Whether this is the first newborn in your family for a while, or you haven’t spent a lot of time around newborns, you may be feeling a little intimidated by their fragility. You can never go wrong with a refresher on how to properly handle your newborn! You may want to share this post with a friend or family member to refresh them as well before your little bundle of joy arrives!
Always have clean hands before handling your baby!
Ideally, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Hand sanitizer also works if you aren’t able to use a sink to wash your hands. Due to newborns not having a strong enough immune system, they are at higher risk for illnesses and infection. Make sure everyone who handles your baby has clean hands before doing so.
Make sure to support your baby’s neck and head!
Always cradle your baby’s head when laying your baby down or carrying your baby upright.
NEVER shake your newborn!
It is never okay under any circumstance to shake a newborn. This can cause bleeding of the brain and life threatening issues.
Make sure you securely fasten your newborn into their strollers & car seats!
You’ll want to limit any activity that will be too bouncy or rough for your newborn.
Don’t play rough with your newborn!
Your baby is not ready to be bounced on your knee or jiggled. Enjoy some newborn baby snuggles instead!
We hope this quick guide to handling a newborn relieves some stress! Remember that newborns are fragile and we should be extra careful with them at this point in their development. Please let us know if you have any other questions, we’d love to help!