How to Hold a Newborn Baby (5 Ways)

When my son was born, I didn’t have the confidence to hold him properly.

I was afraid that I might break his neck or something, as he is as soft as jelly.

The video below will show you 5 ways to hold a newborn safely.

5 Ways To Hold a Newborn Baby

  • Cradle hold
  • Snuggle hold
  • Football hold
  • Face-to-face hold
  • Belly hold

1. Cradle Hold

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Cradle hold allows you to have one hand free at all times to do other endless things.

  • Left hand on your baby’s bottom,
  • Right hand supporting the head and neck,
  • Spin them around in that left hand and place them on the inside of your left elbow, allowing them back to rest on your forearm,
  • Make sure your left hand is under their rear.

2. Snuggle Hold

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Snuggle hold is a great way to comfort your baby when they are fussy, they will be able to hear your heartbeat and feel your body warmth.

  • Left hand under the bottom,
  • Right hand supporting their head and neck,
  • Spin them around and bring them close to your chest.
  • Make sure their airway is unobstructed.

3. Football Hold

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Football hold is good for nursing position.

  • Left hand on your baby’s bottom,
  • Right hand supporting their head and neck,
  • Spin their bottom around placing their legs underneath your right arm.
  • Allow her back to rest on your right forearm and continue to support her head and neck with your right hand.
  • You can then let go with your left hand.

4. Face-to-face Hold

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Face-to-face hold is a great way to interact with your newborn. You can talk to your baby, sing to them or just play with them.

  • Left hand on your baby’s bottom,
  • Right hand supporting their head and neck,
  • Spin them around so that you are face to face.

5. Belly Hold

Belly Hold allows you to have a hand free for burping in a secure position.

  • Left hand on your baby’s bottom,
  • Right hand supporting their head and neck,
  • Rotate them around in that left hand, supporting her head and neck the whole way.
  • Place them on your left forearm, making sure to turn her head so that their airways are unobstructed, and then bring them up to a horizontal position.

With practice, you will be an expert in no time!

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