How to Handle a Newborn

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Make certain to properly support the baby's head and neck, which is called cradling. The best way to support the baby is to keep one hand under the head at all times or use the crook of your elbow to support the head. Practice a few times while the baby is laying down before actually picking him or her up; you will feel much more comfortable.

Feeding the baby is something that every new parent worries about at first. At this age, babies will only drink breast milk or formula. This is where all of their nutrients come from. If the mother is breastfeeding, then feeding will most likely occur every few hours and if the baby is bottle fed, they tend to go two to three hours between feedings. Take special care to burp the baby frequently as they cannot get the excess gas out for themselves. Place the baby gently on your shoulder with the head facing back and pat or rub the back to encourage the air to come out. You can also place the baby face down on your upper leg and pat or rub the air out.

Bathing the baby is something that should happen every couple of days once the umbilical cord falls off (Your doctor will give you more instructions on the care of the umbilical cord). Your baby only needs a bath once or twice a week because they really aren't doing much at this point, but you can bathe them as much as you want. Many parents use the kitchen sink or a small bath tub to perform this ritual. Use a like warm wash cloth and some baby appropriate bath soap to gentle wash the baby. Wrap the baby up immediately so they do not get too cold.

Changing the baby's diaper is a necessity and will happen 8 to 10 times per day with a newborn. Lay the baby gently on his or her back. Pick up the feet and slide the diaper underneath the bottom. Then you can fasten the diaper on either side. Putting the diaper on before applying any rash creme will result in hardly any mess. Make sure to keep everything that you need handy when changing a diaper. You will need wipes, diaper creme and diapers.

Dressing the baby can be a daunting task at first. Make certain to choose clothes that easily fit over the baby's head or can snap on the side avoiding going over the head. Onesies ( a one piece T-shirt like item with snaps at the bottom) usually work best at this age or T-shirts with side snaps. It is always best to dress the baby is layers. That way when the baby is either hot or cold, you can add or remove layers as needed for comfort.

Swaddling the baby is key for its comfort. The baby is used to being held in a tight space (the belly) and swaddling reinforces the feeling of comfort and warmth that the baby has been used used to during the past nine months. Fold a blanket into a triangle shape and place the baby down in the middle with the feet towards the point of the blanket. Fold the point up and it should reach around or near the bellybutton. Then fold each side pulling tightly and resulting in a burrito look around the baby. This is swaddling.


Take care to be gentle with the baby. The baby is not ready for excessive tickling, bouncing on the knee or being thrown up in the air. However babies still like interaction so try cuddling your baby or smiling or talking to your baby. Tickling or blowing on the baby's feet can be fun for the baby as well. You can also try holding the baby while walking around or dancing slowly. Babies love the movement and the closeness.

Make certain that the baby is properly fastened into the car seat or stroller at all times. This means that the baby should be in an age appropriate car seat and that there should be a five point harness system securely holding the baby in place. Most car seats have tether straps that should be utilized for extra reinforcement. Avoid trips that can be too rough or bouncy as this may upset your baby's stomach, causing spit up.


Tips & Warnings

* Your local fire station is an excellent resource for making certain that your car seat is installed properly and that the baby is fastened in correctly. You can stop by almost any time and request assistance.

* A diaper changing table is usually at waist height and will greatly assist you during the diapering and dressing times. Consider investing in a changing table if you do not already have one.

* Almost all local hospitals offer a newborn care course. If you are still nervous, consider taking one of the courses.

* There are many items that can help soothe your baby such as a pacifier or particular blanket or even you as the parent. Keep as many items on hand as possible to give many choices for soothing your baby.

* It is a good idea to encourage everyone to wash their hands before handling your newborn. This prevents the spread of any germs.

* Almost everyone is intimidated when first handling a newborn baby. Don't be scared, just take your time and be gentle. While they are fragile, newborns will not break. It will take a few weeks to get into a routine.

* Don't be afraid to ask for and accept help. It is hard at first with a newborn and getting some help may let you settle into a routine a little faster which can be comforting for both you and the baby.

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