How to Cuddle a Baby

Co-authored by Denise Stern and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 10, 2023 References

What’s the best way to bond with your baby in the first few weeks and months? Cuddling, of course! This special, intimate, one-on-one time helps you emotionally connect with your child from the very beginning, and provides your babe with a ton of comfort and emotional support. Want to learn more? We’ve created a comprehensive guide that has everything you need to know about how to cuddle and spend plenty of quality time with your little one.

Section 1 of 3:

How do you cuddle with an infant?

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Hold the baby vertically against your bare chest for an intimate cuddle. Scoop up your babe by placing one hand on the base of their neck and another beneath their bottom.^{[1]
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Research source} Gently lift the baby up so their chest is touching yours. To make your cuddle session extra warm and snuggly, drape some blankets around the baby’s back.^{[2]
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Cleveland Clinic
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- Cuddling is best done through skin-to-skin contact, or when both the parent and the baby aren’t wearing a shirt. This is also known as “kangaroo care”—it’s super common right after your baby is born, and is also great to do any time.^{[3]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- This type of cuddling is an excellent way for parents to bond with their new child.
2
Cuddle the baby in a shoulder hold for a quick, easy snuggle. Gently lift up your baby by placing one hand beneath their neck and another beneath their bottom. Slowly bring the infant up to your chest, letting their face rest against your shoulder. Keep supporting your baby’s neck and bottom with both hands, so your little one feels secure and safe during your cuddle session.^{[4]
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- For cozier snuggles, lower your baby’s head and rest it along the left side of your chest. This way, your child can be comforted by the sound of your heartbeat.^{[5]
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3
Cradle the baby to help calm them down. Gently pick up your little one by placing one hand beneath their neck and another beneath their bottom. Slowly lift the infant up and horizontally support them against your chest with both arms.^{[6]
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Research source} Then, gently rock the baby back and forth to help soothe them.^{[7]
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- The rocking motions mimic the soothing experience of being in the womb.
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Enjoy some playful cuddles with the football hold. Gently pick up your little one, keeping their head and neck supported as you lift them up. Shift your baby into a horizontal position, supporting their head and neck with the crook of your right elbow. Hold up their chest with your right hand, and place your left hand between their legs to support their tummy.^{[8]
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- The football hold is a great way to give your baby “tummy time,” which helps them build muscle along their neck and shoulders.^{[9]
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Secure the baby in a sling or carrier for on-the-go cuddles. Baby slings and carriers hold your baby securely against your chest while keeping your arms completely free. Carefully secure your baby in the carrier or sling before heading out for a walk.^{[10]
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Section 2 of 3:

What are the benefits of cuddling?

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Post-birth cuddling supports a baby’s physical health. Intimate, skin-to-skin cuddling nestles a baby right against their parent’s chest. The comforting lull of their parent’s heartbeat helps their own heartbeat and breathing patterns feel more consistent. Plus, intimate cuddling helps the baby to gain weight after they’re born.^{[11]
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- Some research suggests that post-birth cuddling can help with a baby’s brain development, since cuddling helps babies relax and get a good amount of sleep.^{[12]
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Cuddling promotes bonding. A baby’s relationship with their parents is the first one they ever have, and the bonding process is a safe, comforting reminder that they are loved, cherished, and cared for. Infants experience the most love and affection through touch, and cuddling is a fantastic way to build that invaluable connection with your little one.^{[13]
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- Cuddling and bonding actually happen as soon as the baby is born. Many parents feel an immediate bond with their child after cuddling and spending quality with them.
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Bonding supports a child’s long-term emotional health. When babies bond with their parents, they’re better able to bond and connect with other people later in life. Children with strong bonds also have a really healthy, grounded sense of self, and feel comfortable and confident to reach out for help and support when they’re having a rough time.^{[14]
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Section 3 of 3:

Easy Ways to Bond with Your Baby

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Make plenty of eye contact with your baby. Eye contact is a really powerful way to connect with a baby who’s still learning how to communicate. Infants love looking at everything and taking in the world around them. More importantly, they loved to be looked at whenever you’re nearby.^{[15]
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Smile and make lots of funny faces. It doesn’t take much to entertain a baby! A big smile or goofy grin will have your baby in stitches, all while making your emotional bond even stronger.^{[16]
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HelpGuide
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3
Chat and laugh with your baby frequently. Talk to your baby about how your day went, what you’re feeling happy about, or anything else on your mind. Speak in a soothing, steady tone of voice—even if they can’t actually process what you’re talking about, they’ll appreciate your gentle, relaxing tone.^{[17]
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HelpGuide
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- Be sure to say actual words and sentences, rather than gibberish or baby talk. Research shows that having actual conversations with your baby can help boost their brain development.^{[18]
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4
Play together often. From storybooks and blocks to silly songs and games, there are countless ways you and your baby can bond in your spare time. Even simple hand games like peek-a-boo can really strengthen the bond you have with your child.^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source
HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
Go to source} You can also:
- Rotate your baby’s legs in circles (like they’re riding a bike)
- Place them on their stomach for a few minutes of “tummy time”^{[20]
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- Sing them a rhyming song
- Play with noisy, shakeable toys^{[21]
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5
Respond quickly to your baby’s emotional needs. When your baby starts to fuss or cry, react immediately by cuddling with them and soothing them in a soft, gentle, and relaxing voice. These small gestures offer a lot of comfort to your little one, and reassure them that they are loved and cared for.^{[22]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How should you hold a baby?

Denise Stern
Parenting Specialist
Denise Stern is a Parenting Specialist and the CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, the country’s leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service. Denise specializes in providing nurturing care to newborns and evidence-based education to their parents. She holds a BA in Public Relations from North Carolina State University. Denise was the US Chamber of Commerce Leading Woman-Owned Business in 2013, a Washington FAMILY Magazine Mother of the Year in 2016, and on the elite White House Summit for Working Families hosted by the President and First Lady Obama in 2014. Let Mommy Sleep is the only company of its kind that holds a local government contract to teach newborn and postpartum care.

Denise Stern

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

Babies' necks are not strong, and their heads are a bit heavy. So you should make sure to support the head and neck. Also, hold them firmly underneath their back.
Question

Why should you not make a newborn sleep on their stomach?

Denise Stern
Parenting Specialist
Denise Stern is a Parenting Specialist and the CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, the country’s leading Baby Nurse and Postpartum Care service. Denise specializes in providing nurturing care to newborns and evidence-based education to their parents. She holds a BA in Public Relations from North Carolina State University. Denise was the US Chamber of Commerce Leading Woman-Owned Business in 2013, a Washington FAMILY Magazine Mother of the Year in 2016, and on the elite White House Summit for Working Families hosted by the President and First Lady Obama in 2014. Let Mommy Sleep is the only company of its kind that holds a local government contract to teach newborn and postpartum care.

Denise Stern

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

A newborn should not be placed on their stomach for sleeping and napping because there is a risk of sudden infant death syndrome or sudden unexplained death syndrome.