At what age in months can a baby be held while sleeping using the arms?

Mar 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
When a baby is six months old, it is safe to let them sleep while being held in the arms. For babies under three months, the cervical spine curvature has not fully developed and their bones are still soft; using a pillow or sleeping while being held in the arms may affect normal spinal development. By six months of age, the spine is typically well-developed and the bones have become firmer, so sleeping while being held in the arms generally does not cause harm and can help enhance the baby's sense of security.

By six months of age, a baby's spine has typically developed sufficiently, making it safe to sleep while being held in the crook of the arm.

Generally, for babies under three months old, the natural curvature of the cervical spine has not yet fully formed and their bones are still very soft. It is therefore not recommended to use pillows or hold them in the arm while sleeping, as this may interfere with normal spinal development. By around six months, the spine is usually well-developed and the bones have become stronger, so sleeping while being held in the arm is generally safe and can even help enhance the baby’s sense of security.

When holding a baby in the arm during sleep, it is advisable to place a piece of cotton cloth or a small towel under the arm to protect the delicate skin on the neck and prevent irritation or discomfort.