A–Z Glossary

Shoulder hold

A shoulder hold is an upright carrying position in which a baby rests against an adult's upper chest and shoulder with full body support.

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Holding Positions That May Help a Fussy Baby

Holding Positions That May Help a Fussy Baby

Why a change in position may help Crying is communication rather than a diagnosis. A baby may be signaling hunger, fatigue, temperature discomfort, a wet diaper, a need for closeness, or difficulty managing sensory input. Holding does not identify the cause, but a position change can alter vestibular input, body containment, abdominal pressure, and the […]

Baby holding positions

Baby holding positions

Core principles of safe holding Most baby holding positions are built on the same foundations: stable support, neutral alignment, an open airway, and close observation. A newborn’s head is proportionally large and the cervical muscles are not yet strong enough to control it reliably. For that reason, newborn head and neck support is essential whenever […]

Safe baby handling techniques

Safe baby handling techniques

Prepare before you pick up the baby Pause before lifting. Make sure the surface is stable, the route is clear, and you can use both hands. Remove obstacles such as blankets, cords, hot drinks, pets, or unstable furniture from the immediate area. Sit down when possible if you are learning a new hold or if […]