Baby development: getting used to being carried and held

Many of you are probably wondering: at what age does a baby get used to being held? It is true that physical contact from the very first months of life is essential for a child's development.

It is also useful to know the key stages that mark the beginning of little ones getting accustomed to being carried, in order to help them grow and thrive. That is why this article addresses this very legitimate concern for all parents and offers some guidance on:

The age at which a child begins to get used to being held;

The different types of carrying available;

How to choose a carrying method suited to your baby;

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of carrying;

A few tips to help your child get used to being held.

The ideal age to start carrying your baby: myths and reality

It is widely accepted that there is no specific age at which to start carrying your baby, as this depends on several factors, including the child's health and build, as well as the parents' expectations and habits. However, according to specialists, certain broad trends can be observed in terms of carrying during the first three months, corresponding to:

Gradually getting used to being held (0–1 month): during this first phase, both mother and father should pick up their child as soon as they show the desire to be held, in order to strengthen their emotional bonds;

Settling into a balance of sensations (1–2 months): towards the end of the first month, your baby will start to get used to being in your arms and will respond positively when you pick them up. This period is also rich in sensory discoveries for them;

Learning mobility and voluntary movements (2–3 months): this stage is a big step for little ones, as they are now able to control their limbs and gain greater independence.

The different types of carrying to help baby get used to being held

Beyond these first decisive weeks, there are several ways to carry your child in order to help them get accustomed to being held, including:

The front or back baby carrier

Baby carriers are very practical and comfortable tools for parents and children alike. They offer a range of benefits, including:

• Supporting muscular and psychomotor development;
• Making movement easier thanks to their ergonomic, lightweight design;
• Strengthening the emotional bond between parents and baby through constant physical contact.

Nevertheless, it is essential to choose a baby carrier suited to your child's age and weight.

The stretchy or woven baby wrap

The baby wrap offers a very enveloping style of carrying that can adapt to the different stages of your baby's growth. Its main advantages are:

An optimal distribution of weight across the adult's whole body;

Greater comfort and closeness with baby;

The ability to vary positions according to their needs and age.

It should be noted, however, that the baby wrap does require a little more practice to use correctly.

A few tips to help your baby get used to being held

If you would like to help your little one get accustomed to being held, here are some suggestions:

Encourage skin-to-skin contact from birth, as this strengthens the emotional bonds between the child and their parents;

Learn to recognise the signals your baby gives when they want to be picked up or put down;

Keep up daily carrying sessions even if they only last a few minutes, as they stimulate their sense of balance and body awareness;

Surround yourself with experienced babywearers or attend themed workshops to familiarise yourself with the different carrying techniques.

In short, there is no precise age at which a child gets used to being held. It all depends on each individual baby, their needs, and their physical and motor abilities. Nevertheless, physical contact is vital from birth to support their overall development and strengthen the emotional bonds with their parents.

Furthermore, several types of carrying exist to suit everyone's preferences and constraints. It is worth choosing the method that works best for you and adapting it over time, taking into account your child's wellbeing and wishes.