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There's nothing quite so lovely as snuggling your new baby, but their tiny size can be a little intimidating. How do you hold that wobbly little head? Where do your hands go, anyway? It's not as tricky as you're imagining. Some simple techniques will help you hold your baby securely and confidently, so you can just relax and enjoy all those precious first cuddles.
How to Hold a Newborn Baby
It may feel nerve-wracking to pick up a new baby for the first time, but with the following few simple steps, you'll be more at ease. Here are step-by-step directions for holding a newborn in a position where both you and your baby will feel comfortable and secure.
1. Wash Your Hands
Always begin with clean hands to keep your baby safe from germs.
2. Support the Head and Neck
The neck muscles of a newborn are not strong enough to support their head. Carefully slip one hand beneath your baby's head and neck. Your fingers should cradle the base of their skull, and your palm support his neck.
3. Support the Bottom
Put your other hand beneath your baby's bottom and lower back.
4. Lift Gently
Pick your baby up slowly and gently. Don't move them suddenly.
5. Cradle the Baby
Once your baby is in your arms, still support the head and neck. Hold your baby close to your chest, with the head in the crook of your elbow.
6. Adjust for Comfort
Ensure your baby's body is not twisted but aligned. The face should be visible and clear of any cloth or your arm.
Tip: If you can, use a soft blanket for added comfort, but never cover the face of your baby.
Common Positions to Hold a Baby
| Hold | Purpose | Orientation | When to Use |
| Cradle Hold | Soothing, feeding | Horizontal | Common with newborns, feeding, cuddling |
| Shoulder Hold | Burping, comforting | Upright | After feeding, calming |
| Football Hold | Breastfeeding | Horizontal (side, under arm) | After a C-section, for twins |
| Belly Hold | Relieving gas or colic | Face down, horizontal | When baby is gassy or fussy |
| Lap Hold | Face-to-face bonding, observation | Lying across lap | Interaction, tummy time (light) |
| Upright Hold | Comforting, burping | Upright | General calming, after feeding |
There are several safe and comfortable ways about how to hold a baby. Each position has several benefits for you and your baby.
The Cradle Hold
This is a classic and comforting way to hold a newborn. Rest your baby's head in the crook of one arm, with their back resting on the same forearm. Their bottom and legs can be cradled in your other hand. This cradle is ideal for cuddling, feeding, and rocking your baby.
The Shoulder Hold
This is a common position used for burping. Sit your baby up straight against your chest, with their head on your shoulder. Use one hand to support their head and neck and the other to support their bottom. The gentle slapping on the back in this position may allow trapped air to escape.
The Football Hold (or Rugby Hold)
This hold is appropriate for breastfeeding and can be very comfortable, even after a C-section. Hold the baby along the forearm, with their legs tucked under your armpit. Their body should lie along your arm with their head and neck supported in your hand.
The Belly Hold (or Colic Hold)
This is a comforting position for some infants, particularly if they have gas. Place your baby face down along your forearm, with your hand supporting their head and neck and their stomach on your arm. Keep their mouth and nose clear.
The Lap Hold
Sit down and place the baby across your lap, with his head supported by your hands. This is an excellent position for face-to-face contact and tummy time.
The Upright Hold
Hold the baby upright against your chest, with one hand supporting their head and neck and the other hand under their bottom. This is a position often used for comforting and burping.
What Position Do Babies Like to Be Held In?
Though each baby is unique, most babies like being held close to the chest. This gives them the warmth and sound of your heartbeat, which is reminiscent of the womb. They can hear and feel you, and this reassures them. Upright positions, such as the shoulder hold, are also likely to be favored since they enable the baby to look around and interact with the world when they are awake and alert.
Attending to your baby's signals will inform you about the positions that they prefer most and find most reassuring. If they fuss in one position, attempt another to determine if that will do the trick.
Transitions between holds should also be smooth. Never release the head and neck support of the baby while changing positions. Move slowly and deliberately to avoid startling them.
Practical Tips for Holding a Newborn
Holding a newborn gets easier with practice. Keep these tips in mind to make sure you and your baby are both safe and comfortable.
- Consider a Carrier or Sling. Once you feel confident, a baby carrier can be a great way to keep your baby close while freeing up your hands. The Momcozy WeeSnug Newborn Baby Carrier is designed for safety and comfort, and it offers great head and hip support for the baby. The ergonomic structure gives an even distribution of the weight of your baby, which is gentle on your shoulders and back and keeps your newborn snug and secure. Always follow the instructions to make sure your baby is positioned safely.
- Always Support the Head and Neck. This is the rule number one. A newborn's neck muscles are still weak, and thus, their unstable head requires your complete support at all times. Always keep your arm or hand cradle them.
- Keep Them Snug and Close. Holding the baby close to your body gives them a feeling of security and warmth. It also helps you better carry their body weight and see their subtle cues.
- Relax Your Body. Babies can sense tension. Breathe deeply and let your shoulders relax. If you're tense, try using a pillow for additional arm support when you hold them.
- Move Smoothly and Gently. Avoid making any jerky or sudden movements. Slow and gentle movement won't startle your baby and will keep them quiet.
- Sit Down for Extra Stability. Especially during the first few days, sitting in a comfortable chair as you hold your baby is a very good idea. It gives you extra stability and takes the strain off your back and arms.
- Pay Attention to Their Comfort Cues. Observe how your baby is responding. If they begin to fuss, arch their back, or tense up, they may be uncomfortable. Try to carefully transition them to a different position.
- It's Okay to Take a Break. Your arms will tire! Don't be hesitant to ask for assistance or to put the baby safely in their bassinet or crib for a few minutes. Taking care of yourself is also important.
How Long to Keep Baby Upright After Feeding
Many people wonder how to hold a baby after they've eaten. Keeping your baby upright after feeding helps prevent spit-up and reduces the risk of reflux. Most pediatricians recommend holding your baby upright for at least 15 to 30 minutes after each feeding. During this time, gently pat or rub their back to help them burp. If your baby falls asleep while being held upright, you can gently lay them down after the recommended time has passed.
What If Baby Keeps Crying When Holding Them?
It's normal for newborns to cry, even when you're holding them correctly. If your baby keeps crying, consider these possibilities:
- Hunger. Even if they were recently fed, they might still be hungry. Newborns often feed frequently.
- Gas or discomfort. Try burping them in the shoulder hold or gently rubbing their back or tummy. The belly hold might also offer some relief.
- Tiredness. Overstimulated babies can have trouble settling down. Try holding them in a quiet, dimly lit room.
- Temperature. Check if they are too hot or too cold. Their hands and feet might not be the best indicator, so feel the back of their neck or their tummy.
- Need for a diaper change. A wet or soiled diaper can cause discomfort.
- Overstimulation. Too much noise, light, or activity can overwhelm a newborn.
- Need for comfort. Sometimes, babies just need to be held and reassured. Try gentle rocking or shushing sounds.
- Illness. If your baby's crying seems unusual or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, lethargy, or changes in feeding, it's important to contact their doctor.
It's also worth remembering that sometimes babies cry for reasons we can't immediately figure out, and that's okay. It doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. If you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, try these steps:
- It's okay to gently place your baby in a safe and calm environment, like their crib. Lower the lights and reduce noise to help your baby settle.
- Try a different position. Your baby might be uncomfortable and prefer another way of being held.
- Gently rock or sway. Movement can be soothing for newborns.
- Offer a pacifier. Sucking can help calm some babies.
Finding Your Confidence in How to Hold a Newborn
Don't worry if holding your newborn feels a little clumsy at first—it does for everyone. Soon, you won't even have to think about supporting that wobbly head; it will become second nature. You'll quickly discover the holds that soothe your baby best and find a comfortable rhythm that works for you both.
