The Best Ways To Hold Your Baby As They Get Older

“What is the best way to hold my baby? Is on my hip okay?”

ANSWER- Generally speaking, once baby is strong enough to not need constant support at their head in more of a cradle hold, carrying them holding them on their hips (this is easiest once they are sitting independently for even brief periods), or against your chest facing outward is absolutely okay! As long as they are supported and stable in your arms, the way you carry them really is not something worth stressing about!

The BIGGEST thing worth noting is that if you are baby wearing, it is ideal to keep them facing inward (toward your chest), making sure legs are in the M position, meaning knees above their bottom with them straddling you. This is especially important in the first 6 months of life, when hip development is rapidly occurring. Other than that, don’t stress too much about how you physically carry them in your arms, I bet you’re doing great!

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For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.

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KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.