Lifting up from laying on their front to finish with a front holding position – under 4 weeks

Key Points:

  • The carers hands are gently placed under both sides of the chest.
  • One hand comes round to support the upper body.
  • The other hand comes between the legs to support the lower part of the body.

Please note that although this baby is asleep, she has not been sleeping on her front. Placing her on her front whilst asleep is momentary and purely to demonstrate this lift only.


Lifting up from laying down

Key points:

  • Rolling your baby onto their side makes it easier to place a hand under their head and neck.
  • Support the head and neck to keep it in line with the body all the way up.


Lifting up from laying down

In this view an alternate hand position is used to lift the baby.

Key Points:

  • Both hands cup the head and neck.
  • The forearms supporting the babies body.


Lifting up from laying down with a front facing finishing position.

A great opportunity to stimulate some different movement, especially the neck extensor muscles that hold that head up.

Key Points:

  • Roll the baby onto their side and place a soft open hand under their chest.
  • Once on their front the baby is lifted to the parent.
  • The baby can then be held in a variety of positions.


Lifting up from laying down, side view

Key points:

  • See how the hands cup the babies head and bottom.
  • The parent brings her body to the baby, so that she is lifting with her body rather than just using her arms.


Lifting up from laying down, both hands cupping the head – under 4 weeks

Key Points:

  • The baby is rolled gently to one side to place a hand under the head, this is repeated for the other side.
  • The hands support around the upper body, head and neck.
  • The head and neck are supported in the lift.


Lifting up into front hold position

As babies get older they have more awareness and interest in the world around them. This outward facing hold allows them to explore their curiosity whilst being close and maintaining their sense of security.