Am I Holding Her Too Much?

You are definately not holding her too much at that age. You two need to bond. Its a scary new workd for her right now. Enjoy it it goes by sooo fast.

No way you're holding her too much! If you need to put her down, and she cries, then you may want to take a look at Happiest Baby on the Block for some great tips on putting her down to sleep. Also, Secrets of a Baby Whisperer is a big help on routine/schedule/cycle.
Congratulations to you!

Hi N.:

She's a week old so it's ok to hold her as often as she needs. Perhaps having someone there to assist you will help with the transition of motherhood.

All the best,
N.
Organic Mommy & Baby Healthcare Solutions
www.wholecreations.com/wombfull.html
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Ditto, can't hold to much at this age!
Try a good baby carrier to give your arms a rest, and other caregivers can use it as well once you go back to work.
Take a look here for some ideas:
www.handsfreebaby.com
K.

N.,

You can never hold a baby too much. It makes her feel safe and secure and she is bonding with you. If you need some hands free time, a swing is great.

you cannot hold a baby too much in my opinion. You can not spoil them enough as infants. I carried my baby in a sling or ergo or bjorn all the time. She was put down daily as a newborn for play and sleep if she would continue sleeping.She is a healthy, normal, and very independent 2.5 year old now who loves climbing and running away!!

http://www.thebabywearer.com/

enjoy her!!!

You can NEVER hold her too much. Get a good carrier (check out thebabywearer.com and enjoy this fleeting time of her only needing you. Don't waste time doubting that you are spoiling her. It's impossible.

im not going to read all the other responses because i know what they say... she is a week old, you cannot spoil her. hold that baby as much as you both want. its a big move for her... they say you are really pregnant for 10 mos, the last month is just on the outside :) ... you cant spoil a newborn, enjoy her, soak it up, and try to sleep when you can. you wont believe how fast it goes.

I say hold her as much as you can. They are only that little for such a short amount of time. Treasure it. I spent the first few weeks in bed with my little man on my chest, recovering from a c-section. He was skin-to-skin for just about a month. (it was a bad c-section recovery)
Anyway, he is 5 now! And I look back on those days with such a joy that I got to spend that bonding time with him.

Enjoy your little one, and congrats. :)

Dear N., Congratulations on your new baby girl. I am an older mom and I do not think you are holding her too much. Yes you should be able to put her down but your baby needs the comfort of your arms and the sound of your heartbeat. I know there will be moms out there who will disagree but I have raised 5 and not one is spoiled and I held them whenever they needed to be. Grandma Mary

is this a joke? cuddle her as much as possible. she's a week old!!!!
she will, of course, need you a little less, but not for a few months. for the first few months, they need you 24/7. eventually she will like a swing or an exercauser or rolling around on the floor. but right now, she should be eating whenever she wants and if she sleeps best in your arms than cherish these moments. they do not last long.

HOLD HER!! It will be over before you know it, enjoy it while you can. If you NEED to put her down to get something done, then by all means do so. But don't feel guitly for holding your baby. There's no such thing as 'too much' when they are this little!
A sling is an excellent idea so that you can get things done and hold her simultaneously!
Good luck and enjoy your new baby girl!

Hold her and cuddle her ALL THE TIME! Don't let anyone tell you that you're spoiling her. I held my son constantly, and used a carrier or sling whenever we went anywhere (or when my arms got tired). He would scream unless I held him! This lasted a while, but I never regret it. Around 6 months, he started doing his own thing more and more. (But I still held him whenever he needed it!) And now, at 2 years old, he's so independent and precocious!

When you meet a baby's needs early on, they have the confidence to be brave and strong when they get older!

Trust your gut. You'll make the right choices! And let daddy hold him, too...my husband used that baby bjorn all the time!

My first wasn't so obsessed with being held, so when my second (who was born in August) was exactly what you describe, I too was very concerned. But I have learned (and should have known from experience) that with all the developmental changes between birth and three months it will not remain a problem forever. I was worried that our newborn would sleep in our bed forever because he would force himself awake at 3 or 4 every morning and the only way we could sleep was to bring him in bed with us. But as soon as he got better sleeping at night he wouldn't wake as much and now he sleeps in his crib exclusively. And we seriously didn't do anything to speed this along, we just followed his lead.
There are so many changes, and this early period is such a seperate time. things are never like this again--the good things and the bad things all change. I just went back to work FT 2 weeks ago and I actually feel normal, just busier with two now!
Congratulations and good luck.

I don't think so. I have heard from many different people and read in many books. at this young age, they need that. They are too little to know what is going on and they are still adjusting to life on the outside. I used to hold my son all the time or put him in my lap. He is just fine now. This isn't the time to worry about them being spoiled, this is the time to nurture them. It actually makes them more confident and feel more secure later. Go ahead and hold away. You may also want to get a sling to put her in if your arm is getting tired.

really??? you can NEVER hold your infant too much. Why wouldnt you want to hold her as much as you can? Sounds like you are not bonding. I hope you find your way with this.

I agree with the other ladies here. You cannot spoil her by holding her too much. Babies love constant movement. They got if for 9 months in the womb and they still crave it. When she's a little older, i would suggest a swing so you can free up your arms and get some things done. Otherwise, don't worry about the cleaning or other chores you need to get done. Just enjoy your time with your little angel, it goes so fast

My daughter loved to sleep in my arms too. The nurses in the hospital gave me great advice. They said to cherish it now because you won't be able to hold them like that forever. When my daughter turned 4 months, I started putting her down to fall asleep. It took about a week but she eventually got used to it. I just gradually held her for less time. I think it's too early to worry about holding her too much now. Babies need love and comfort and that's what you're giving her when you hold her.

N.,
Congratulations! And excellent question!

NO! You are not holding her too much. Studies show that held children are healthier - not just fewer colds but they move along faster and reach milestones without skipping others and all that hullabaloo.

Mostly what they do is stay quiet and happy.

A sling, if you do not have one, is what you need. You can make your own and there are videos out there (google them! they're easy). Or you can buy premade (Maya is good, and Peanut shell is pretty good)

She is only this small once. Make her being with you safe - sling - and sound (wearing her).

Any questions, please email.

Attachment parenting international is the site you need to see especially if you are going back to work. Do all you can for her and YOUR FAMILY will benefit! Not to forget: she will be happier!

Good luck,
M.

Congratulations on your new love. She is a brand new bundle of joy and yes she loves being held by you. Naturally you love holding her too but you are right this can and will become a problem if continued for months at a time. She will never be any smaller than she is right now.

Perhaps she needs to be swaddled or not, or she may prefer sleeping sitting up instead of laying down. You must play detective and find out what works for her. It will all be a matter of trial and error. Since she is a newborn she needs the physical contact with you to begin to understand love and needs getting met and how to interact and to feel confident. Everything is so new to her she hasn't seen anything or experienced any thing outside of the comforts of your womb. Imagine just how scary lights, air, sounds, smells, etc can be for her.

Perhaps she misses the sound of your heartbeat and that is her source of comfort. Balance is key. Hold her for a time then lay her down. Stroke her head so she knows you are there. I used to take my index finger and run it from the bridge of his nose to my son's hairline down to. This seemed to soothe him. I would also lay him across my lap and pat his little back. That helped too. Also I would sleep when he was sleep. So when he was up I was refreshed or as refreshed as I could be.

Hope this helps.

Try baby wearing so your hands are free!The at least you are free to eat, brush your teeth ect. I was so excited the first time I put my little girl in her sling and she fell right alseep and I could still get stuff done! At this age its not a problem to hold and cuddle them. You really can't spoil an infant- take this time to bond with her, infancy goes too quickly and before you know it holding her won't be an option any more! Don't worry about were she sleeps until between 4-5 months when separation anxiety can develop. My ped encouraged us to cosleep and carry our babies until 4.5 months then she said to try the crib for naps and eventually overnight and it worked really well for us.

Best of Luck!

At that age, there's never too much holding!! There does come a point (for me, it was about 10 weeks) where I tried to get my daughter to be more independent and to fall asleep on her own. She slept through the night starting at 10 weeks, which was important since I was going back to work a few weeks later...

Never too much.
Spare the rod & spoil the child if you had to choose between the 2. All studies show the babies / children benefit from holding & contact. Check out Attachment Parenting website for more info.

Ok, so my answer might be a little different than most people. It is true that you can not hold a young infant too much, but that does not mean you can't put her down!! You need a break and so does she.... there is nothing wrong with putting her down on a blanket, in a swing or bouncy seat... in fact it is only going to be easier for both of you in the long run if you get her used to it now. My kids loved the swing and bouncy seat... I got them used to it from day one... I would swing them/bounce them and talk to them... play music... and yes... walk away and get some chores done or have a bite to eat. And guess what?? At 21 mos. and 4 years, they are happy, loving, well ajusted, well behaved, bright kids whom I have a great bond with and they did not get held all the time! Start by putting her down for short increments... even if she fusses (babies cry- it's ok)... she will gradually get used to it and even enjoy exploring her environment, and it will be good for both of you. And, don't forget the importance of letting her lie on her belly for Tummy Time... it is never too early to start and the earlier the better. Good luck, and don't worry.... there are other ways to soothe and bond with your baby than always holding her! Just love your baby and do what feels right.

Wow! Congrats! As far as I'm concerned you can never hold a small baby too much! My daughter is now 11 and I look back at the time I had with her - the most special was after she was born where she and I we're inseperatable. You are not doing anything wrong. Babies need to know love and affection and the only way to transmit that love right now is by holding/touch. I agree with Kalina I held my daughter till she was ready to let go and be independent. Walking and crawling are soon arriving - get your snuggles in while you can - it happens fast! :)

Hold her as much as you can. Habits are easy to break and right now it's completely normal for her to want to be held all the time after being in the comfort of your belly all those months. If you don't have one already, you can invest in a sling that will free up your arms but leave her feeling your warmth and comfort which she needs so much of right now.

The first 6 months you can never hold her too much. the first few monts of my 2 year old sons life I felt like I always was holding him. She is only going to be this little once, enjoy this time while you can. My son is 2 1/2 now & still likes to cuddle me & it's a great feeling. You are building her closeness with you.

Congratulations on your little one!
Remember, she was hugged by you for 9 whole months and she is used to being held and rocked. Babies that young need to feel secure and I can assure you, you are not spoiling her. She doesn't have any "wants" all she has now are "needs". I am a firm believer in attachment parenting and I carried my son until he was 10 months old, when he started to walk. Here are a couple of web sites, that I refer to :
http://www.attachmentparenting.org
http://www.sleepywrap.com
Welcome to mommyhood! It's totally worth it :)

Hold her as often as you can. I like to think of it this way -- you've been holding her day and night for the past 9 mos. Just because she's outside of you doesn't mean she needs to be held less. Don't think about work -- enjoy your maternity leave and hold her. In fact, I'd recommend getting a sling so you can run your errands and she's right there with you. They are easier than strollers -- NYC with a stroller was not fun :)

Much happiness to you and your new family.

You cannot hold a newborn baby too much! She knows what she needs and you are responding beautifully. Many experts will tell you the more you respond to her needs now, the more secure she will be as she gets older. Lets face it, her needs are simple - food, diaper changes and lots of cuddle time.

I like Dr. Harvey Karp's idea that babies actually have a fourth trimester and it refers to the first 12 weeks after they are born. They are still so connected to Momma. Think about this, she has just spent 40 weeks cuddled inside your belly, fed constantly, with the reassuring sound of your heartbeat guiding her days. Can you imagine how disarming it is to be ejected from the womb and into the world as WE know it?? Being close to you is what she knows and makes her feel safe.

Don't get me wrong, sometimes they need to be placed in their bassinets or in a car seat, bouncy seat (it is kind of hard to shower, get dressed, etc. with baby in arms!) But in these early days, your learn your baby so well by holding onto them. As the weeks go by, you will see that she will be able to spend more time NOT in your arms. At the moment, cherish this baby time - it is fleeting!

Congratulations on your new baby girl :-)

You will be fine! With my first i was the same way. You can never hold your baby to much and it does go by so fast. I have a 3 1/2 yr old and now a 10 week old and i appreciate the baby stage alot more this time around. Have you tried swaddling her when you put her down? She likes to be held because you are warm and holding her tight. Put a hat on her and swaddler her tight she might just need a little time to adust to the huge world. Also try a sleep positner that has to sides on it that you can postition so she feels cozy and warm. I have always put my children down because moms needs a break too. Try a swing,bouncy seat, or a carrier. Mine like the moby wrap and the baby b they are great for fusy periods because you can still get things done and the movement puts them right out. Do not focus on going back to work take one day at a time it gets better.before you know it she will be a toddler and you will look back on this. Like you said she is only a week old it takes a few weeks for her to adjust. Read as much as you can and have some help to come and give you a little rest.

There is no such thing as holding a one-week old too much. Until 6 months a baby's wants and needs are the same. Enjoy her... as long as you are happy holding her, snuggle away.

Sorry, I know you don't need the advice, but I have to say something...

Like my previous responder, I am a Attachment Parent and I wore my baby for most of his first year. Today, he is 2, and, excepting the usual tantrums and such, he is so loving and friendly, and he is caring and warm. I really believe that is due to my efforts to ensure that I always held him. I called it Touch Therapy.

Believe me, a day will come when you will not be able to hold your child, even if you want to, and that day will come sooner than you think. At 32 lbs and growing, I can no longer comfortably carry my son unless he is in a carrier. It makes me a little sad! So I say, hold her all day if you want - now is the time to do it!

At a week old, she is not even sure where she is yet LOL!!!!Enjoy the time with her because tyhat newborn
stage goes very quickly. For your sanity, try putting
her in a bouncie seat, swing or even carseat and see if
she will sleep there for a bit. If not just hang on, she
will not always be sleeping on you. Congratulations.

no you are not holding her too much - no such thing. Enjoy your first baby!

Hi N.,

My son basically lived on me for his first 3-4 weeks of life (with moments in the bassinet of course, especially at night), then slowly we eased out to more "independent" living. Never had the slightest problem with him in terms of sleeping, being able to set him down, etc.

Babies need the contact, it's reassuring after being thrust in a new world to be able to smell and hear Mommy. As a matter of fact, in places where babies physical needs are taken care of, but where they are not cuddled, held etc, they've seen that babies fail to thrive (they saw that in Romanian orphanages under communism, among other places). And, in places where there is no advanced facilities, such as most of South America, premature babies who are carried 24/7 constantly, have a much higher chance of survival than the babies that aren't.

So go ahead, cuddle her, you're doing the right thing.

K.