How to Hold a Baby on Your Hip

Once babies are old enough to hold up their heads, you can begin to hold them on your hip. Typically, a baby has good muscle strength around six months old. The hip carry is great for both the baby and his parents. The baby gets to look around at her surroundings and parents can have a free hand to do other tasks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Pick up your baby with both hands under his armpits.
2. Position her on your hip so that her hips straddle your waist. One of her legs will be in front of your torso and the other leg around the back of your torso.
3. Wrap your arm nearest the baby around the baby's back for support.
4. Tuck your hand under his buttocks to hold him in place.
5. Place the baby's arms one in front of your torso and one around your back. This is the most comfortable position for your baby.

Tips & Warnings

• Push your hip holding the baby outward to save stress on your back and to give your baby more support.
• Consider purchasing a hip sling such as those sold at Chickenscratchslings.com to make both of your hands free.
• Always have at least one hand on your baby so that she doesn't fall.
• Never carry your child near ovens or other dangerous appliances, machinery or objects. The hip carry allows your child to have more reach and you can't see where his back arm is at all times.