X
Table of contents

Safely holding a baby

Feel like sharing?

Holding a baby safely

Picking up and holding your newborn baby can be a nerve-wracking experience to begin with. However, once you master the technique, it will become second nature. Babies love to be held and cuddled, so the sooner you feel comfortable handling them, the better.

The main point to remember is that your baby cannot support the weight of its own head for the first few months, or until its neck muscles become strong enough. This means you will spend most of your time interacting face-to-face with your baby, enjoying lots of bonding and kisses.

Supporting baby's head when lifting. 

Supporting baby's head

Newborns

When your baby is born, it has very weak neck muscles and will be unable to lift or control its head movement for some time. Small babies' heads weigh more than any other part of their bodies - up to a quarter of their weight in most cases. This is why it is so important to support baby's head in the first few months. This means carefully cradling their head, neck and spine in the palm of your hand when lifting or moving them and also only placing them in positions where their head is supported.

When lifting your baby out of their pram or cot, use the following easy method:

Supporting baby's head when burping. 

The first two months

By the time your baby is four weeks old, they should be able to lift their head briefly while lying on their stomach and even turn it from side to side for a few seconds. They may be able to lift their head for a few seconds while on your shoulder - some babies are stronger than others and will have pretty good head control at six weeks.

When in a slightly reclining position in a car seat or lounger, your baby will usually be able to watch you and hold their head upright. However:

Three months onwards

By the time your baby reaches three months of age, they will usually be able to hold their head steadily for longer periods of time. However:

Once your baby is old enough to gain complete head control, you would not need to worry about supporting their neck and head all the time.

If your baby is struggling to support their own head by three months, mention this to your doctor.

10 Most frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do I need to support my newborn’s head when I lift them?
Yes. For the first few months, your baby may not be able to support the weight of their own head. If you pick them up without supporting their head, it will probably flop backwards, distressing your baby and potentially causing injury.
Why do small babies have wobbly heads?
Small babies’ heads weigh more than any other part of their bodies – up to a quarter of their weight in most cases. Babies do not need to use their muscles when in the uterus, so when they are born, they have very weak and undeveloped neck and head muscles.
What is the best way to pick my newborn up?
For starters, be careful of your back when lifting a baby – bend your knees first, then lean over. Then: always slide one hand underneath baby’s head, fully supporting their head and neck; slide your other hand down to support their bottom and lower spine; gently lift baby up and bring towards your chest, while ensuring their head is supported; hold baby against your chest, keeping a hand behind their head and one under their bottom; alternatively, keeping your hand behind their head, gently position baby in the crook of your arm – your inner elbow can provide good support for their head and holding baby close to your body provides comfort; if handing baby to someone else, ensure you keep your hand underneath their head and neck, until the other person has control, and; reverse this process to put baby down on the floor or into their crib, always supporting their head.
Can I put my newborn in an upright stroller?
Upright strollers do not provide any support for your baby’s head and neck, so they are unsuitable until your baby is able to control its head. Some strollers have removable padding, specially designed to support newborns and have them in a reclining position – these are OK for tiny babies.
Is it safe to put my newborn in a backpack baby carrier?
Wait until your baby has head control before using a backpack baby carrier. As they are behind you, you cannot see if they are distressed or if their heads have flopped down against their chests, or worse, backwards.
What are fontanelles?
Fontanelles are the soft spots on your newborn’s head, where the bones of their skull have not fused together. It is OK to lightly touch these when washing baby’s hair or combing it, but protect these areas from impacts when lifting baby.
When will my baby be able to hold up its head without support?
By the time your baby is three months old, they will usually be able to hold their head steady for longer periods of time. Still, take care to support their head if they are still slightly wobbly and provide head support by positioning them in reclining seats, so they can sit back and watch the world go by.
My baby was preterm – will this affect their head control?
In many cases, yes. Preterm babies are often slower to develop physically than their peers. Each baby is unique, but it is perfectly normal for a preterm baby to be a few months behind a full-term baby of the same age.
Is it safe to put my baby on its tummy?
Tummy time is good for your baby and helps them to develop their neck muscles. Start off with 1-2 minutes, two or three times per day. You can build up to 15 minutes a few times daily over the months. Your baby will spend most of its time lying on its back, which can lead to a misshapen head, or flat spots on the back of the head, so tummy time will help prevent this. If your baby does not like tummy time, try laying them across your knee or propping them up with a rolled-up towel underneath their chest.
Can I help my baby to develop their neck muscles?
Daily tummy time is a great way to help exercise a baby’s neck. Encourage your baby to pull themselves upright from lying on their back by holding their hands and gently pulling their arms upwards. Only do this for a few seconds until they build up some strength.

Related topics

Babies and pets

Bringing home a new baby is tremendously exciting, but if you have pets, you may need to do a little preparation ahead of time to make sure that the whole family adjusts well to the new arrival. Some people can be fearful about the risk a pet may pose to a small child, but there is no need to panic and, generally, no need to give up your much-cherished pet. Indeed, having pets around can be a wond

How to bathe a baby

Most babies do not need a bath every day. With their regular nappy changes and face-wiping after feeding, a bath every other day is usually enough. In fact, bathing your baby too often can dry out their skin. Bathing can be done at any time of day and it is best to start with sponge baths and avoid tub baths until your baby's umbilical cord falls off.

How to choose and change a nappy

Choosing the right nappy size for your baby is important to prevent leaking. The nappy should fit snugly and not gape open, even when your baby is crawling and playing. Some nappies have leg leak barriers that further help prevent leakage. As your baby develops, their bowel and bladder movements tend to become less frequent and larger in size, so they will need larger, more absorbent nappies and f

How to clean your teeth

Clean and healthy teeth and gums are essential for good oral health. Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Together with regular dental check-ups and a healthy, balanced diet, your teeth can and should last a lifetime.

About this article

Title: Safely holding a baby

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)

First Published: 14 Jul 2015

Last reviewed: 17 Jan 2022

Category: Information on Safely holding a baby

Average rating: 4.1 out of 5 (1325 votes)

Processing your vote now...

Sorry your vote failed to process.

Rate this report below.

Feel like sharing?

X

Your privacy

We use cookies to improve our website and service. By continuing to browse this website you accept the use of cookies by us and our partners. If you require more information please read our privacy policy and terms and conditions before proceeding.