There are many ways to hold and cradle your new baby. If you’re a bit uncertain, here are a few tips on how to hold your baby. The different ways you can hold them will vary depending on your mood and your baby’s – so don’t be surprised if you find yourself switching holds around at different times in the day.
Rock-a-Bye Baby
The rock-a-bye baby hold is exactly how it sounds. You hold them in the crook of your arm and slightly inclined. You can steady her with your arm and your hand and your free arm is there to give support to the baby and to your other arm. This is a very snug and secure method of cradling your baby and it gives them the comfort of the fetal position not to mention allowing them to be nestled up to your chest.
Colic Clinch
The colic clinch is a great way to help relieve gas. You lay the baby facedown along your forearm. You lay the side of his head against your hand and his arms and legs hang down, straddling your arm. You can pat his back or rub his back in soothing motions. This can help them burp and relieve pressure in his tummy and lower body.
Back Hold
You support the baby’s back against your chest with your arm under his bottom and the other under his chest. It’s almost like being a chair for them. This is a great way to let your baby look around at the world while you are wandering through a store or other area. It’s also a great way to distract baby when you are trying to talk to someone else and the baby is banging his or her hand on your face or trying to yank all of your hair out.
Liftoff
The liftoff lets you lay the baby on your lap with his or her head cradled against your knees and his feet pressing against your tummy. This is a great way to feed your baby a bottle if they are bottle-fed or just let them lay there and interact with you. It’s good to keep your hands free in case the baby is ready to go for a roll or is feeling squirmy. But the liftoff also frees your arms up from the work and your baby has a great view of one of their favorite sights: you.
How do you like to hold your baby?
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