How to hold your newborn
NEWBORNS appear delicate and fragile, so especially for first-time parents and even relatives, the fear of ‘breaking’ their little bundle of joy could even affect the bonding process.
Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour, said that while she understands the concern of parents and relatives, a baby is not fragile and will not just snap.
“Holding a baby is a natural process for some, but can be associated with some awkwardness and fear for others. This fear and awkwardness can easily be overcome with practice and over time become an eagerly anticipated experience for both baby and caregiver,” Dr Griffith said.
She pointed out that the main principle to keep in mind when holding an infant is that the infant’s head and neck must be supported at all times, as they have a very little head or neck control.
“As infants get older, the head and neck muscles get stronger, allowing for better head control. So when picking up the baby, remember to cradle the head in one hand whilst supporting the buttocks with the other,” Dr Griffith advised.
She highlighted that parents and relatives, especially as they initiate the bonding process, should be mindful of the fact that babies are unique beings, and as such the one-size-suits-all approach for choosing the preferred cradling position does not work.
“Each baby is different and will show a preference for varied positions which may also be mood and need dependent. As such the process of holding facilitates bonding and getting to know baby’s likes and dislikes. Initially, the baby may take some time to settle into a comfortable position, but rest assured once established, it can be a pleasurable and rewarding experience,” Dr Griffith said
Dr Griffith said holding the baby with the head in the crook of your arm and the body supported either by the same hand or the other hand is one of the most popular positions. She said the technique is most common not only because it’s safe, but many babies find it comforting.
Below she shares other safe baby-holding techniques:
1.Cradle the infant with his/her chest against yours while supporting the head and neck with one hand and the buttocks with the other.
2. The football hold involves supporting the head and neck in the palm of the hand with the infant’s body supported along the length of that same arm. The legs are tucked, or fit into the crook of that arm in a similar fashion as American footballs are carried. This is particularly common for mothers to try when they breastfeed.
3. The reverse of the football hold has been known to calm fussy infants. It is called the forearm lift. The infant is placed tummy down on the outstretched forearm with the head resting in the open hand and the legs straddling the arm. It offers an opportunity to stroke or pat the back, and to offer gentle swaying movements which can be soothing.
4. Holding an infant on the shoulder is a common position, and facilitates prolonged standing for the holder. In this position the infant’s buttocks are cradled in the crook of the arm with the infant in an upright position. The head and neck are then supported with the other arm while the chest is supported by the shoulder of the holder.
5. Supporting a seated baby on your lap while seated is a great position to relax with the baby.
Dr Griffith advised parents that an infant’s curiosity for his surroundings can be satisfied by positioning baby’s back against your chest with one arm across the chest and the other arm under the bottom. She said that this gives him/her a chance to look around and interact with his environment, while feeling safe and loved.
