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. 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.
Handling your newborn baby from head to eyes
Head: The head is one of the most fragile parts of your baby’s body. A newborn’s skull isn’t fully formed yet. It will have soft parts called fontanelles, where the bones haven’t fully fused yet. These can be found at the top and the back of the head, and will close over the next two years. Be careful with these parts even though a thick layer of skin already protects them.
Eyes: When bathing your baby, refrain from using strong scented soaps during the first few months. Clean the eyes by gently running a damp cloth from the inner corner of the eye to the outer part. When you begin tub-bathing your baby, make sure to cup your hand over the forehead to prevent baby soap from going into his eyes.
Skin: Newborns may have blotches and rashes in most of their body areas, but these disappear after a few weeks. Little white, pimple-like bumps on the face, often across the bridge of the nose, called millia, are also common. These are caused by immature sweat glands, and these often subside in around four to six weeks.
Mouth: Breast milk has been proven to be the best in helping babies build their immunities especially in the first six months, when they are most vulnerable to illnesses and infections. If you’re breastfeeding, let your baby feed for about 10 to 15 minutes on each breast. If you’re using baby formula, two to four ounces should be enough for each feeding.A baby usually swallows a lot of air when feeding, so burping your baby after every meal is a must. Burping is usually done by rubbing the baby’s back gently while carrying him upright. Remember to support his head while doing this. You can also burp the baby by placing him face down on your lap, and gently tapping his back.
Genital area: Remember to change your baby’s diaper regularly to avoid nasty rashes. Prepare around 10 changes of diapers every day. Remember to clean the genital area thoroughly with damp cotton balls and a dry washcloth to wipe the area. For baby boys, remove the diapers slowly: sudden exposure of his private parts to air may cause him to urinate. For baby girls, wipe from front to back; doing it the other way around may cause urinary tract infections.
Hands and fingers: Your baby’s hands are still too small, so it would be difficult and unsafe to cut their fingernails. Put mittens on your baby’s hands to protect their faces from scratches in case his fingernails get too long. In a month or so, you can start using a special baby nail clipper to cut his nails.
Your Baby's First Year: Week by Week
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