How To Safely Pick Up A Newborn:
Picking up your little one for the first few times may be daunting, we've all had "worst-case-scenario" thoughts race through our minds especially during the lack of sleep, constant interruptions, irregular feeding times, nappy changes, visitors, hubby snoring, neighbours mowing the lawn... ugh, you get the gist!
Lucky for you, here are five tips to follow to make sure that the baby is being picked up and held safely and you both feel comfortable.
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Always support the baby's head and neck: The most important thing to remember when picking up a baby is to always support their head and neck. A baby's neck muscles are not fully developed, and their head is relatively heavy compared to the rest of their body. Use one hand to support the baby's head and neck and the other hand to support their bottom.
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Keep your balance: When picking up a baby, make sure that you are in a stable position. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, and bend your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity. This will help you stay balanced and prevent you from losing your balance and dropping the baby.
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Avoid sudden movements: Babies are delicate, and sudden movements can startle them and cause them to jerk or wiggle. Move slowly and smoothly when picking up a baby, and avoid jerky or sudden movements.
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Use a comfortable and safe hold: There are several ways to hold a baby, but the most important thing is to choose a comfortable and safe hold. The most common holds are the cradle hold, the football hold, and the upright hold. Choose the one that feels the most comfortable and secure for both you and the baby.
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Stay alert and focused: When holding a baby, it's important to stay alert and focused. Keep your attention on the baby at all times, and avoid distractions such as talking on the phone or watching TV. If you need to do something else, such as answer the door or get a drink of water, place the baby in a safe place, such as a crib or playpen, before leaving the room.
Your new addition may seem as delicate as fine china, but be assured that your baby is resilient enough for you to swoop up and hold and there is the added benefit of your intimate physical contact which helps both soothe both you and the little one.
