Bringing a newborn child into your life is an experience laced with happiness, awe and a little nervousness. Out of all the things first-time parents must learn, how to hold a newborn baby typically comes at the very top. Most new parents feel at least a tiny bit unsure about a new child because of how small and delicate the baby is. However, with practice and some patience, one can become proficient in the art of properly handling a newborn.
Now let us discuss newborn holding positions, some helpful tips regarding positions of holding the infant securely, especially the need for head holding in newborns, as well as how not to hold a baby for their safety and comfort. These tips have been crafted keeping Indian parents in mind, considering the culture and involvement of the family.
A Guide to Proper Newborn Holding Positions
Proper support when handling a baby is very important since their neck muscles are weak at the time of birth which prevents them from holding the head and commanding self-independence. This makes proper support crucial. How a baby is held greatly affects how the baby feels. Improperly holding the baby may cause discomfort or soreness, or in some cases could lead to grave injuries. Furthermore, improperly holding your baby can also obstruct the development of a healthy relationship between a parent and their child.
Getting Ready Before Picking Up Your Child
Here’s what you should learn to do before holding your child:
Gentle hand wash: Babies are extremely fragile. Clean hands ensure no germs are passed on.
Comfortable: A baby is calmed and soothed by a steady, gentle disposition.
Environmental check: Make certain that there is nothing that could hinder your grip or balance.
Effective And Non-Risky Ways To Hold Newborns
Some effective and safe ways to cradle your baby include:
The Cradle Position
This position is very popular.
Rest your baby’s head in the fold of your arm.
Offer your hand underneath their bottom for support.
Make sure the head, neck, and spine are in a straight line.
Cradle hold allows you to feed, rock, or simply snuggle with your infant.
The Shoulder Position
This position is good for general soothing and burping a baby:
Put their head on your shoulder.
Palming their head and neck with one hand.
With your other hand, clasp their bottom.
A baby held in this position hears your heart, which can be comforting.
The Lap Position
Good for bonding and staring into each other’s eyes:
Sit comfortably on a chair and gently lay your baby across your lap.
Always use two hands to lift the head, neck, and back.
This position works well during interactive and quiet times.
Football Hold
Place your baby underneath your arm, just like in the football hold with their head on your palm.
Rest your head on your forearm.
This position makes it easy to see and control the baby, and that is why many mothers prefer it while feeding.
The safety of the child while holding their head.
Head holding in newborns requires the utmost care because the infant’s neck muscles are very weak. Keep the following steps in mind while carrying or lifting your baby:
When lifting: One hand should be placed underneath the neck, and the other hand should support the baby’s bottom.
When holding: Raise the baby’s head while making sure the body is straight.
Supporting the head is critical because a lack of support will lead to strain in the child’s neck muscles, which can lead to injury.
What Not To Do When Putting The Baby To Rest
Just like learning how to cradle a baby, learning the things not to do is also important. Here are some of the things to refrain from doing:
With the legs or arms: A baby should never be lifted with their legs or arms. It increases the risk of other serious injuries like dislocated joints.
Unassisted and armless holds: A child can position himself or herself in this hold position, but it can be damaging to their neck and spine.
Knee holds: probably an advanced technique employed by very skilled parents, these should always be practised with two hands for maximum baby security.
Sustained shaking: Shaking a child, even in play, always carries the risk of causing trauma, especially in the skull, which may later result in shaken baby syndrome.
Tips for Newborn Parents That Are Schooling For The Very First Time
Feeling frightened the first time around is bound to happen! Remember, you are not alone. But to ease your nervousness, think of the following:
Warm up with a newborn lookalike for practice: It might prove useful to get in some practice by positioning the doll in the way you would hope to with your infant as a warm-up.
Interview your family for answers: In India, the elderly relatives in the family tend to know more than everyone else, and guess what? They are usually very ready to help.
Join parenting classes: Newborn care classes are available, so do not forget to visit the local hospital or child care centre.
Considerations for Indian Families’ Hands On
In India, the task of raising children is shared among parents and a wide network of relatives. This system is incredibly helpful, but make sure that those who tend to your child do it properly. Here’s some advice that is somewhat non-generic:
Make sure everyone learns: family members and even the helper need to be taught how to carry infants in the right and safe manner.
Control family members during parties: During gatherings, especially religious or festive ones, allow only trusted persons to carry them and do so under sanitary conditions.
Be aware of the customary ones: Avoid the ancient dangerous practices of grabbing from the trunk or performing the excessive rotational motion. Even though swaddling has its advantages, it does not work well if applied carelessly.
Bonding Through Touch
Carrying your baby provides an opportunity to bond besides ensuring that he/she is physically safe. For example, skin-to-skin contact has been shown to help a baby’s body temperature, breastfeeding, and emotional attachment between the parent and child. Such activities should be complemented by talking, singing, or gazing at your baby, which will strengthen the bond even further as time goes by.
Handling Your Baby During Specific Activities
While bathing:
Use a non-slip mat to ensure safety. Always carry your baby with both hands; the head should be supported while the back is rested on your hand.
While burping:
Use the shoulder hold at 90 degrees or support them in an upright sitting position on your lap while lifting their chin and resting it on your hand.
While handing over the baby to someone else:
Always talk to the person receiving the baby first and ensure that they are ready to receive it. Most importantly, make sure that they can grip the baby securely before you let go.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
If your baby seems constantly uncomfortable, for example, is crying/screaming a lot paired with his/her body being stiff, book an appointment with your paediatrician. They should provide what is specifically recommended for your baby.
Conclusion
One of the greatest joys of new parenthood is cradling your baby. Learning how to hold a newborn baby ensures their safety, comfort, and overall well-being. Bear in mind the importance of newborn feeding positions, practice proper head cupping in newborns, and avoid mistakes as discussed in the section on how not to hold a baby. With a bit of patience and practice, you will become an expert in no time.
As EuroKids, our concern is your child’s growth right from the start. This is why we offer a range of nurturing programs tailored for the child’s age, safety, and optimal growth. To find out ways that will make your parenting journey easier, kindly walk into the nearest EuroKids centre today!
