A Little Guide to Carrying Baby In-Arms

Carrying your baby in your arms, or 'in-arms', has many benefits for both mama and baby.

Rosalie's been carried her entire life. She was born in early spring and we spent much of our time walking around the lake. In the beginning, I would put her in her little floral stroller and she'd be in my arms in about three minutes.

It always felt better having her close.

I remember asking if it was okay to carry your baby. It's an endearing thought now, but at the time I was genuinely unsure.

While no formal research has been conducted on the effects of carrying your baby in your arms, our bodies, as well as our babies' bodies, are both made to support it.

I'd first, and most importantly, like to say that I think all moms are miracles in themselves. Oftentimes, having a stroller is a gift to you and your baby! It varies so much. This is all from my one and only experience, having one baby. It's never to put anyone down but rather to support and encourage.

A Note on Baby Strollers

The thing that hurt me about having Rosalie in her stroller was that she was always far away, looking up at me nestled in her little cave. I had to lean down to touch her and each time I wanted to hold her, maneuvering her soft head through the sunshade and the handle felt like an eternity. I always came up with excuses to carry her, convincing myself that it was necessary. I'm sure I'm not the first parent to want that, and that's just who this is for!

For any mama who wants to carry their baby more, here are a handful of things I've learned about how to carry your baby in your arms.

A little note on baby carriers

My mom bought me the Boppy Comfyhug in Ballerina Pink when Rosalie was about a month old and I loved it.

Carriers are a similar option to carrying your baby in your arms that babies enjoy, as well. They can hear your heartbeat and feel your warmth and a carrier's snug nature makes them feel secure. I loved my Boppy carrier. I just prefer carrying in arms because I feel like there are a couple of special benefits, like:

Benefits of Carrying Your Baby In Your Arms

Extra Affection

You can hold your baby's cheek up for a kiss any second you'd like while carrying them in your arms, hold their hand, and tickle their toes.

A Sense of Belonging

If you listen carefully, your baby will tell you a lot, like wanting to turn around to admire a flower. I feel like carrying baby in arms helps a baby learn to communicate their wants and needs, like they're being guided through life, rather than pulled through it.

Connection and Closeness to Mama

I feel the most important is the connection you create while carrying your baby. There are constant adjustments being made as you hold them; it feels very present.

Learning to Listen to Baby

Your little one will tell you in many ways what they want while being carried. Anything from too much stimulation, too many loud noises, a need to go see a pigeon, or it being time for milk, your baby will let you know.

The more you respond, the more trust will build. Your baby will learn quickly how to communicate with you.

P.s. an additional benefit

a lot of elderly women will ask to hold your baby if carrying in your arms. You can kindly reply with a gentle no if you're not comfortable but if you are, all that love is heartwarming.

How to Carry Your Baby in Your Arms

Newborn

To pick up a newborn, slide one hand under the head and the other beneath their little bottom. When you feel you have a secure hold, lift the baby right to your chest. A newborn's head and neck should always be supported, so from here, you can adjust your arms a little by sliding the one supporting the bottom up the spine to support the neck.

This is called a cradle hold. From here, you could also lift your baby to a similar position as burping. Baby'll rest comfortably on your chest and shoulder, with one hand supporting the neck and the other supporting the bottom.

4+ months

Before holding your baby on your hip, be sure baby can sit unassisted, and has good head and neck control. This happened at about four months for Rosalie, but it varies a lot. To lift, bend down close to your baby and lift from the highest part of their belly. Be sure not to lift from their shoulders, just a couple of inches below the arms. Stand up, and sit them on the side of your waist.

I know it's fairly instinctual, but anyways.

In the beginning, you may need two hands to hold your baby, one supporting the back and one supporting the bottom. But, as baby gets stronger and used to being carried like this so often, you'll find your baby trying to hold on with their legs! For me, this is when it became much easier, nearly effortless. Rosalie began to hold onto me, so she was learning to use her little leg muscles and I was supporting her back.

This is how we usually go about our day and, with Rosalie's help holding onto me and me getting used to it, I'm never sore, even after hours of holding her.

Safety and Alignment Tips

For Baby

While carrying your baby, always be sure their spine is straight. It's easy for a baby to learn forward during a playful walk. ..so much excitement! But try to keep correcting it by gently adjusting their position.

For Mama

While it feels wonderful to me now, I've read articles saying that holding baby on your hip isn't good for you. It can throw off your alignment and cause lower back pain. This happened to me the first couple of days I began carrying Rosalie, as well. Here's what helped me:

Keep hips straight

I tried straightening my hips a little, keeping my spine straight, and being very conscious of leaning toward one side.

Stretch in the mornings and after holding baby

I found stretching to help me so much, just light stretching all over.

Drink lots of water

Drinking water helps your muscles stay flexible!

Take little breaks

If you're tired or baby is squirming, you can always find a quiet side street and lean down, resting your baby on your leg. Just asking if they're okay, rubbing their head, and letting them sit a little differently for a minute while you rest can do so much. It's sweet, as well, I've come to realize when you kneel down, whether by a loud city street or a calming sidewalk, for just a minute, it feels like the world is just you and your baby. I really, really suggest this.

..and alternate sides

I carry Rosalie on my left side, but I've read it's important to switch sides, so I just thought I'd add this one.

A Final Word

Just remember, you know your baby best! If you feel unsettled carrying your baby in your arms, a stroller may be perfect for you so you can gaze down at those little baby cheeks. Or, if you prefer baby wearing, remember the cute Boppy Comfyhug in Ballerina Pink!

My suggestion to you is to try and learn what feels right. Every mama and baby is different. You know best.

Truly,

rachel-louise