How to Lift and Hold Your Baby

• Provide support: In its early months, your baby will not have head and neck control. Support his head and neck at all times. Never lift (or swing) him by the arms; always lift using the torso.
• Never shake: Never shake your baby. Avoid roughhousing such as tossing in the air or vigorous bouncing. It can cause whiplash, eye injury, brain damage, and even death.
• Don’t startle: Your baby may be scared by the new sensation of being lifted through the air. To avoid startling, speak to him before lifting, then slide your hands underneath him and leave them there for a moment before lifting him up.

How to Lift Your Baby

• Face-up lift: Slide one hand up your baby’s back until your hand is supporting his head and neck. Use your other hand to support his bottom and legs.
   
  
• Face-down lift: From behind, slide one hand under your baby’s chest so that your thumb and pointer finger support his chin and neck. Slide your other hand around your baby’s bottom.
   
  

How to Hold Your Baby

• Cradle hold: Hold your baby’s legs and bottom with one arm and use your other arm to support her head and neck with your wrist and forearm. The cradle hold can also be used as a breastfeeding hold.
   
  
• Cross-cradle hold: Rest your baby’s bottom in the crook of your arm. Place your forearm along her back, supporting her head and neck with your thumb and index finger. The cross cradle can also be used as a breastfeeding hold.
   
  
• Face-front hold: Hold your baby against your chest by placing one hand across her chest while supporting her bottom with your other hand. The face-front view allows your baby to see the world.
   
  
• Hip hold: The hip hold should be used only with older babies who have head and neck control. Sit your baby, facing toward you, on one of your hips. Curl your arm around her to hold her in place.