Feeling nervous about holding a baby, especially a newborn, is understandable. Babies aren't as fragile as they seem – but there are some important things to remember when getting ready to hold your baby.
For a newborn, you'll want to provide good head and neck support. Your baby's head is the heaviest part of their body, and their neck muscles aren't strong enough to help hold it up yet.
Advertisem*nt | page continues below
To safely pick your newborn up, support your baby's neck with one hand and their bottom with the other hand. Spread your fingers out wide to give your baby's head and neck the most support possible.
Once you've lifted your baby, hold them close to your body to keep them secure. Continue to support their head and neck with one hand and their bottom and back with another hand or your arm.
When you're ready to set your baby back down, get as close to the surface you're setting them on as possible. Continue to support their head, neck, and bottom with your arms as you lay your baby down flat on their back, and don't release until they're fully resting on the surface.
When you're passing your baby off to someone else, the same basic rules apply: Get close to the other person, continue supporting your baby's head, neck, and bottom, and don't let go until the other person is fully supporting the baby.
Even as your baby's control over their head and neck improves, continue to give them that extra support when picking them up and putting them down. Once they're able to hold up their head and sit with support or on their own (anywhere between 4 and 7 months), you can start picking them up by tucking your hands under their arms and lifting.
Be careful when you're picking up and putting down your baby to avoid accidentally hurting them. It's also important to avoid accidentally hurting yourself when you pick up and set down your baby: Use your arms, legs, and core – not your back – so you don't put too much strain on your body.
Learn more about the best ways to hold a baby.
Advertisem*nt | page continues below
FAQs
If you pick them up by or under their arms, you risk injuring their arms or shoulders. Worse, their head will dangle and could flop around, potentially causing a brain injury. Instead, place one hand behind their head and neck and the other hand under their bottom. Gently scoop the baby up toward your chest.
How to safely pick up a newborn? ›
Always support your baby's head and neck. To pick up your baby, slide one hand under their head and neck and the other hand under their bottom. Bend your knees to protect your back. Once you've got a good hold, scoop up your baby and bring them close to your chest as you straighten your legs again.
How to pick up and put down a baby? ›
Once you've lifted your baby, hold them close to your body to keep them secure. Continue to support their head and neck with one hand and their bottom and back with another hand or your arm. When you're ready to set your baby back down, get as close to the surface you're setting them on as possible.
How do you put a baby down safely? ›
Remember to practice safe sleep for babies by always placing your little one on their back when you put them down in the crib for napping or sleeping. Also, make sure that their crib is free of loose bedding, blankets, pillows, and toys. These precautions help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
What is the baby whisperer method? ›
The Baby Whisperer Sleep Method involves a strict day and nighttime routine for babies so that their bodies naturally adjust to bedtime at the right time. It also involves learning the baby's cues and how to communicate with the baby, so that the parent knows when the baby is tired.
Do and don'ts for newborn baby? ›
Here are a few basics to remember:
- Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. ...
- Support your baby's head and neck. ...
- Never shake your baby, whether in play or in frustration. ...
- Always fasten your baby securely when using a carrier, stroller, or car seat.
6. Don't lift your newborn by or under their arms. Your baby's head and neck muscles are very weak for the first few months. If you pick them up by or under their arms, you risk injuring their arms or shoulders.
What is the pick up and put down method? ›
Pick-Up/Put-Down Method
To do this method, you will put your baby down for bed and if they start to fuss, let it happen for a little bit. If they don't seem to be settling down, go and pick them up and soothe them, then put them down (before they fall asleep in your arms). Repeat the process until they are asleep.
How long to hold a newborn before putting down? ›
Wait for signs of deep sleep before laying your baby down. This may take 20-30 minutes. It's normal for baby to fall into a light sleep while nursing and still need additional time to fall into deep sleep. Consider it extra snuggling time!
Is it okay to lift a baby by its arms? ›
To help prevent it, parents and caregivers should never pull, tug, or swing a child by the arms or hands. Always pick up your child from under the armpits and not by the hands or arms. Some kids, though, are just more likely to get nursemaid's elbow, and might get it again even when parents try hard to prevent it.
Put your baby to sleep on his back every time until he's 1 year old. It's not safe for a baby to sleep on his side or tummy. If your baby can roll from his back to his side or tummy and back again, it's OK if he changes positions while sleeping.
How do I teach my baby to get down safely? ›
Knox recommends you teach children to dismount "feet first, head high" as it will offer the best body control. "A baby's head is heavy in comparison to the rest of their body, and also oh so precious," she explans. "Keeping babies on their belly versus back allows them to use their arms to help control their movement."
Where to put a newborn during the day? ›
While cribs are an excellent nap option, you can also use a bassinet, playard, or even a baby carrier, depending on your and your baby's needs.
What is the 5 5 5 baby method? ›
The 5-5-5 rule in postpartum can help new mothers manage their wellbeing. It suggests taking five days in bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed, to be sure you're getting adequate rest. The first five days are intended for a mother to rest in bed, and have skin to skin bonding time with the baby.
What is the 2 3 4 method baby? ›
Two hours after your baby wakes up, put them in for their first nap, then the second one starts three hours after they wake up. Lastly, put them to sleep 4 hours after their second nap ends.
How long to let baby cry before picking up? ›
Ferber's method
“Graduated” basically means that parents are encouraged to put baby to bed when they're drowsy but still awake. Then, you're to let your baby cry for 5 minutes before responding the first time. After that, you may extend the time between responses by 5- (or fewer) minute increments.
Should you pick up a crying newborn? ›
Contrary to some beliefs, young babies can't be spoiled by being picked up when crying. Being held is reassuring and comforting. Babies don't seem to know that they are separate individuals from their mothers until about 6 months of age.
Is there a risk to taking a newborn out? ›
A newborn's immune system is still developing and may not be able to fight off infections. When you are out and about, avoid exposing your newborn to anyone who looks sick. And ask anyone who holds, touches, or feeds your newborn to wash their hands first.
Am I picking up my newborn too much? ›
But if you're the parent of a newborn, don't sweat it, at least not yet. You can't spoil a baby. Contrary to popular myth, it's impossible for parents to hold or respond to a baby too much, child development experts say.
