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Newborn babies are fragile and need gentle care. Holding your baby is very important. Your baby needs to feel safe and loved. It may seem a little scary at first. You will need to know how to hold your baby the right way. ‚
General
First thing to remember when holding your newborn baby is to keep your baby safe in your arms. There are different ways to hold your baby. ‚
Here are some steps you can take when holding your baby: ‚
- Wrap your baby in a blanket. Place a blanket on your bed or a firm surface. Put your baby on the blanket face up and wrap it around your babys body.
- Always make sure your baby's head and face is above the blanket.
- Place the left side of the blanket over your baby's body and wrap it behind your baby.
- Bring the bottom of the blanket up onto your baby's body and chest. Then bring the right side of the blanket over your baby's body and tuck it behind your baby.
- Make sure you can slide your hand between the blanket and your baby's chest for easy breathing. This will make your baby feel secure.
- Slip your hand under your baby's head and slide the other hand under your baby's bottom.
- Support your baby's head and neck. Lift your baby slowly and gently towards you in a scoop like position.
- Let your baby rest upright with the head on your shoulder. Draw your baby close to your chest by cupping your baby's neck and head. Place your other hand on your baby's bottom. Make sure you secure your baby's whole body.
- Be careful that you do not let your baby's head fall forward or backward.
- If you or your baby feels uneasy, lay your baby flat in your arms and body. Cradle your baby close to you. Support your baby's neck and head all the time.
- Keep in mind that your newborn baby is not ready for any type of play. Avoid throwing your baby in the air or bouncing your baby on your knees.
Will there be any other care needed?
There are some basic things to remember when holding your baby. ‚
- Wash your hands before holding your baby. Make sure that anyone who holds or touches your baby has clean hands.
- Support your babys head, neck, and entire body when you carry your baby upright or when you lay your baby down.
- Do not shake your baby. If you want to wake up your baby, tickle your baby's feet or blow gently on your baby's cheek.
- Always hold your baby so the nose and mouth are clear for breathing.
What problems could happen?
When you feel stressed: ‚
- Put your baby in a safe place, such as your babys bed, gently and slowly. You do not have to hold your baby all the time. Never shake your baby.
- Ask family and friends to help you care for your baby.
- If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/newborn_care/guide_parents.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚