Are you counting down the minutes until you meet your little guy or baby girl?
Maybe you’re reading this as your wife’s already in labor, trying to figure out how not to fumble the baby handoff.
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
You’re probably thinking, What if I drop them? What if I hold them wrong? What if they break?!
Relax. Babies are sturdier than they look, and I’m here to help you hold your little one like a pro.
Here’s a video to give you a clearer idea:
Prep Time: 4 Things to Do Before You Scoop That Baby Up
Wash Those Hands
Even if you’ve just been indoors, wash your hands before holding a baby.
Germs are everywhere—on your phone, door handles, and more.
With their developing immune system, clean hands help keep your baby safe.
Expect Movements
Make sure your baby can breathe easily, and hold them securely so there’s no chance of them slipping out of your arms.
Avoid pinching or twisting their tiny hands or feet by accident—babies are wriggly, so just stay aware of their movements.
Babies like feeling snug and supported.
Holding them close, much like a swaddle, helps them feel calm and cozy.
Even newborns can squirm, so keep a firm but gentle grip.
This will also make them feel more relaxed and secure.
Support the Head
Newborns can’t hold up their own heads yet—it’s basically a bobblehead situation.
Always keep one hand under their head, and you’re good to go.
1. The Classic Cradle Hold
This is the OG baby hold. It’s so standard it might as well come with a manual.
- Tuck the baby’s head into the crook of your arm.
- Use your hand to support their tiny diapered butt.
- Wrap your other arm around for extra support.
Bonus points: This is a great position to stare lovingly at your baby and whisper, “I made this!”
2. The Football Hold
Not to be confused with Sunday Night Football (though it might feel just as intense).
- Tuck the baby under your arm like a football.
- Their head should rest near your bicep while your forearm supports their body.
- Use your hand to cradle their bottom.
Now you’ve got one hand free—for snacks, remotes, or Googling “Why won’t my baby sleep?”
3. Reverse Football Hold
Flip that baby around! This one is for dads who like a little eye contact with their tiny human.
- Hold the baby under your arm like the football hold, but with their feet pointing toward you.
- Use your hand to support their neck and head.
This hold lets you have some adorable face-to-face bonding.
It’s also great for showing your baby your best dad jokes early. (“Why don’t skeletons fight? Because they don’t have the guts!”)
4. The Belly Hold
Got a fussy baby? This move is a life-saver for gassy situations.
- Lay the baby on their stomach along your forearm.
- Support their head with your hand and their legs with your other hand.
- Make sure their head is turned to the side so they can breathe easily.
This hold works wonders for tummy troubles. Bonus: Your baby looks like Superman soaring through the sky.
Credit: Dad University
5. Reverse Belly Hold
This one’s for babies who want to see the world, not your chest hair.
- Place the baby on their stomach, facing out.
- Support their chin and neck gently with one hand while using your other hand for their body and legs.
Some babies dig this hold because they can look around, but others might need time to adjust.
Pro tip: narrate what they’re seeing like you’re hosting a nature documentary.
6. The Shoulder Hold
Ah, the shoulder hold—the Swiss Army knife of baby positions. It’s great for snuggles, burping, and everything in between.
- Rest the baby’s head on your shoulder.
- Use one hand to support their butt and the other for their head.
- Throw a towel over your shoulder—spit-ups are not a maybe, they’re definitely.
This hold is like the ultimate dad flex. You’re cuddling, soothing, and burping all at once.
The Bottom Line
Holding a baby isn’t as scary as it seems.
The first few times might feel like handling a crying diaper monster, but you’ll figure it out fast.
Test out different holds, and don’t shy away from experimenting until you find the one that works best—when they stop crying and give you that heart-melting look with their twinkling eyes, you’ll know you’ve nailed it.
Once you’ve mastered these, you’ll look like a total pro in front of your friends and family.
Now, go pick up that baby—you’ve got this, dads!