Cross Cradle Hold
- Sit comfortably (a pillow may help), or sit with your feet on a footstool.
- Cradle your baby with your arm, his/her tummy against yours, and your hand at the base of his/her head and neck. Her ear, shoulders, and hip should be in a straight line.
- Tuck your baby's lower arm out of the way, with his/her mouth close to your breast (you will use opposite hands from the cradle hold).
- Support your breast with your free hand; place all of your fingers underneath it, well away from the areola.
- Rest your thumb lightly on top of your breast above your areola.
- Lift your breast upward and lightly stroke your nipple on your baby's lower lip. As part of the rooting reflex, his/her mouth will open wide.
- Pull your baby quickly onto the breast to latch-on when his/her mouth is opened wide like a big yawn and his/her tongue is down. Do not lean over your baby. Instead pull your baby up to your breast.
The Cross Cradle Hold is good when:- Nursing a newborn infant.
- Learning how to position an infant correctly.
