Which of these are not a way to hold a baby?

• A. Cradle hold
• B. Dangle by feet
• C. Football hold
• D. Upright hold

Answer: (B)

Safe infant handling relies on supporting the head and neck and keeping the baby securely close. Dangling by the feet offers no head or neck support and lets the body flop, which can obstruct the airway and lead to injury; it’s not a safe holding method.

Cradle hold places the baby in the crook of your arm with the head supported by the bend of your elbow, and the other hand supports the bottom. This position is soothing and commonly used for early bonding and feeding because you can easily watch the baby and keep the head and neck well supported.

Football hold tucks the baby under your arm along your body, with the head supported by your hand near your elbow and the body resting along your forearm. It’s handy for feeding or soothing, especially if you need the baby close to your side while keeping the airway clear and the neck supported.

Upright hold keeps the baby against your chest or shoulder with the back supported and the head stabilized. This is useful for burping, soothing after a feed, or when you want the baby to be upright to aid digestion or comfort, again with good head and neck support.

In all safe holds, the key is to support the head and neck and keep the baby securely close to you.