How to Hold a Baby Part2

1. Do the "hello world" hold. 

This is a great hold if you have a curious baby and want to let it see what is going on around it. Here's all you have to do:

· Let your baby's back rest against your chest so that his head is supported.

· Place one arm under his bottom.

· Place the other arm across his chest.

· Make sure that the baby's head remains supported by your chest.

· If you're sitting down, then you can place the baby on your lap and don't need to put a hand under his bottom.

2.Hold your baby on your hip/side when it can support its own head. 

Once your baby has gotten a bit older, somewhere in the 4-6 month mark, they should be able to steadily support their own head! Once your baby has achieved this, here's how you can hold him/her on your hip: (The seemingly most common hold for very young babies and toddlers alike):

· Rest the baby's side (nestled) or midsection (straddling you,) against your side/hip. Be sure to rest the baby's left side or midsection against your right side/hip; or vice versa, depending on which side you wish to hold the baby. Make sure that no matter which side you hold the baby on, you ensure that the baby's head faces outward. (Refer to the photograph above. The mother is holding the baby on her right side/hip, From the baby's left side (straddling) with the baby's head facing forward.)

· Use the arm of your "holding" hip/side to support the baby's legs and back. Add support firmly, yet comfortably, for you and the baby.

· You can use your free hand for extra support under the baby's legs, back, bottom or wherever else the baby may need extra support. You can also use this hand to feed your baby or perform other necessary tasks (so long as the baby does not need extra support and you feel very comfortable with this hold.)

· This hold is very common, important and convenient; especially when you have to multitask. Take time to master this hold, use it safely and I promise, you will be very glad that you did.