Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Chances are you've never held a newborn before your own first baby. Holding her may seem intimidating at first, though it becomes easier as you get the hang of it and as your baby grows and develops muscle tone.

Newborns are floppy creatures whose neck muscles aren't strong yet, and they squirm. If you have trouble finding a comfortable way to hold your newborn at first, and it seems like your baby's crying a lot of (it's an adjustment for her, too), don't worry. In time she'll fit into your arms as if she was meant to be there.

Human infants, like other mammals, need to be touched and held in order not only to be comforted but to insure proper brain development. Neuropsychologist James Prescott believes that early privation -- such as a lack of holding -- results in damaged children who are prone to violence and drug abuse.

A recent study from Michigan State University showed that both mothers and fathers instinctively hold their newborns on the left side.

How to Hold a Baby

• Make eye contact or tell your baby that you're going to hold her before you pick her up so she's not startled.
• Babies, especially newborns, sometimes cry when they are first picked up because they dislike the sensation of being in the air. Put one hand under her neck and head and the other under her bottom half and hug her to you when you lift her.
• Always keep a hand behind your baby's neck when you pick her up and when you hold her to your chest. Keep a firm but gentle grip, as newborns have a startle reflex and may jettison themselves backwards while in your arms, causing their heads to loll.
• You can cradle a baby in your arms, hold her against your shoulder, make one hand into a seat with the other around her chest under her arms and face her frontward, or hold her face down along your hand and arm like a football. She'll let you know which she likes best.
• Even though they're light, newborns are awkward and many new moms find themselves with back pain from holding their babies. Keep a good posture by bending your knees, not your back, when you pick up the baby and keeping your knees bent to support your lower back while you're holding her. Prop up pillows to help support your arms when you hold her sitting down.

Safety Note

Never shake your baby when you hold her, as shaking a baby can damage her brain. If you're angry because your baby's crying relentlessly, put her in a safe place, leave the room, and get help.