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Carrying

Handling such a tiny little bundle can be quite daunting at first. Here are some tips to help it become second nature.

Picking Up Your Baby

When picking up and carrying your newborn, it’s important to remember that they are yet to develop head control. During those first few months, ensure you support their head and neck every time you lift them up. For example, if your child is lying down, have one hand support their head and the other hand beneath their bottom.

Ways For Carrying Your Baby:

Shoulder carry

  • Keep one hand beneath your baby’s bottom
  • Your other hand will support their head
  • Your baby’s torso should be against your chest
  • Your little one may choose to curl up against your chest or lay their head on top of your shoulder.

Front-facing carry

  • Keep one hand beneath your baby’s bottom, allowing the baby to sit in your hand
  • Place your second hand across their chest, supporting their neck
  • Your baby’s back should be against your chest
  • As your little one develops head control, you may be able to accomplish this with one hand, bringing your arm over or just under their shoulder, across their body and then under their crotch to offer support.

Tummy carry

  • This carry is dependent on the size of your baby and your arm
  • Lay your newborn, face down, across your forearm with that hand beneath their crotch for support
  • Make sure their head is supported by your arm
  • Use your second arm to offer additional support where needed either under the crotch or for their head and neck.

Hip carry

  • This carry is suitable when your little one gets older and has developed head control
  • Rest your baby’s bottom against your hip, with your opposite hand offering support beneath their bottom
  • The arm on the same side can support your baby’s back while that hand holds their head and neck
  • Depending on their size, you may be able to accomplish this carry with one arm when your little one has developed head control. Use your arm on the same side as your hip they’re rested on to support their bottom and back.

Putting Your Baby Back Down

Once again, keep your body as close to baby’s as possible while putting them down. Support their head, neck and back the entire time while lowering them. When they’ve reached the surface you’re lowering them down to, don’t pull away quickly. Allow them to get comfortable first, then gently slip out. With a few light touches and gentle words, you may keep your baby settled.

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