Handling and holding your newborn baby
© Jupiter
Most babies like to be handled in a firm way, especially in the early weeks when the sensation of being tightly enclosed (whether by your arms, by clothing or by a swaddling shawl), gives a great sense of security. When it comes to actually moving your baby, do it as slowly, as gently and as quietly as you can.
It's an instinctive reaction to hold your baby close to you, to talk soothingly and lovingly as you look into her face and eyes, and many experiments have shown that children do need and benefit from this physical contact. For example, premature babies gain more weight when they are laid on soft, downy sheets simply because the fluffy sheets give them the impression of being touched. Your newborn baby will be comforted by any kind of holding, cuddling or caressing, and skin-to-skin contact, with both of you lying naked in bed, is probably the best of all. In this way she can smell your skin, feel its touch and warmth and hear your heart beating.
Picking up your newborn baby
Don't worry about picking your baby up; she's much tougher than you think. The only thing that you really have to take care of is her lolling head. Until she is about four weeks old she'll have little control over it so whenever you pick her up do it in a way that supports the head.
Putting down your newborn baby
When you lay your baby down you must make sure that her head is supported. Unless you do, her head will flop back and may give your baby the sensation that she is going to fall; her body will jerk and she'll stretch out both arms and legs in the Moro or “startle” reflex. Either put your baby down in the way I suggested for picking up, so that your whole arm supports spine, neck and head, or wrap your baby fairly tightly in a shawl so that her head is supported and her arms held close against her body. Once she is lying down in the cot, gently unwrap her. Swaddling your baby tightly makes her feel secure, so it's a useful way of comforting and calming a distressed baby.
Newborn and very young babies should be placed on their backs to sleep, with feet against the foot of the cot. The latest medical opinion and research suggests that this is the best and safest position in which to minimize the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and it is no longer believed that in this position there is an increased risk of the baby bringing up her feed and possibly choking. By four or five months, your baby will instinctively choose the position she finds suits her best.
Carrying your newborn baby
In your arms
There are two main positions for carrying your baby in your arms. The first is with the baby's head in the crook of either arm, slightly higher than the rest of the body, which rests on the lower part of your arm encircled by the wrist and the hand that support her back and bottom. Your other arm provides additional support, to the baby's bottom and legs. This position allows you to talk to and smile at your baby.
The second way is to hold your baby against the upper part of your chest, with your forearm across her back and her head resting on your shoulder supported by your hand. This position leaves the other hand free, which is useful if you need to pick something up. Otherwise it can provide support to the baby's bottom.
In a sling
There is no reason at all why your newborn shouldn't be carried in a sling, as long as it provides adequate support for the baby's neck and head, and it envelops the baby's body so that she can't slip out of either side. The best kinds of sling are the very soft, pouch-like ones that allow the baby to take up her curled form. Most parents feel happiest with the sling worn on their chest because there they can see and cuddle the baby easily and generally protect her more efficiently.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
Get more on this subject…
