Especially in the first few days, your baby can seem incredibly small, delicate, and fragile. Many new parents worry about hurting their baby during everyday interactions—or even breaking something. But you can rest assured: this fear is usually unfounded. On the contrary, babies love and need lots of physical contact! To help you feel even more confident handling your little explorer, we asked LILLYDOO midwife Sissi Rasche for her tips on baby handling.

Lift your baby

Briefly grasp under the armpits around your baby's torso. Your thumbs rest on their chest, while the other fingers support the shoulder blades and head. Then turn your baby onto their side and gently lift them over their hip . Your little explorer will later perform these movements independently when they learn to turn over and sit up—so you can practice these steps right from the start.

Weighing grip

Place your baby in your arms after lifting them up; their head rests in the crook of your arm . In the cradle hold, you can carry your baby around and cuddle with them. The cradle hold is also perfect for bottle-feeding and breastfeeding.

Position change of the baby safety handles

If you want to move your baby into a different position, place your thumb back on their chest with your free hand, while the other fingers support the neck and shoulders. Then carefully release the arm your baby is lying on and reach under the armpit with the other hand as well. Your baby's little head always stays supported in the crook of your arm . This way, you can, for example, place your baby on your shoulder for burping or calming. Gently and soothingly stroke their back, as most babies really enjoy that.

In the video, LILLYDOO midwife Sissi shows you the various baby holds once again in detail.

Aircraft handle

Especially when your baby has stomach aches, the airplane hold is a good alternative, because your baby will appreciate physical contact even more at that time. To help you do the airplane hold correctly, we have instructions for you :

If you are holding your baby in the cradle hold with your left arm, support your baby's belly with your right hand, keeping their head in the crook of your arm. Then carefully move your left arm away from your baby's back and in front of their chest, with the little head still resting in the crook of your arm. Next, slowly turn your baby so that their belly lies on your left arm . Their back rests closely against your stomach and is supported that way.

As long as your baby is very small, one arm is enough for this. When your baby gets bigger, you can simply use the other arm as well.

Has your baby calmed down and you want to pick them up? Turn back from the airplane hold to the cradle hold , using your right hand for support again. It supports your baby's bottom and back while you release your left hand and reach from your baby's belly back under their back and bottom. Here too, the little head remains stable in the crook of your arm.

Lay your baby down

Grab your baby under the armpits with both hands. Your fingers support the shoulders and neck. Then place your baby feet first and roll them gently over their side hip into a back-lying position. This way, you practice the rolling movement your little explorer will later need to sit up on their own.

Whether it's an airplane hold or a cradle hold, your little explorer loves being carried by you and feeling that close body contact. Make it possible as often as you can—after all, you can both enjoy this wonderful time in a very special way.