Holding a newborn can feel unfamiliar. You do not need to pretend otherwise. Ask your midwife or health visitor to watch you pick up, hold and put down your baby, then talk you through anything that feels awkward. A demonstration with your own baby is more useful than trying several unfamiliar holds from a written list.
Start with support and a clear space
Support your newborn’s head and neck as well as their body. Move gently and keep your baby close. When starting out, sit somewhere stable and ask another awake adult to help you practise. Keep hot drinks and other distractions out of the way.
Check that your baby’s face is visible and their nose and mouth are not pressed into clothing or your body. If a position feels unstable, ask for help rather than trying to free a hand for another task.
Make handovers deliberate
Tell the other adult that you are ready to pass the baby. Wait until they are awake, ready and supporting the baby before letting go. Keep supporting the head and body during the change. There is no need to rush because the phone is ringing or someone is waiting.
Comforting is not the same as a safe sleep position
Hold and comfort your baby while you are awake and alert. If you feel sleepy, put them on their back in their separate, clear cot or Moses basket. Do not fall asleep together on a sofa or armchair. Read NHS safer-sleep guidance and our broken-night care plan.
If your baby is crying
Crying does not prove that you are bad at holding your baby. They may need feeding, a nappy change, rest or comfort. The NHS guide to soothing a crying baby offers practical ideas and signs that need medical help.
Never shake a baby. If you are overwhelmed, place them safely in their cot and take a short break to calm down, returning to check on them. Ask another suitable adult or your health visitor for support. If your baby is unresponsive or struggling to breathe, call 999.
Ask for a demonstration of a specific task
Bathing and using a sling need their own precautions. The NHS bathing guide includes a midwife demonstration. Follow sling instructions and current safer-babywearing advice; a sling is not a way to avoid checking your baby’s position.
Continue with bathing a newborn, changing a nappy or Dad Tips. This page is a starting point, not a hands-on assessment of your technique.
Updated 10 September 2026. Sources used for the guidance are linked above.
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