How to Pick up and Hold a Newborn in Your Arm
In this article and the video below I show you how to pick up and hold correctly a 0-4 month old child (infant) in such a way as to support effectively the little headnot create postural asymmetries and promote the digestion correct.
In the video courses section find out how to favour the improved motor development of your baby, from birth to independent walking, solving colic and reflux, and much more.
1. How to pick up a newborn baby: the little head
In the first two months of life, the muscle tone of the infant's neck is minimal.
Her little head weighs a lot and there is not enough muscle strength to support her properly.
That is why, when you have to pick up an infant, it is crucial to support it properly.
When you pick up your child, the little head is the first and most important thing to hold.
Once the newborn is lying supine, slide your hand behind his neck, at the base of his head; make sure his little head is fully in your hand.
Only then, gradually lift the infant to position your second hand behind the back and under the bottom.
2. How to hold an infant: supporting the pelvis and back
After gently lifting the baby's head with your right hand, slide the other one down the baby's back to the pelvis.
Position it straddling your baby's bottom and lower back; this way you can lift your baby easily without overstretching him or her.
The force that supports the baby is distributed equally between your right hand (which supports the baby's head and neck) and your left hand, which supports the pelvis and back.
3. How to hold your newborn baby: correct posture
Once you have picked up your newborn baby, take care not to mainly use your hand under the baby's bottom.
Make the most of the grip under the head and with the lower part of your right hand, apply light pressure on the back to distribute the load.
The child should not have a flexed back when held, but should remain perfectly aligned and upright (see video).
4. Massaging the newborn baby while holding it
When you hold your baby in your arms, chest to chest, you can perform a fantastic back and neck massage.
It is called Osteo-Massage and aims to relax the muscles of the spine and promote the best postural development of your child, from birth to independent walking.
You can find it in the video course section at this link (click here).
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