartbeat must have been faster than the normal, and you probably have shed a tear. Well, that is totally normal, holding your baby for the first time is a moment of joy and emotions that cannot be explained in words.
Holding a baby is an enjoyable and amusing job. It is essential that you hold a baby in such a way that he does not feel uncomfortable. You might have heard people say that they can hold a baby for hours, and they can. However, there must be times when you would need to do multitasking, and for this, you need to learn different positions to hold a baby. In this article, we are going to tell you how to hold a baby, so that both you and the baby have a comfortable experience.
Things to Consider When Holding a Baby
Before you take your baby into your hands, there are a few things you need to keep in mind for the sake of comfort and safety of your baby.
Wash Hands
The first and foremost thing to do before you hold your baby is to go and wash your hands. The reason is that baby’s immune system is not that strong, so you need to be very careful while touching him; any kind of germ can make the baby sick. Wash your hands with soap at least for 20 seconds, and keep a sanitizer around for the guest in case they are in the mood of holding the baby. Remember, you should wash your hands every time you touch the baby.
Make Yourself Comfortable
One of the most critical things while holding a baby is the comfort of your hold. It is not only a matter of physical convenience but also the self-confidence while you hold him. It is natural to be nervous when you hold a baby for the first time, but as the time will pass, you will get used to it.
Give Support
It is imperative to offer support to a newborn baby’s neck and head at all times. The neck and head muscles are fragile at the time of the birth, so always give support with a hand until the baby develops a head and neck control, which he will develop when he turns 3 to 4 months old. Plus, you need to make sure that you don’t put any kind of pressure at fontanelles, which are feeble spots on the top of the head.
How to Hold A Baby in Different Positions
There is no hard and fast rule to hold a baby. You just need to make sure that the baby is comfortable, and you are not putting an extra muscle while holding him. Here are some of the most famous positions for how to hold a baby.
Reverse-Breastfeeding Hold
If you want to soothe and calm your kid, this position can prove to be very useful. It is excellent for bouncing a fussy baby, and it correctly supports the neck and the head too.
To hold the baby on reverse-breastfeeding position, place the palm of your hand on the front of his diaper. Now, roll the baby onto your forearm, so that his tummy rests against your lower arm and head and neck rest against your upper arm. In order to make sure that the head and neck are getting adequate support, you can use your hand too.
Cradle Hold
Another tremendous yet simple baby hold is the cradle hold. It gives you a natural feel and at the same time, keeps the baby comfortable and safe.
To hold the baby in the cradle position, move your baby parallel to your chest level and move your hand from his bottom-up and give support to his head and neck. Now slowly and gently put his head into the crook of your elbow. Slowly slide your hand from the neck to his hips and bring him close to your body.
Belly Hold
It would not be wrong to say that the belly-hold is the most comfortable hold for the baby, and he is going to love it every time.
Place your baby with his stomach facing downwards right across one of your forearms with his head up towards your elbow. Allow the baby’s feet to land on either side of your hand with a closer angle to the ground. For additional safety and comfort of the baby, place your other hand on the back of the baby. You can also use the belly hold if you want to burp the baby; the pressure placed on the tummy will help in releasing any gas trapped inside.
Hip Hold
Only hold a baby from the hips when he has developed reasonable control over his neck and head. So, this hold is suitable for babies who are three months or older. For this hold, make the baby sit on your hip bones with his face outwards. Wrap your arm of the same side around him. This is a perfect hold if the baby is interested in sightseeing; he will get the freedom to look around.
Shoulder hold
A shoulder hold is very popular among the parents when they want to put the babies asleep. For this natural hold, move your baby slightly up on any of your shoulders with the help of your arm of the same side. Gently place his head on your chest or shoulder. Use your other arm to provide support to his head and neck. This hold makes babies very comfortable as they can hear your heartbeat.
Wrap Up
Babies are precious little beings; they are fragile and must be given comfort at all times. In this article, we have told you how to hold a baby properly, so that you can hold one with all the comfort and safety. We know holding a baby for the first time can be quite confusing, but you have to be confident and give your best shot. And don’t forget to wash your hands before you hold him.
References: