Baby arriving in 3 weeks and I've watched like 5 videos on proper newborn holding technique. My hands still feel too big and clumsy. Is this something that just clicks when the baby arrives or should I be practicing on something now? Feeling a bit ridiculous asking this but my wife keeps joking that I'm more nervous than she is lol
The videos are overkill. Just support the head and neck, keep one hand under the butt, and you're good. Babies are tougher than they look. Three weeks in and you'll be holding your kid like a football while eating a sandwich.
The fact that you're asking this and preparing already puts you ahead of a lot of new dads. You're going to do great. And when you mess something up, which you will, the baby will probably sleep through it.
Honestly watching videos is good but nothing really prepares you. The baby is way more durable than you think. You'll figure out what works in like the first two hours and then you'll be fine. Everyone looks worried holding a newborn at first.
Pro tip: learn how to hold them while sitting down first. Way less stressful than trying to figure it out standing up when you're sleep deprived.
I watched those same videos and then immediately held my newborn wrong on day two and felt like I failed before I even started. But the baby was totally fine. Just go with your instincts once you get him home.
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You're overthinking it which is totally normal. The nurses will show you when you're in the hospital and after that you'll just figure it out. Every parent feels awkward the first time.