Expert Tips on Safely Holding Your Newborn Baby

• Introduction
• Why Should We Learn To Hold A Newborn Baby?
• Things To Do Before Holding A Newborn Baby In Your Baby Holding Hands:
• Types Of Holding A Baby:
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs
• Message From SuperBottoms
• Reference Links

Almost everything changes once you become a parent. Your world starts to revolve around your little bundle of joy, and along with all the love and happiness, you also begin to feel worry. Worry about their weight gain, worry about what they should be wearing, and even worry about holding your newborn baby, who is so tiny and delicate.

Why Should We Learn To Hold A Newborn Baby?

Holding a baby is one of the greatest joys of new parenthood, but it can also elicit much fear. Newborns appear fragile, whether in their tiny fingers or their teetering heads. A mother holding a baby is concerned that they will harm their newborn baby by keeping it in the wrong position. We understand that a mother holding a baby concerns, but newborns are more vital than many parents realise.

While you must handle a newborn with care - and never shake the baby - you will not injure them during feedings or cloth nappy changes if you use gentle, supportive movements. To learn more about what precautions to take while holding a newborn baby and how to hold a newborn baby to ensure proper posture, here are a few things to remember in India's India ’sableCloth Diaper Brand for Baby article.

Things To Do Before Holding A Newborn Baby: Holding Hands:

While a mother holding a baby in your arms might not be difficult, some prerequisites must be considered. Here's outlining the steps to hold a newborn baby safely and comfortably:

These steps provide a general guideline for holding a newborn baby safely and comfortably. Always support the baby's head and neck, keep them close to your body, and maintain gentle handling throughout.

Important note: It is important to properly wash and sanitise your hands before holding a baby. Also, use SuperBottoms XtraHydrating Baby Wipes to clean the baby's bottom. These baby wipes can retain 3.5x more moisture than regular wipes, are 3x thicker than ordinary wipes, and are 100% safe and dermatologically tested for use on your baby's skin while using SuperBottoms UNO Cloth diapers.

Types of Holding A Baby:

Here is a quick list of how to hold a newborn baby and some safe newborn-holding positions to ensure the proper handling of a newborn baby:-

1. The Shoulder Hold: A natural way of holding a newborn baby is by putting the baby on the shoulder while sleeping or not wiggling too much. Lean in and gently pick the baby up by placing your palm under their neck and the back of their head. Place their head on your shoulder, still keeping the palms under their neck and back for support, and stand upright.

2. The Cradle Hold: Another one of the most natural and straightforward baby holding positions, The Cradle Hold, is when you place the baby's head on your arm and wrap the other arm under them to give them a hug kind of hold using both arms. In these baby-holding positions, the baby's head is securely placed over the arm.

3. The Belly Hold: These baby-holding positions, holding the newborn baby, are most suitable for babies suffering from colic and gas. Place the baby in your palm to pick it up for a while. This position works only if the baby is young and does not wiggle much. Also, if you have short arms, your baby might not be comfortable in this position.

4. The Lap Hold: For breastfeeding mothers or new moms who are still recovering, this position works the best, as you need to be seated to hold the baby in a lap hold. Place the baby's head on your knee while sitting with your legs folded. The rest of the body comfortably lies on your lap. If your baby is still not holding its neck upright, you can support the neck with your palm.

This position is also very secure if you need to give the baby medication or drops and need both hands free for a few seconds. This position is also known as the football hold, as you hold the baby's neck like a football, with your lap supporting the rest of the body.

5. The Hip Hold: These newborn holding positions work only after the baby has gained neck control. When the baby gains control of their neck, it becomes easier to pick them up and hold them without worrying too much about keeping them. Placing the baby's baby's baby on the arm and carrying them with the arm while placing the palm behind their back is what a hip hold looks like. This imitates proper chair-sitting newborn holding positions for them.

6. Face-to-Face Hold: Perfect hold for playful interaction with the child; in these newborn holding positions, your baby is face-to-face with you. Support your baby's head and back with one hand while placing the palm of the other hand under their bum.

7. The Chair holds: Babies become more curious about the world and their surroundings when they grow. A chair hold allows them to see what's going on around them. Make them sit on one arm in front of your chest, with their back towards you, and wrap the other arm securely around them. Let them enjoy having a look at the world!

While how you hold your baby depends on the situation, your predominant style will be determined by what makes you most comfortable.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Holding a baby is one of the most rewarding aspects of new parenthood, but it can also be scary.

2. If you use gentle, supportive movements, you will not injure them during feedings or nappy changes.

3. Properly wash and sanitise your hands before holding a baby.

FAQs:

Q1. How to hold a newborn baby?

Ans. When holding a newborn, always support their head and neck with one hand while cradling their bottom with the other arm. Keep them close to your chest for warmth and security.

Q2. Is it necessary to wash my baby's hands before holding a newborn?

Ans. Yes, thoroughly washing your baby's hands with soap and water before handling a newborn is essential to reduce the risk of transferring germs or bacteria to the baby.

Q3. How do I know if I'm holding the baby correctly?

Ans. Ensure the baby's head and neck are supported, and their body is cradled securely against your chest. Watch for discomfort or distress, and adjust your hold as needed.

Message from SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! SuperBottoms brings you doctor-recommended cloth diapers — the best rash-free diapering solution for your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin. Unlike disposable diapers loaded with chemicals, our newborn cloth diapers, when used and washed properly, can help eliminate the risk of diaper rashes. SuperBottoms offers a wide range of safe, skin-friendly essentials for the whole family — including Reusable Cloth Diapers, Diaper Pants, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, Padded Underwear for potty training, SuperSoft Underwear for everyday comfort, Joggers for playful days, and Period Underwear for women. Not just for everyday use, SuperBottoms products also make the best gifting choice for babies — thoughtful, eco-friendly, practical, and loved by parents. Now available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit

Reference Links:

1. healthline.com/health/parenting/how-to-hold-newborn
2. babycenter.com/newborn-baby/how-to-pick-up-put-down-baby