How to Cuddle a Baby

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What’s the best way to bond with your baby in the first few weeks and months? Cuddling, of course! This special, intimate, one-on-one time helps you emotionally connect with your child from the very beginning, and provides your babe with a ton of comfort and emotional support. Want to learn more? We’ve created a comprehensive guide that has everything you need to know about how to cuddle and spend plenty of quality time with your little one.

Section 1 of 3:

How do you cuddle with an infant?

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    Scoop up your babe by placing one hand on the base of their neck and another beneath their bottom. [1] Gently lift the baby up so their chest is touching yours. To make your cuddle session extra warm and snuggly, drape some blankets around the baby’s back. [2]
    • Cuddling is best done through skin-to-skin contact, or when both the parent and the baby aren’t wearing a shirt. This is also known as “kangaroo care”—it’s super common right after your baby is born, and is also great to do any time. [3]
    • This type of cuddling is an excellent way for parents to bond with their new child.
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    Gently lift up your baby by placing one hand beneath their neck and another beneath their bottom. Slowly bring the infant up to your chest, letting their face rest against your shoulder. Keep supporting your baby’s neck and bottom with both hands, so your little one feels secure and safe during your cuddle session. [4]
    • For cozier snuggles, lower your baby’s head and rest it along the left side of your chest. This way, your child can be comforted by the sound of your heartbeat. [5]
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    Gently pick up your little one by placing one hand beneath their neck and another beneath their bottom. Slowly lift the infant up and horizontally support them against your chest with both arms. [6] Then, gently rock the baby back and forth to help soothe them. [7]
    • The rocking motions mimic the soothing experience of being in the womb.
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    Gently pick up your little one, keeping their head and neck supported as you lift them up. Shift your baby into a horizontal position, supporting their head and neck with the crook of your right elbow. Hold up their chest with your right hand, and place your left hand between their legs to support their tummy. [8]
    • The football hold is a great way to give your baby “tummy time,” which helps them build muscle along their neck and shoulders. [9]
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    Baby slings and carriers hold your baby securely against your chest while keeping your arms completely free. Carefully secure your baby in the carrier or sling before heading out for a walk. [10]
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Section 2 of 3:

What are the benefits of cuddling?

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    Intimate, skin-to-skin cuddling nestles a baby right against their parent’s chest. The comforting lull of their parent’s heartbeat helps their own heartbeat and breathing patterns feel more consistent. Plus, intimate cuddling helps the baby to gain weight after they’re born. [11]
    • Some research suggests that post-birth cuddling can help with a baby’s brain development, since cuddling helps babies relax and get a good amount of sleep. [12]
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    A baby’s relationship with their parents is the first one they ever have, and the bonding process is a safe, comforting reminder that they are loved, cherished, and cared for. Infants experience the most love and affection through touch, and cuddling is a fantastic way to build that invaluable connection with your little one. [13]
    • Cuddling and bonding actually happen as soon as the baby is born. Many parents feel an immediate bond with their child after cuddling and spending quality with them.
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    When babies bond with their parents, they’re better able to bond and connect with other people later in life. Children with strong bonds also have a really healthy, grounded sense of self, and feel comfortable and confident to reach out for help and support when they’re having a rough time. [14]
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Section 3 of 3:

Easy Ways to Bond with Your Baby

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    Eye contact is a really powerful way to connect with a baby who’s still learning how to communicate. Infants love looking at everything and taking in the world around them. More importantly, they loved to be looked at whenever you’re nearby. [15]
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    It doesn’t take much to entertain a baby! A big smile or goofy grin will have your baby in stitches, all while making your emotional bond even stronger. [16]
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    Talk to your baby about how your day went, what you’re feeling happy about, or anything else on your mind. Speak in a soothing, steady tone of voice—even if they can’t actually process what you’re talking about, they’ll appreciate your gentle, relaxing tone. [17]
    • Be sure to say actual words and sentences, rather than gibberish or baby talk. Research shows that having actual conversations with your baby can help boost their brain development. [18]
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    From storybooks and blocks to silly songs and games, there are countless ways you and your baby can bond in your spare time. Even simple hand games like peek-a-boo can really strengthen the bond you have with your child. [19] You can also:
    • Rotate your baby’s legs in circles (like they’re riding a bike)
    • Place them on their stomach for a few minutes of “tummy time” [20]
    • Sing them a rhyming song
    • Play with noisy, shakeable  toys [21]
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    When your baby starts to fuss or cry, react immediately by cuddling with them and soothing them in a soft, gentle, and relaxing voice. These small gestures offer a lot of comfort to your little one, and reassure them that they are loved and cared for. [22]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How should you hold a baby?
    Denise Stern
    Parenting Specialist
    Denise Stern is a Parenting Specialist and the CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, the country’s leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service. After her own postpartum challenges, Denise started Let Mommy Sleep in 2010 to lend an extra hand to families with newborns. The service started by hiring Baby Nurses and Newborn Caregivers to provide childcare and education to parents during night hours. To this day, Denise and her company specialize in providing nurturing care to newborns and evidence-based education to their parents. Denise was the US Chamber of Commerce Leading Woman-Owned Business in 2013, a Washington FAMILY Magazine Mother of the Year in 2016, and on the elite White House Summit for Working Families hosted by the President and First Lady Obama in 2014. Let Mommy Sleep is the only company in the US that has developed a postpartum care curriculum that has since won a local government contract. Denise continues to be a leader in the in-home newborn care industry by building and maintaining a team of newborn care experts, baby nurses (RN/LPN) and postpartum doulas across the US. She received a BA in Public Relations from North Carolina State University.
    Denise Stern
    Parenting Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Babies' necks are not strong, and their heads are a bit heavy. So you should make sure to support the head and neck. Also, hold them firmly underneath their back.
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  • Question
    Why should you not make a newborn sleep on their stomach?
    Denise Stern
    Parenting Specialist
    Denise Stern is a Parenting Specialist and the CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, the country’s leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service. After her own postpartum challenges, Denise started Let Mommy Sleep in 2010 to lend an extra hand to families with newborns. The service started by hiring Baby Nurses and Newborn Caregivers to provide childcare and education to parents during night hours. To this day, Denise and her company specialize in providing nurturing care to newborns and evidence-based education to their parents. Denise was the US Chamber of Commerce Leading Woman-Owned Business in 2013, a Washington FAMILY Magazine Mother of the Year in 2016, and on the elite White House Summit for Working Families hosted by the President and First Lady Obama in 2014. Let Mommy Sleep is the only company in the US that has developed a postpartum care curriculum that has since won a local government contract. Denise continues to be a leader in the in-home newborn care industry by building and maintaining a team of newborn care experts, baby nurses (RN/LPN) and postpartum doulas across the US. She received a BA in Public Relations from North Carolina State University.
    Denise Stern
    Parenting Specialist
    Expert Answer
    A newborn should not be placed on their stomach for sleeping and napping because there is a risk of sudden infant death syndrome or sudden unexplained death syndrome.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB1L0HkmKls&t=0m11s
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/12578-kangaroo-care
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/12578-kangaroo-care
      4. ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/health-daily-care/holding-newborns/how-to-hold-your-newborn
      5. ↑ https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/bonding-with-your-baby
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB1L0HkmKls&t=11s
      7. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Calming-A-Fussy-Baby.aspx
      8. ↑ https://azopt.net/hold-and-carry-your-baby/
      9. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tummy-time.html
      1. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Calming-A-Fussy-Baby.aspx
      2. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abp9963
      3. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/infant-touch/
      4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bonding.html
      5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/building-a-secure-attachment-bond-with-your-baby.htm
      6. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bonding.html
      7. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/building-a-secure-attachment-bond-with-your-baby.htm
      8. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/building-a-secure-attachment-bond-with-your-baby.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191001-the-word-gap-that-affects-how-your-babys-brain-grows
      10. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/building-a-secure-attachment-bond-with-your-baby.htm
      11. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/learn13m.html
      12. ↑ https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/pregnancy-and-babies/playtime_with_your_baby
      13. ↑ https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/bonding-with-your-baby

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