Cradle Hold
Newborn to 9 months
The cradle hold is one of the best holds for newborns to 6 month old babies. Start by reaching inside of the pouch to find the back of it, pulling it up against your chest. You want to make sure the inside back of the pouch is pulled up so that baby can be safely placed inside the pouch - this is of the utmost importance! Using the same arm as the shoulder fabric is on, hold baby with her or his head at the crook of your elbow and bottom in your hand. With your other hand hold open the pouch as you ease baby in. Baby can be laying down in the pouch, or baby can sit up in this position, with head propped up against the shoulder fabric.
Newborns sometimes look as though they are lost or scrunched up at the bottom of the pouch - don't worry! If baby is not comfortable he or she will tell you. It is natural for babies to get into scrunched up, fetal like positions just like those in the womb.
Make sure the fabric on your shoulder is pulled over it forming a cap for comfort, and that the zippers are across your back. If you want to tighten the pouch slightly while it is on simply pull the inside fabric over your shoulder, essentially doubling it over. This will tighten the top rail, pulling baby tighter to you.