Raising newborns and babies
How to lift a newborn from a crib or stroller? Why is lifting a baby correctly and holding them in the correct position so important? What should you pay special attention to when lifting a newborn or carrying a toddler? Is lifting a baby by the arms or legs a good idea? When can you hold a baby upright? Read our guide and make sure you know how to lift and carry a newborn or toddler.
Childbirth is a beautiful, but also extremely stressful moment for both parents and the baby. This is a huge change in the life of the whole family, which can surprise us - no matter how carefully we prepare for it, both from the theoretical (appropriate reading) and practical (birthing school) aspects.
With a first child, the clash of expectations and imaginations with reality can often be a real shock, but even when a second child is born, parents often face entirely new challenges that are completely different from the experience gained with their previous child or children. Sometimes, it may be necessary to reassess their approach, taking into account current recommendations and medical knowledge. Let's examine the crucial skill of lifting, holding, and carrying the youngest little ones, not just in their arms.
Newborn care: no lifting without lifting
The first months together are a time of especially careful care for the baby:
- feeding;
- scrolling;
- washing;
- dressing;
- undressing.
All of these procedures require turning, lifting , for example, from a crib , holding, and carrying the baby. Performing these procedures skillfully teaches the child proper movement patterns, crucial for their development. All care activities must take into account the child's age and abilities – this facilitates learning new skills and helps them adapt to changing living conditions.
Correct lifting of a baby: why is it important?
It's worth first realizing that the structure and proportions of a newborn or younger infant are different from those of an adult. This primarily concerns the head, which is very large and heavy in relation to the rest of the body . A newborn's spine is C-shaped, so the fetal position is the most natural position for them – this is the position they have most often been in as a fetus in their mother's womb.
A newborn's muscle tone is also distributed differently than an adult's – initially, a toddler has a weak trunk and tense legs and arms (clenched fists). This changes over time, because around 3-4 months of age, a baby's trunk is usually more stable and their limbs are relaxed, making movements less chaotic.
Raising a newborn baby: what not to do?
The physiological rounding of a newborn's spine, resulting from its earlier fetal position, means it shouldn't be held in an upright position at this early stage of development. Lifting and carrying a baby vertically causes their spine to curve unnaturally , which is unhealthy.
When lifting a newborn from a crib , i.e., from a lying position, never pull on their arms or grab them firmly under the armpits . Lifting a baby under the armpits can cause damage to the brachial plexus, which is the nerves and blood vessels in the armpit and shoulder area.
Expert advises
Lifting a newborn and a baby, often and somewhat reflexively, is done by grabbing it under the head and bottom. Unfortunately, such a method of lifting is not good for the child, who suddenly becomes deprived of the support plane, and for the parent (load on the lumbar spine). With such a change of position, the toddler's frequent reaction is the Moro reflex. The lack of coordination of movements in an infant makes it necessary to be prepared, for example, for a sudden throw of the head back or sideways.
It's also a mistake to lift a newborn by their legs when changing a diaper. By grabbing their legs, we pull upwards on the hip joints, which are not yet fully developed , which can negatively impact their continued proper development.
How to raise a newborn baby and baby?
Correct lifting of a newborn and younger infant requires following some important rules:
- We change the position of the child in such a way that it knows what is going on - it should observe the changing environment, see faces and objects moving away or closer.
- It is not advisable to lift a toddler too quickly - a sudden change of position causes a lot of stress and may disrupt the functioning of the labyrinth.
- Raise the child and lower it sideways to the ground.
- In every position and activity, the head is the highest point of the baby's body. When lifting a toddler, raise the head first, and when placing the baby - lower it at the end.
- When turning the child, remember to do it once through the right and then through the left side, similarly with carrying the right hand and the left hand, or putting it on one side or the other.
- In every position in which we put the toddler, both hands should be in the front, in front of the face, free, and at least one leg should be bent at the hip and knee.
When the baby can't hold their head steady yet , to lift them up, we slip our hand between their legs, under their back, and move it further under their head. Then, we turn the baby onto their side, "wrapping" them around our arm. As we lift them up, we secure their body with our other hand, supporting their back. Now we can place the newborn horizontally, in the so-called "bean" position, with their head in the crook of the elbow.
How to raise a newborn baby step by step?
Expert advises
You can do this by grabbing your baby with both hands below the armpits - then place the thumbs in front of the chest, and the tips of the other fingers can secure the head on the back of the head - not on the nape! Holding the baby in this way, first turn it to the side, and then - sideways - raise it up and hug it to our torso. Then we put the child into a comfortable position, for example, "beans", or immediately on the shoulder.
Vertical carrying your baby: the later the better
Babies who can't hold their heads steady (i.e., up to 3-4 months of age) shouldn't be held in an upright position. It's also better to be cautious later in life, as it's harder for a baby to maintain stability in a vertical position, and frequent tilting causes back and neck muscle tension.
Remember that as long as the baby cannot hold the head on his own, you need to pick it up very carefully and carefully. Do not hold the newborn by the back of the head, pressing it against you, as this stimulates the baby into the flexion position. The same toddler reacts when we touch and stroke his neck.
Postural defects or increased muscle tension are just some of the effects of carrying a child vertically - not only a toddler in the newborn period, but also an older infant.
How to properly carry a baby?
Correctly lifting and holding a newborn baby requires focus, delicacy and tender touch. The child and parent must be comfortable and at the same time feel at ease. Due to the disproportionately heavy head and the unstable body, it is very important that:
- provide the child with adequate support;
- constantly control its position - making sure that the handles and feet do not hang limp;
- check that the torso and head are aligned along one axis.
Carrying a Newborn Baby in the Bean Position
The most well-known and common way to carry a newborn is the so-called "bean" position. In this position, the baby's body is horizontal, with the head resting in the crook of your elbow . Of course, some modifications are possible, such as placing the baby diagonally or with their back against your elbow. As your baby grows a little, you can rest their head a little higher, on your shoulder. This position makes it easier for them to observe their surroundings, which reduces boredom and helps them calm down. Carrying your baby sideways allows you to bring their head closer to your temple for better protection.
How to wear a newborn on the shoulder?
Place the baby in a shoulder-on-shoulder position and place their arms on your back. Support their bottom on your chest. There's no need to hold their head, and especially—be careful—no need to touch their neck. Instead, you can place your thumb under the baby's armpit to secure their torso. Head movements made by a baby in this position may seem jerky and unsafe, but they pose no threat to them.
How to keep a newborn baby on your lap?
You can also position your little one on your lap in various ways: on their tummy across your legs, on their back, or on their side, between your thighs . A good position is the so-called cradle position : sit comfortably and place your little one on your lap, with their head resting on your knees, facing you.
A parent's lap can also be helpful if we want the baby to burp. Instead of on the shoulder, we place the baby crosswise on our lap, so that their buttocks "sit" on one thigh and their chest rests on the other, with their arms extended forward. We can manipulate the position of our legs to make the baby more upright. In this position, we can burp the baby after feeding, as we are not putting pressure on the tummy.
What may worry us?
When picking up or laying down the baby in various ways, carefully observe how it moves and behaves. We should pay particular attention to:
- lack of symmetry when the child is lying on his back, e.g. placing the head on one side only;
- tilting the baby's head back (this can be seen especially when lying on its side);
- strong clenching of fists;
- not trying to raise the feet up;
- abnormal creeping, e.g. one limb pushing off.
When we notice any of the symptoms listed, we should consult our family doctor as soon as possible.
The seat is not intended for carrying a child
Aside from discussing how to lift, hold and place your baby in different positions, it is worth cautioning against carrying them in car seats. Correctly selected for the age and size of the child and with safety approvals, the seat is essential, but the key is to use it as intended.
Unfortunately, parents are often unaware of the negative effects that infants face when they spend several hours a day confined to a car seat (when shopping or taking walks). For proper development, a toddler needs freedom of movement. Therefore, it's best to avoid prolonged periods in a car seat (outside the car) or to take a bassinet with you. On long car journeys, it's recommended to take breaks every 1,5-2 hours to allow your child to lie on a flat surface for approximately 20-30 minutes.
Affectionate touch builds a bond with the child
Carrying, cuddling, and showing affection to newborns and infants is important for building an emotional bond between parent and child, strengthening a sense of security, and constituting a crucial aspect of their development . A child doesn't require constant carrying – this is always a very individual matter (some children constantly demand it, others not so much). However, it's always worth carrying your little one correctly, appropriately for their age and needs.
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