How to hold a baby

HOW TO HOLD A BABYFirstly there are two important things to consider when holding a newborn baby. One is not to be frightened. Newborn babies are more robust than they look. However having said that, it is vitally important to support your baby’s head, neck and back at all times. A newborn baby has very little muscular strength at this age.Place both hands under your baby. Put one hand under your baby’s bottom and the other behind your baby’s head andneck.Slowly lift your baby until he is facing towards you. Slide your baby’s head along your forearm until his head is secure in the crook of your elbow.Place the other arm through your baby’s legs until your hand is supporting your baby’s bottom.To replace your baby just reverse the way you picked him up sliding his head back along your forearm and placing him carefully back down.A position slightly more appropriate for a baby of about 5 months and not recommended for newborn babies is as follows.(from lying down)Place both hands at each side of your baby’s body and under their arms.Slide your fingers upwards until they meet underneath your baby’s neck just to give him that extra support.Slowly lift your baby until he is facing towards you. Move him gently to the side of your strongest arm and sit him on your hip.Place your strongest forearm and hand underneath your baby’s bottom and your other hand firmly against his back.A couple of safety tips to remember when holding a baby is firstly be aware of any sharp items of jewellery you may be wearing such as watch straps, rings or bracelets which might scratch or harm your baby. Secondly always support your baby’s back with a strong hand. A baby of Louis’ age is likely to lurch back or lean forward posing a danger to his head especially when walking through doorways.There are lots of different ways to hold a baby. I have only showed you a couple. It is all about confidence and trusting your instincts to find the most comfortable position for both you and your baby.Special thanks to Lucy Sengelow