Question

Our two-and-a-half-month-old baby often shows a preference for being held vertically, but there are opinions that at this stage, babies should not be held vertically for long periods to avoid affecting the normal curvature of their spines. Is it appropriate for a two-and-a-half-month-old baby to be held vertically?

Answer

Hello. It is generally recommended to avoid long-term vertical holding for babies before they are four months old. If a baby prefers vertical holding due to crying or fussiness, it is suggested to provide support with hands or arms while holding. Two-and-a-half-month-old babies are still quite young, and long-term vertical holding may be detrimental to their spinal development. However, moderate and short-term vertical holding can help strengthen a baby’s spine, which often leads to them learning to lift their heads earlier and appearing healthier.