Picking up a newborn baby
![](https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0029/47378/How-to-hold-and-handle-your-newborn-PIP-1.gif)
Take care with your baby’s head, especially around the fontanelles. Always support your baby’s head and neck.
![](https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0030/47379/How-to-hold-and-handle-your-newborn-PIP-2.gif)
To pick up your baby, slide one hand under their head and neck and the other hand under their bottom. Bend your knees to protect your back.
![](https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0022/47380/How-to-hold-and-handle-your-newborn-PIP-3.gif)
Once you’ve got a good hold, scoop up your baby and bring them close to your chest as you straighten your legs again.
Cradling and holding a newborn baby
![](https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0023/47381/How-to-hold-and-handle-your-newborn-PIP-4.gif)
Make sure your baby’s head is resting against your chest. Slide your hand up from your baby’s bottom to support their neck.
![](https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0024/47382/How-to-hold-and-handle-your-newborn-PIP-5.gif)
Gently move your baby’s head to the crook of your arm, still supporting their neck. Place your other hand under your baby’s bottom.
![](https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0025/47383/How-to-hold-and-handle-your-newborn-PIP-6.gif)
Using the cradle hold lets you look at your baby. You can smile and talk to them.
Shoulder hold and safety tips
![](https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0026/47384/How-to-hold-and-handle-your-newborn-PIP-7.gif)
Shoulder hold: rest your baby on your chest and shoulder, supporting their head and neck with your hand. Place your other hand under your baby’s bottom.
![](https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0027/47385/How-to-hold-and-handle-your-newborn-PIP-8.gif)
Keep your baby safe: never hold hot drinks or cook while you’re holding your baby. Always hold your baby securely when going up or down steps.
![](https://raisingchildren.net.au/__data/assets/image/0028/47386/How-to-hold-and-handle-your-newborn-PIP-9.gif)
Help children and older people if they want to hold your baby. Ask them to sit down, then gently place your baby in their cradled arms.
Languages other than English
- Arabic (PDF: 392kb)
- Dari (PDF: 379kb)
- Dinka (PDF: 399kb)
- Hakha Chin (PDF: 342kb)
- Karen (PDF: 384kb)
- Persian (PDF: 391kb)
- Simplified Chinese (PDF: 368kb)
- Swahili (PDF: 346kb)
- Tamil (PDF: 396kb)
- Vietnamese (PDF: 367kb)