New parents may feel uncomfortable when holding their babies for the fear of hurting or crushing their soft and delicate bodies. As mom and dad you need to hold and cuddle your baby as much as you can to make them feel secure and comfortable.

There are many ways of holding your baby and some of these are mentioned below.

Holding your newborn baby is a tricky task especially because the baby’s head is wobbly and needs your support. Therefore, hold him firmly under her bottom with one hand and support her head and neck with the other. Bring her 12-18 inches near your face and engage her attention with a smile or a cooing conversation.

Cradle hold is a nice way to rock your baby and put her to sleep. Keep your baby’s head in the crook of your arm and wrap the baby’s body with the other arm for a firmer support.

The Belly hold is great for babies experiencing colic. Place the baby chest-down on your fore-arm with her head tilted to one side on your palm. Let her legs straddle your upper arm. Place the other hand on her back or between her legs for a firmer grip.

When your baby grows up a little and she can control her head and neck, the Hip hold is a great way to hold her. Make your baby sit on one of your hip bones facing outwards and circle her waist with the same side’s arm. This will leave your other hand free to carry on your chores while the baby can look around.

The Shoulder hold is one of the natural ways to hold your baby. Lean the baby up on your shoulder and wrap the arm of the same side around her bottom, support her back and head with the other hand. Babies like to sleep in this position. They can also watch the world over your shoulder while awake.

The Astronaut position is a fun way to hold your baby and interact with her. Sit down with your knees propped up and lay the baby face up with her head on your knees and her feet on your tummy.

Try holding your baby in new positions and see which ones she likes the most. If she squirms in a position change it.