How to Hold a Two-Week-Old Baby

Although your 2-week-old baby is still very new, you and your infant may be settling into some routines by this point. Newborns enjoy focusing on faces, and you may notice that the sound of your voice is soothing to your baby. As you care for your baby, there are several different ways to hold her that enable you to keep her close and provide comfort.

Things You'll Need

  • Light receiving blanket

Instructions

    • 1

      Place your baby face-up in one arm with her head nestled in the crook of your elbow and your forearm supporting the baby̵7;s back. Situate your baby so her bottom rests in your hand and position your arm to keep her nestled snugly against your body. You can also place your other hand on the baby̵7;s tummy or your arm around her for added security.

    • 2

      Use the "football hold" to calm a fussy baby by placing your baby̵7;s head in the palm of your hand and stretching her body along your forearm. You can alternate your baby̵7;s position by placing her facing up or facing down. If you position her facing down, place either cheek in your hand. The pressure of her tummy against your forearm may soothe gas pains and fussiness, suggests author and pediatrician William Sears of AskDrSears.com.

    • 3

      Hold your baby vertically against your chest with the top of his head approximately even with the top of your shoulder. Because a 2-week-old does not have adequate head and neck control, keep one hand behind his head to support and control head movement. Considering a newborn's small size, you can probably execute this hold with one arm, your forearm supporting the baby̵7;s body and holding it close to you with your hand supporting his head.

    • 4

      Remove your baby̵7;s clothes, except for her diaper, and remove your own clothes above the waist for skin-to-skin holding or ̶0;kangaroo care.̶1; Hold your baby vertically so her tummy rests against your chest and drape a light receiving blanket around her to keep her warm. Sit in a comfortable chair and rock your baby to soothe and comfort her. Babies who spend time having skin-to-skin contact often sleep better, gain weight more proficiently and cry less, according to ClevelandClinic.org.

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