Baby Basics for New Dads, Part 1
Six things every father should know
Picking Up, Carrying, and Laying Baby Down
Many new parents worry about accidentally dropping or mishandling their infants. Relax. Even severely sleep-deprived moms and dads rarely drop their children. When handling your new baby, however, support weak neck muscles during the first four weeks. Here´s how to keep baby’s head from flopping around like a bowling ball at the end of a wet noodle:
- Picking Up: Face your baby and gently slide your hand under her shoulder blades. Place your palm on the back of her neck, using your fingers to support the head. Slip your other hand firmly underneath the baby’s buttocks. Lift her up slowly against your chest as sudden movements can startle her.
- Carrying: There are a variety of safe holds. You can cradle Baby in the crook of your arm or lean him up against your chest. Use both hands and always support the head and neck. Avoid the temptation to answer the phone or open the refrigerator while carrying your child. Always place your baby in a safe place while doing other activities.
- Laying Down: Lean down while keeping Baby against your chest, one hand behind her head, the other supporting her back or bottom until Baby is safely resting on her back.
Note: Infants should always be placed on their backs in a cradle, crib, or bassinette. Doing this reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Short periods of tummy time are fine under supervision.
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