How to Hold a Baby Safely: A Pediatrician-Approved Guide

Key takeaways:

• Cradle hold, shoulder hold, football hold, and lap hold are some examples of baby‑holding positions.
• No matter how you hold your baby, keeping them safe should always be your top priority.
• Be mindful of common mistakes, like bouncing or moving too quickly, or holding your baby when you’re very tired.

Welcoming a newborn is exciting, but it can also feel a little scary, especially when it comes to holding such a tiny, fragile human. Babies are delicate, especially newborns, and learning how to hold them safely is super important.

After reading this, you’ll know exactly how to hold your baby safely, with tips approved by pediatricians. By the end, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable holding your little one every day.

How to Hold a Newborn Baby Safely

The most important thing to remember with newborns is always to support the head. Infants don’t have the neck strength to hold their heads up on their own, and letting a baby’s head flop backward could cause injury.

Here’s how to pick up your newborn:

1. Wash your hands before touching your baby.
2. Slide one hand under the head and neck. This is your most vital support.
3. Place your other hand under your baby’s bottom.
4. Lift gently and slowly while keeping them close to your chest for comfort and security.

In the following sections, you’ll learn different ways to hold your newborn safely and comfortably.

Cradle Hold

The cradle hold is one of the most natural ways to hold a newborn. It’s ideal for feeding, cuddling, and bonding.

In this position, the baby lies on their side across your chest, with their head resting in the crook of your arm and their body supported along your forearm. Your other hand can support the baby’s bottom or gently stroke their back.

Shoulder Hold

The shoulder hold is especially useful for soothing a fussy baby and aiding burping after feedings, as keeping your baby upright helps trapped air rise.

Gently lift your newborn so their body is upright against your chest, with their chin or cheek resting comfortably on your shoulder. Use one hand to support your baby’s head and neck to prevent it from flopping backward. Your other hand supports their bottom to hold their weight securely.

Football Hold

The football hold, also called the clutch hold, is a great option for feeding, especially for mothers recovering from a cesarean section, as it keeps the baby’s weight off the abdomen. It’s also useful for parents who prefer an alternative to the traditional cradle hold.

In this position, your baby is tucked under your arm like a football, with their body along your forearm and their head supported by your hand. This hold allows you to have a clear view of their face and gives extra control over their head and neck.

Lap Hold

The lap hold, sometimes called the sitting hold, is ideal when you want to have your baby on your lap while seated. It’s perfect for gentle rocking or short periods of play and interaction.

Sit comfortably in a chair and let your newborn’s head rest on one of your arms while their bottom rests securely on your lap. Use your other hand or arm to provide extra support if needed.

Passing and putting down your newborn

Move slowly when handing a newborn to someone else. Make sure they have both hands free, and keep one hand under the baby’s head and neck and the other under the bottom. When putting your newborn down, use a flat, safe surface and lower them gently. 

Holding Babies 3-6 Months

Most babies develop enough neck strength to hold their heads up steadily around 3 to 4 months of age. Once they can, they may start to help when being picked up [*]. 

At this stage, you’ll notice your baby becoming more curious, wiggly, and eager to look around. That means your hold should balance support and freedom to move.

Here’s how to pick up a 3–6 month old baby:

1. Wash your hands before touching your baby.
2. Approach your baby calmly and make eye contact so they know you’re about to lift them.
3. Slide one hand under their back and shoulders, while still supporting the head and neck as needed.
4. Place your other hand under their bottom.
5. Gently lift them in one smooth motion, keeping them close to your body.
6. As they gain neck control, allow them to participate by supporting their head, but continue to stay ready to assist.

The sections below show different ways to hold your 3-6 month old baby. 

Upright Chest Hold

The upright chest hold is a favorite for both comfort and bonding. It’s especially helpful after feedings and when your baby needs soothing.

Hold your baby upright against your chest, with their head resting near your shoulder. One arm supports their back and bottom, while the other stays ready to steady their head or upper body if needed. This position allows your baby to look around while still feeling secure.

Hip Hold (with Support)

Once your baby has good head control, the hip hold becomes a practical option for short periods.

Place your baby on one hip and wrap your arm around their torso for support. Your hand should support their back or bottom, while your other hand remains free or ready to help if they shift suddenly. Because balance is still developing, avoid this hold if your baby is very tired or fussy.

Seated Lap Hold

The seated lap hold works well for playtime, reading, or face-to-face interaction.

Sit comfortably and place your baby on your lap, either facing you or facing outward. Use your hands to support their waist, chest, or back. This position encourages social interaction while still keeping your baby safe. 

Passing and putting down your 3-6 month old baby

Make sure the person receiving your baby has both hands free, and keep one hand supporting the back or torso and the other under the bottom. When putting your baby down, choose a flat, secure surface and lower them slowly, while keeping one hand on their upper body. 

Holding Babies 6+ Months

By six months, many babies have strong enough neck and back muscles to sit with support and explore their surroundings more actively. They may reach for toys, twist, or lean suddenly. This is why you’ll need to keep a hand nearby to steady them.

Here’s how to pick up your baby when they’re 6 months and beyond: 

1. Wash your hands before touching your baby to keep them safe from germs.
2. Squat or sit if needed, so you’re closer to your baby and avoid lifting from a distance.
3. Place one hand under their chest or torso to support their upper body.
4. Slide your other hand under their bottom for full support.
5. Lift slowly and steadily, keeping the baby close to your chest.
6. Adjust your hold depending on the baby’s movements.

You can try different holds that provide and a little freedom to explore. Here are some recommended ways to hold your baby 6 months and beyond.

Seated Lap Hold

At this age, babies can sit more steadily on your lap and even turn to look around. Place your baby on your lap, facing you or outward, and keep a hand lightly on their waist or back. Unlike younger babies, they can safely explore a little with minimal support from your other hand.

Hip Hold

This hold is ideal for carrying short distances or giving your baby a new perspective of the room. Wrap one arm around their torso for support, but you can allow a little movement since their core muscles are stronger.

Upright Chest Hold

Holding your baby upright against your chest is still comforting and practical, especially after feeding or when soothing them.

With better neck control, you don’t need to constantly support their head, but keeping a hand near their upper body helps steady them if they twist or lean.

Passing and putting down your 6+ month old baby

Babies 6 months and older are more active and can twist or lean unexpectedly. When handing them to someone, support their torso and bottom securely. When placing them down, use a flat, steady surface and lower them carefully. Keep a hand near their upper body to keep them safe and steady.

How to Hold a Baby After Feeding

After a feeding, it’s best to keep your baby upright for 20–30 minutes to aid digestion and reduce spit-up. Hold them against your chest or shoulder, while supporting the neck and back with one hand and the bottom with the other. Gentle back pats can help release trapped air, but avoid bouncing.

If you use a baby carrier or wrap, make sure your baby stays upright and their head and neck are fully supported. Babywearing can keep your hands free while still holding your baby safely after feeds.

How to Hold a Baby with Reflux

Babies with reflux have what doctors call gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This happens when milk or stomach contents come back up from the stomach into the esophagus. It’s very common in infants and often shows up as frequent spitting up, though it usually gets better as the baby grows older [*].

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While it’s important to follow best practices, it’s equally helpful to know what to avoid. These missteps can make holding your baby less comfortable or even unsafe:

Not supporting the head and neck properly

This is perhaps the most important mistake to avoid, especially with newborns. A newborn’s neck muscles are not yet developed, which means they cannot hold up their own head.

If their head is left unsupported, it can flop backward, forward, or to the side, and may potentially cause strain or even injury. Even quick movements can be risky if the head isn’t properly supported.

Every time you lift, hold, or pass a newborn, one hand should always cradle the head and neck while your other hand supports the baby’s bottom.

Bouncing or moving too quickly

Gentle movement is fine, but abrupt or vigorous motions can startle a baby, worsen reflux, or cause discomfort after feeding. Newborns and young infants are particularly sensitive to sudden movements. Make sure you handle your baby calmly and deliberately.

Holding your baby when you’re very tired

Parenting is exhausting, especially in the early weeks, but holding your baby while drowsy can be risky. Even a brief lapse in alertness can cause your hands to slip or your baby to roll unexpectedly.

In the hospital, let the nursing staff know if you’re feeling sleepy. At home, it’s best to put your baby in their crib, bassinet, or another secure sleeping area as soon as you notice fatigue setting in.

Ignoring health precautions

Newborns are fragile, and even small health slips can matter. Always wash your hands before touching your baby to keep germs away, and avoid kissing them if you have a cold sore. For babies with reflux, holding them upright after feeding can help reduce spit-up.

The Takeway 

Parenting comes with a steep learning curve, and handling a tiny, fragile newborn is no exception. Following simple safety guidelines helps keep your baby secure, and each hold is a special opportunity to enjoy these early moments together!