Can You Hold a Newborn too Much? Spoiling newborns & benefits

Spoiling newborns is a question a lot of new moms have. CAN you hold a newborn too much? Is it OK to hold them while they sleep? What are the benefits from all that holding?

Can you hold a newborn too much?

First off, I want to state categorically that mothers are born with instincts.

One of the saddest things about delivering babies in the hospital is that I think we remove a lot of the instinct, by us following research and having safe patterns of practice.

When I hear home birth stories I get chills. Your body knows what to do (for the most part, and as an L&D nurse I still believe strongly that hospital births are the safest).

BUT, you — as a mom — you have this baby. You don’t have your friend’s baby and your particular baby has his/her own unique needs and wants. You were given them for a reason.

So, I think the question you need to ask yourself:

Am I enjoying holding my baby this much?

If the answer is yes — then hold away. Love, and snuggle them.

You’re that baby’s mom and clearly, it’s working for the both of you.

I can’t even imagine what it’s like coming out of the womb into a loud, bright, cold place. I’m sure having your mamma and her heartbeat nearby. It is natural to want to hold and protect them from the changes.

BUT, if the answer is no — then that’s OK too. I didn’t have particularly snuggly babies and I felt fine putting them in the bouncer or a blanket. I was adamant about tummy time (even though they cried the whole time for the first few days).

I didn’t feel the need or desire to hold them all the time. So, I didn’t. That’s fine too.

**I will say that if you have zero desire to be around your newborn, to hold them at all or deal with them — that’s another problem, and you will want to talk to your doctor. It’s not unusual, but you may need some help.

Define the “newborn phase”?

First, I think we need to specify what the “newborn” phase is. I think it is about from birth to 2-3 months. After that, you have a baby — not so much a newborn. They’re getting the hang of living in the air-breathing world. They’re more aware, interactive and happy to live here.

Holding newborn to sleep

By that, I mean holding them while they sleep. Some babies, will only sleep while they are held. I would say that nothing is wrong with that if you are OK with it.

But, if you’re the mom that says I can’t even shower, and I’m dying. Then, put them down. Lay a blanket, put them in the crib, or use the bouncer (make sure it’s a safe space for an un-attended newborn), close to your shower and just pop your head out every few minutes and peek at them.

Even if they’re crying, they will be OK — because you are crying inside for a shower. You are a human, you deserve that.

Benefits of holding your baby

Benefits of holding your baby are:

Promote bonding
Newborns feel safe and secure when they’re being held, but you can mimic that feeling with a swaddle as well.
Help with breastfeeding — it’s easier to see hunger cues when they’re just a few inches away from you.

**I actually LOVE skin to skin in the labor room as a nurse, it has huge benefits for both baby and mom!

Is it OK to hold newborn all the time?

Essentially, no. You need to shower, use the bathroom, eat. All those things.

Plus, baby needs a chance to use their muscles to raise their head and stretch out.

You really shouldn’t hold the baby 24/7.

How to hold a baby with other children

One of the hardest things is when you have a baby that you feel needs you close, but you have other kids. You can’t exactly always meet the baby’s needs and not meet their needs as well as feed them.

I LOVED babywearing, especially on my 3rd who just seemed to need me closer.

Because my babies were really active I never felt safe with them in a sling (could easily have been user error). I also never got the hang of Mobi wraps where I had to so straps over all my body.

In the newborn phase, I used a Bjorn. You can often find these cheaper (because they aren’t comfortable as long) in kid’s second-hand stores.

And, once they were over 2 months I switched to the Ergo. My daughter was in that thing a LOT til’ about age 2 (and beyond). I loved it, and I think they make a quality product (which is why so many carriers have copied them)

That’s just what worked best for me — but I’d ask around, and maybe try a few friend’s to see what you think will work for you.

Can you spoil a baby research

The research all seems to point to no. You can’t spoil them. However, this post is about spoiling a newborn.

I didn’t actually find many studies that took the amount of time in mom’s arms for the first 2 months and coping/ life skills later on. So, take that for what it is worth.

Holding baby while sleeping

In this, I mean you being asleep and holding the baby.

And I am 100% against this.

I am against co-sleeping in general, but actually holding your baby while you sleep is a big no-no. You can so easily drop them (this happens frequently at hospitals, even though we consistently remind moms to put the baby in the bassinette if they need to sleep), or roll over them.

You can’t imagine the torment of a mom who’s smothered their baby. That’s it. That’s all. I’ve seen it, it’s horrible.

Put the baby in a bassinet or a co-sleeper. The end. This is one of my favorites. We talk about it in this podcast epsiode.

Can you spoil a newborn?

So, nope — I don’t think you can spoil a newborn.

Did I hold my newborns all the time. Heck no.

Honestly, that’s just not me. It’s not my instinct!

I followed an adjusted Babywise schedule that was basically, eat, play sleep. It worked for me. It worked for my babies. They were happy and healthy. I wasn’t losing my mind. I was grateful for it.

My daughter enjoyed being held more than my boys did, I used baby wearing a lot with her. I adjusted to a spot where we could both be happy.

Can you hold a baby too much?

Can you spoil a baby (baby, being after 2 months)? Honestly, after watching moms in the last 18 years that I’ve been a mom. I think you can. But, I also think they can pretty easily be “un-spoiled”.

It is easy, in all facets of parenting, to get your child into a routine that you don’t want to continue.

Things like: Kids not doing their jobs, kids staying up late. All of those are problems that you’ll have to fix at some point, if you don’t want them to continue.

Again, is what is going on working for you? If not, make a change.

Babies do need lots of hugs, and attention. They need lots of YOU. But, you also need to live your life. If something you’re doing or they seem to “demand” isn’t working for you. Make a change.

Babies can be put down and they may cry. That is OK. I had one baby who had to cry for 3 minutes every night before he went to bed. As a teenager, he needed to argue with me for a few minutes before bed 2 or 3 times every week. It’s just the way he was wired, just wants to get it out.

He’s now on a full-ride in college, I hope his roommate is prepared. 🙂

Babies mostly need a happy mom who is enjoying raising them and their journey together.

Can you hold a newborn too much FAQ’s

Can I hold my baby while I’m asleep

No, it’s not smart. It’s so easy to drop them. Don’t do it.

We recently did have a mom drop her baby onto the hard hospital floor after falling asleep (and after the nurse had told her several times to call and/or put the baby in the bassinette). SUCH a horrible feeling. 🙁

What are the concerns with holding the baby too much?

I think it’s up to you. If you love it — then do it. If it’s driving you crazy, then put them down.

Clearly, as they get older they need more room to move, grow and learn skills on their own, but in the newborn phase, they are just adjusting.

Where is the safest place for baby if I’m not holding them.

Somewhere hard and firm without anything to choke on. Often that’s the crib, but other safe places include a swing, or bouncer, or even just a blanket on the ground (as long as it’s clear of anything else).

If you liked this post, please consider signing up for my practical parenting series (I also have a pregnancy series if you’re still growing our little human) — and check out my other newborn posts below that: