For the first time, many young fathers and mothers will be embarrassed when holding their children. How to hold a newborn is the right technique, does not affect the development of the child. Instantly learn how to hold an infant and the correct infant holding positions in stages.
Newborn babies, especially babies in the first 1 month are often very weak and not fully developed. Therefore, right from birth, the baby needs to be taken care of carefully. In particular, holding and holding properly is the first lesson parents need to remember.
Properly holding a newborn baby is not only comfortable, but also greatly affects the development of the baby later. In particular, when being hugged and held, the baby will feel protected, protected, and bonded with the emotional bond between the baby and family members. So what is the right way to hold a newborn?
How to properly hold a newborn is not difficult
The correct holding positions for babies in each stage
For first-time mothers who do not have experience in taking care of babies , they are very clumsy and clumsy when holding children. Most of them instinctively hold the baby without knowing if it is the right technique and the right position for the baby's age. Here are some positions to hold a newborn properly according to each stage of mother's development for reference.
How to hold a newborn baby in the supine position
Children's bones at the age of 0 to 2 months are still very weak and vulnerable. Therefore, the correct position to hold the infant at this time is the supine position. This is also the most traditional and popular position, which can be applied while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is the most common way to hold babies
In this position, the mother will hold the baby in a horizontal position so that no pressure is put on the child's spine by supporting the baby's head, back, neck and bottom with her hands. To hold your baby in this position, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Use one hand to support the baby's head, the palm of the hand to support the whole head and neck, then use the whole arm to support along the baby's back and use the other hand to support the baby's bottom.
- Step 2: Use both hands to slowly raise the baby to chest level and close to the mother so that both the baby and the mother feel most comfortable.
Of all the ways to hold a newborn, this is the safest and easiest to do. This position is very convenient for the mother to breastfeed and comfort the baby. At the same time, the mother can also easily hold the baby with one hand and use the other hand to do other things without affecting anything.
Carrying posture
If the baby is under 3 months old, the carrying position is only used when burping the baby because the baby's spine is still very weak, carrying it on the shoulder will cause the weight of the upper body to put pressure on the neck and back. bone loss and curvature of the spine .
With children from 3 months old and above, at this time, the child can roll more proficiently and firmly, so the mother can change to holding the infant in the carrying position whenever the mother wants. This position is very popular with babies because it can both burp, see more of the surrounding scenery and reduce pressure on the arm of the person holding it. The lifting steps are carried out as follows:
- Step 1: Use one hand to support the baby's head, the other hand to support the bottom to hold the baby up to the mother's chest.
- Step 2: Gently hold the baby close to the mother and gradually raise the baby's body.
- Step 3: Slowly lift the baby's head and shoulders to the mother's shoulder, one hand supporting the baby's back. Make sure your baby's neck and back are in line. Note, the mother should lean back slightly so that the baby has a safer fulcrum.

Carrying position for babies who are already strong or when burping
Note, with the way of carrying a newborn, the mother should leave the other hand behind the baby's back or let go freely but should not hold and work at the same time because the hyperactive child is easy to lean back, which is very dangerous if the mother cannot react. timely.
Armpit holding position (hip-carrying)
This way of holding babies is only suitable for babies over six months old. When the baby's body is stable, can sit and crawl, the way of holding is also more diverse. With this position, the baby's face will be turned forward, place the baby's hips opposite the carrier's hips, then wrap your arms around the baby's waist and hold the baby tight. With your other hand, you can feed your baby or do other chores, but be ready for any eventuality.
Carrying armpits with children over 10 months
How to hold an infant facing out (holding a jar of wine)
This is how to hold a newborn baby with a stiff neck. When holding the baby's entire head and back, he will lean close to the mother, the baby's face is facing out, one hand is wrapped around the baby's belly and chest, the other hand is supporting the buttocks. This position helps children observe everything around and easily talk to the opposite person.
Holding a bottle of wine helps children easily observe the opposite person
Instructions for holding a newborn baby in the right face-to-face position
Completely different from the standing position, the face-to-face holding is the way to help mother and baby communicate very effectively. To hold your baby, place your hand behind the baby's head and neck, and use the other hand on the baby's torso and hips. Raise your baby to chest level and talk to him to make him feel secure.
Face-to-face pose helps mother and baby connect more
Some notes when holding a newborn
- Keep away from dangerous objects when holding your baby.
- Observe the child's reaction carefully to see if the child is upset or not.
- Try to talk softly to reassure and make your baby happy.
- Wash your hands and change into clean clothes before holding the baby.
- Do not carry the baby too high or in an inappropriate position.
- Focus and hold the baby firmly, especially babies over 6 months who start playing when being held.
- Limit movements that are too fast and strong with newborn babies.
- Babies' bones are still very young and weak, if you don't understand how to hold a newborn, you can make your baby uncomfortable, even affecting the baby's skeletal system.
Above are the most common and technically correct ways to hold a newborn baby. Hopefully with the above knowledge and instructions, parents will no longer be awkward when holding their baby and taking care of a newborn for the first time.