BREASTFEEDING POSITIONS
Cradle Hold Breastfeeding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your baby lies across your front, supported by the arm on the same side as the breast you are feeding from. It is a familiar position, although getting comfortable and supporting your baby’s alignment can take practice.
How to breastfeed using the cradle hold
- Settle into a supported seat Sit back with your shoulders relaxed. A cushion behind your back, support beneath your feeding arm or a footstool may help you avoid leaning forwards.
- Bring your baby across your front Lay your baby across your lap, facing you. Support them with the arm on the same side as the breast you are offering.
- Keep their whole body close Draw their chest and tummy towards you. Their ear, shoulder and hip should form a straight line so they do not need to turn their head to feed.
- Place their nose level with your nipple Rest their head on your forearm or wrist rather than deep in the crook of your elbow, leaving room for their head to tip back slightly.
- Wait for a wide-open mouth Let your nipple brush their upper lip. When their mouth opens wide, bring their whole body towards you so their chin reaches the breast first.
- Settle and check the feed Once attached, relax your shoulders and support the weight of your arm. Feeding should become comfortable after the first few sucks.
Baby and parent alignment
- Your back, neck and shoulders feel supported rather than hunched.
- Your baby is chest-to-chest with you and held close.
- Their ear, shoulder and hip remain in one line.
- Their nose starts level with your nipple and their head is free to tip back.
- Your breast rests naturally; bring your baby to it rather than leaning towards them.
Attachment and comfort
A deep attachment usually looks like a wide mouth, chin touching the breast and full, rounded cheeks. You may hear swallowing after the first quicker sucks. Your baby’s nose can be clear or lightly touching the breast.
- More of the darker skin may be visible above the top lip than below the bottom lip.
- Your nipple should not look pinched or lipstick-shaped after the feed.
- If your arm tires, add support beneath it without lifting your baby so high that their chin is pushed into their chest.
When the cradle hold may be useful
The cradle hold is familiar and can work well once you and your baby are becoming confident with attachment. Some parents find it convenient away from home because it needs little equipment.
It is one option, not a position you have to use. It may feel less comfortable after a caesarean birth because your baby lies across your tummy; side-lying or rugby hold may be worth exploring instead.
What to do if breastfeeding hurts
If pain continues beyond the first few sucks, gently break the suction with a clean finger and try again. Check that your baby is close, aligned and able to tip their head back before reattaching.
Persistent pain, damaged nipples or worries about milk transfer deserve prompt support. Ask a midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter to observe a whole feed; contact your GP or NHS 111 if pain does not settle or you feel unwell.
Where to get breastfeeding support in the UK
Your midwife, health visitor, local infant-feeding team or breastfeeding supporter can offer individual help. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0300 100 0212.
The Global Health Media video in the Watch card covers several positions; the link starts at about 05:05, where supported, for the cradle-hold demonstration.
Watch: Cradle Hold
Global Health Media Project demonstrates several breastfeeding positions. The Cradle Hold section begins at approximately 05:05.
Watch the demonstration