According to 150 StatCan, there were 383,102 births in Canada, in 2016.
Newborns are precious and very delicate when you are first born, which is why you need to familiarise yourself with how to hold your baby correctly.
Our guide will help to give you more insight into how to hold a baby, whether you want to embrace your baby with a snuggle hold or a face-to-face hold.
How to Do the Snuggle Hold
The first step to the snuggle hold is confidently and calmly pick up your baby. Babies can sense if you are uncomfortable, so make sure you are confident with your abilities.
Then you need to support the babies head with one hand and support his/her bottom with your other hand. Make sure you are gentle when holding your babies head and neck, because your baby can’t hold up their own head, so you need to support their head.
Rest your baby against your chest. Babies are instantly comforted by hearing your heartbeat, so this will help to soothe your baby. Remember to keep your one arm under your baby and the other supporting his/her head.
Holding your baby in the snuggle hold can bring great comfort to your baby and can be a great way to entertain your baby, either by reading or singing etc.
Listen to your baby, if he/she doesn’t seem happy, then you might need to try holding them in a different position. When you need to switch hands or change position, make sure you always keep one hand on your babies head.
How to Do the Face-To-Face Hold
The face-to-face hold allows you to interact and entertain with your baby. To do this hold, firstly, you need to place one hand behind your baby’s head and neck. This will help to support your baby’s head.
Then you need to place your other hand under their bottom (just like you do with the snuggle hold). Position your baby out in front of you so you can look at one another. This position works best if you hold your baby below your chest.
How to Do the Cradle Hold
The cradle hold is one of the most natural ways that you can hold your baby, and thus one of the most common ways you’ll see other parents holding their babies.
To do the cradle hold, you need to lay your baby down and pick him/her up by sliding one hand under their neck and head. Your other hand goes under their bottom.
Then you need to spread your fingers as far apart as you can, which will help to support your baby. Slide the hand that was supporting their head gently along their back, so that their head is resting in the crook of your arm and elbow.
Keep your other hand underneath your baby’s bottom and then bring your baby close to your body. The cradle hold can be a great way for you to relax your baby, this can be done by gently rocking them back and forth.
To help keep your baby safe when you are out and about research baby carriers.
Parenting Done Right
Parenting can be difficult, especially if you are a first-time parent, so take in as much advice as you can and always make sure that your baby is happy with whatever you are doing.
If you are a new parent, remember that there will be many new challenges, such as buying baby stuff, but just give it some time and you’ll soon become a natural.
