If this is your first time around newborns, their delicacy may be daunting. Here are a number of basics to keep in mind:
- Wash your hands(or use a hand sanitizer) before carrying your baby. Newborns have a weak immune system, so they’re highly at risk for infection. See to it that everyone who touches your baby has clean hands at all times.
- Support your baby’s head and neck.Cradle the head when holding your baby and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down.
- Never rattle your newborn, whether it’s an act of play or aggravation.Shaking your baby can lead to bleeding in the brain and worse – death. If you intend to wake your baby, avoid doing it by shaking. A tickle on your baby’s feet or a gentle blow on the cheek will do the trick.
- Ensure your baby is safely and securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat.Reduce any activity that could be too rough or bouncy.
- Keep in mind that your baby is not equipped for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown in the air.