Handling a Newborn
When I came home from the hospital I was only 5 lbs! My father once told me he had to hold me with a pillow in his lap because he was scared I would slip through his fingers. Holding a newborn for the first time can be scary. If you have never held a newborn, or if you are apprehensive about it, here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable handling your little one.
Be careful to support your baby's head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay him or her down.
Be careful not to shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. Shakingthat is vigorous can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If you need to wake your infant, don't do it by shaking -- instead, tickle your baby's feet or blow gently on a cheek.
Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit car rides and any other activity that would be too rough or bouncy.
Remember that your newborn is not ready for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown in the air.
Just relax, with a little practice you will be a pro in no time!
