Carrying Baby

Carrying baby, lifting and holding her (especially a new born) needs a lot of care and attention. Her head and neck are very weak and have to be supported. Lifting and holding a baby properly ensures a sense of protection for the baby.

Make the baby aware of your presence by talking to her before you try to lift her. You can also use eye contact to let her know that you are with her. If your baby is lying on her stomach, place one hand on her neck under the chin and the other under her bottom. However, it is best to avoid allowing a baby to lay on her stomach. If your baby is lying on her back, place your arms behind her neck and back when you lift her.

Different ways of Carrying Baby

• If you find it easier to carry baby on your front, place one hand on her bottom and the other on her chest. Remember to hold her close to your body. This is called the front-face carry. Alternatively if you prefer to carry her on your shoulder, use one hand to support her head and neck. Use the other hand to support her bottom. Make sure that the baby does not move her head too much when you carry her. This is called the shoulder carry.
• You can consider using a sling to carry baby. But the sling should be made of a material that does not tear. Also, ensure that there is no way for the baby to slip through the holes made for her legs. Since the sling resembles a cradle, this method is called the cradle carry.
• Another option is resting your baby's bottom on your hip and hold him close to your body with one arm. This is called hip carry. You can continue your chores with the hand that is free.
• When your baby is about six months old, you can think of using a back pack or front pack to carry her. Do take care to see that you have seated and strapped her properly. The benefits of using a sling hold good here also. This gives a two-fold advantage. Your baby feels warm and secure. Also, you have your hands free for your household chores.

When you decide to lay your baby down on the bed or crib, use one hand to support her head, neck and back. With the other hand, support her bottom. Bend over the crib and continue supporting her head till it rests on the mattress. After her head has rested on the mattress, slowly remove your hand from her bottom. Continue keeping her close to your body as long as you can. This gives your little one a feeling of security and more happiness.

Video on Picking Up a New Born

I would like to use a sling to carry my baby. How can I go about it?

Most slings available in the market are easily adjustable. They contain a sliding ring with a buckle that can be easily adjusted. Alternatively, you can consider designing one at home to meet your specific need.

Slide the sling across your shoulder from over your head. Make sure that the strap of the sling is in a flat position against the shoulder. The buckles and any other attachments in the sling that are used for adjustment must be between your breast and shoulder. These attachments and buckles should not be within your baby's reach so that they harm her. Widen the sling so that it looks like an opened pocket. Lift her carefully by using one hand to support her bottom and the other for her head. Lower her into the sling. After her bottom has rested on the sling, help her rest her back. Once this is done, keep her head on the sling. The head should be at a higher level than the legs.