How to hold your baby

Picking your baby up

The most important thing to remember when picking up or holding your newborn baby is to always support their head. A newborn baby’s head (as well as having that lovely newborn smell) is quite large in proportion to their body. Babies also still have very weak neck and back muscles, so they need a little help carrying that heavy head of theirs!

When your baby’s lying down, you can either:

• Use both arms to scoop them up – with one hand under your baby’s bottom and the other hand under their head.
• Or, put your thumbs under your baby’s armpits and spread your fingers up behind to support the head.

Holding your baby

Depending on what you’re doing, you can either:

• Cradle your baby in the crook of your arm, making sure that one arm is under the length of their body and the other is protecting the side facing away from you, so they don’t roll off.
• Alternatively, hold your baby upright against your chest with their head turned to one side. One hand or arm should be under your baby’s bottom, and the other supporting their back and head.
• Remember, your baby is sensitive and can pick up on your feelings, so if you feel confident about holding your baby, your baby will also feel happier and more secure.