How to Snuggle

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: February 21, 2022

Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just a little distant from your partner, you’re probably in the mood for a good snuggle. There’s no right or wrong way to snuggle with someone, but there are a few positions that have stood the test of time. Take a look through our list of snuggling positions to pick a few out for your next cuddle sesh.

1

The Spoon

Both you and your partner lie on your side, facing the same direction. If you want to be “big spoon,” rest your stomach against your partner’s back and wrap your arms around them. If you want to be the “little spoon,” push your back into your partner’s stomach and let them hold you.^{[1]
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- This is a classic snuggling position that most people know how to do instinctively. It lets the big spoon feel like a protector, while the little spoon gets to feel loved and cared for.
- Typically, whoever is taller will be big spoon and whoever is shorter will be little spoon. Feel free to mix it up however you’d like, though!

2

The Half-Spoon

One person lies on their back, and the other person lies on their side. This cuddle position is just as intimate as spooning, but it’s great if someone is a little too hot temperature-wise. Have one of you lie flat on your back while the other person nestles into the crook of your arm. Whoever is lying on their side can rest their free arm on their partner’s chest.^{[2]
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- This snuggling position gives the feeling of being cradled and held, which can be very soothing.

3

The Honeymoon Hug

Lie down facing your partner with your limbs intertwined. If you want to snuggle but still have a conversation, this position is for you. Lie down on the bed and gently tangle your arms and legs together with your partner’s. Lean in close so you can see their face, then look into their eyes as you chat or fall asleep.^{[3]
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- This is a great position to choose if you want to chat before bed or you feel like giving your partner a few kisses.

4

The Arm Overlap

Face your partner while draping one arm over theirs. Similar to the honeymoon hug, this is a great snuggle position for having a conversation or stealing a few quick kisses. Lie on your side facing your partner and gently rest your arm on top of theirs. Then, you can pull them in close or scooch further away if you need to.^{[4]
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- This position is ideal for anyone who gets warm under the blankets, since your legs are free.

5

The Back to Back

Face away from each other with your lower backs gently touching. Maybe you both want to roll over in bed, but you still want to feel close. Lie down on opposite sides facing away from each other, but scoot in close so your backs and butt cheeks touch. You can even stretch your legs and play footsie with your partner until you both fall off to dreamland.^{[5]
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- If you like snuggling but you need your space in order to fall asleep, this is the cuddling position for you.

6

The Cradle

Have your partner lie on their back, then place your head on their chest. If you or your partner are feeling the need to be nurtured, look no further than the cradle. Have your partner lie on their back and rest your head on their chest, bending your arm to drape across their stomach. You’ll be able to hear their heartbeat and their slow breathing as you drift off to sleep.^{[6]
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- This snuggle position increases intimacy and can strengthen the bond between you two.

7

The Leg Hug

Lie comfortably and drape one leg over your partner’s. If you both need a good night’s sleep but you still want to snuggle, lie in bed and get into a comfortable position on your stomach or your back. Rest one leg on top of your partner’s leg and leave it there as you fall asleep.
- You may need to adjust if your leg or your partner’s leg gets uncomfortable (but that’s a problem for later).

8

The Butt Pillow

Use your partner’s rear end as a soft cushion for your head. Maybe you want to feel close without a ton of eye contact, or maybe you’re just really into your partner’s butt. Whatever the case is, have your partner lie on their stomach and scooch down until you can lay on their behind like a pillow.

9

The Lap Pillow

Rest your partner’s head on your lap while sitting on the couch. Want to feel close to your partner but still watch TV or chat with friends? This snuggle position is for you. Have one person sit criss-cross-applesauce, then have the other person rest their head in their lap.^{[7]
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- Feel free to play with your partner’s hair or rub their head while they’re in your lap (as long as they’re okay with that, of course).

10

The Sitting Snuggle

Sit next to each other with one person’s legs on the others’ lap. Want to watch a movie while snuggling? No problem! Sit down next to your partner and get comfortable, then swing their legs on top of your lap (or vice versa). Their body will be slightly angled toward yours so you can still chat, and you’ll be close enough where kissing or heavy petting feels natural.^{[8]
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11

The Lounge Chair

Lean back into your partner while sitting on a couch. This position is ideal for watching a movie at home. Have your partner sit up, then gently place yourself in their lap, facing away from them. Lean back into their stomach as they wrap their arms around your torso to pull you close.^{[9]
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- Snuggling in this position will give you a sense of security and calm.

Community Q&A

Question

What do you do if one person is already laying down? Do you lay down next to them?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes! If your partner is already laying in bed, you can easily get into a spooning position. Simply lay down next to them and pull them in close to you with one arm, then make sure you're both comfortable.
Question

How long into the relationship is the right time to start cuddling?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

There's no right or wrong time to start cuddling, but you'll want to wait until you're both comfortable with each other. After you've been out on a couple dates and you're okay with being alone together, that's when you might bring up the idea of cuddling or ask your partner if they'd like to snuggle with you.
Question

It's my first time ever snuggling. What should I do to make it nice?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Talk to your partner and make sure they're comfortable the whole time. If you want to, you could stroke their hair, rub their back, or just whisper nice things into their ear. Above all, focus on having a nice time and getting closer to your partner.