How not to hold a newborn baby

Q: What should you not do with a newborn?

Its inevitable you wont do everything just right, but read on and you can cross these common mistakes off your list..

Q: What is the proper way to hold a newborn?

Always support your newborns head and neck. To pick up baby, slide one hand under babys head and neck and the other hand under their bottom. Bend your knees to protect your back. Once youve got a good hold, scoop up your baby and bring baby close to your chest as you straighten your legs again.

Q: Can you over hold a newborn?

Contrary to popular myth, its impossible for parents to hold or respond to a baby too much, child development experts say. Infants need constant attention to give them the foundation to grow emotionally, physically and intellectually.

Picking up a newborn baby

Índice Show

Picking up a newborn baby
Holding a baby and cradling a baby
Shoulder hold and safety tips
Languages other than English
What should you not do with a newborn?
What is the proper way to hold a newborn?
How long should you hold your newborn?
Can you over hold a newborn?

Take care with your newborn’s head, especially around the fontanelles. Always support your newborn’s head and neck.

To pick up baby, slide one hand under baby’s 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 baby close to your chest as you straighten your legs again.

Holding a baby and cradling a baby

Make sure your baby’s head is resting against your chest. Slide your hand up from baby’s bottom to support their neck.

Gently move your baby’s head to the crook of your arm, still supporting baby’s neck. Place your other hand under baby’s bottom.

Using the cradle hold lets you look at your baby. You can smile and talk to baby.

Shoulder hold and safety tips

Shoulder hold: rest baby on your chest and shoulder, supporting baby’s head and neck with your hand. Place your other hand under baby’s bottom.

Keep your baby safe: never hold hot drinks or cook while you’re holding baby. Always hold baby securely when going up or down steps.

Help children and older people if they want to hold your baby. Ask them to sit down, then gently place baby in their cradled arms.

Languages other than English

Arabic (PDF: 350kb)
Dari (PDF: 346kb)
Dinka (PDF: 348kb)
Hakha Chin (PDF: 271kb)
Karen (PDF: 354kb)
Persian (PDF: 345kb)
Simplified Chinese (PDF: 349kb)
Swahili (PDF: 306kb)
Tamil (PDF: 423kb)
Vietnamese (PDF: 311kb)

What should you not do with a newborn?

It's inevitable you won't do everything just right, but read on and you can cross these common mistakes off your list..

Car seat safety. ... .

Back to sleep. ... .

Not feeding on demand. ... .

Not burping baby properly. ... .

Failing to pre-burp. ... .

Mistakes in mixing formula or breastfeeding. ... .

Not enough tummy time. ... .

Under- or overreacting to a fever..

What is the proper way to hold a newborn?

Always support your newborn's head and neck. To pick up baby, slide one hand under baby's 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 baby close to your chest as you straighten your legs again.

How long should you hold your newborn?

The longer you hold your baby, the better. Any amount of time is good, but it is best to try for at least 1 to 2 hours each day.

Can you over hold a newborn?

Contrary to popular myth, it's impossible for parents to hold or respond to a baby too much, child development experts say. Infants need constant attention to give them the foundation to grow emotionally, physically and intellectually.