Many new parents are challenged by learning the simple things about a new baby. It can often seem overwhelming. Basics like holding the baby, changing a diaper and daily care can seem confusing. The same goes for someone taking care of a newborn for the first time. One of the many things people worry about is holding the little one correctly.
Just Relax! It's Not as Hard as it Looks
Babies can sense when parents are upset or nervous and that in turn can make them upset. When a baby is picked up and he feels like the adult holding him is unsure the infant may cry and arch its back making holding him difficult. Babies also can get frightened if they are picked up suddenly or they think they are falling. Parents can help with this by speaking softly to the tiny one while picking him up, getting a firm grip and quickly making him secure.
Give the Baby a Sense of Security
Once the newborn baby has been picked up, gently cradle its head. Newborns cannot support their own head. This is easily done by placing a hand under the baby's head or cradling the baby with its head in the crook of an arm with the other arm supporting the body. The baby can also lay against a parent's chest.Simply place one hand on his back and the other on the back of the head and hold him snuggly against the chest.
Baby's Likes and Dislikes
Small children, even newborns, are like adults. They have their likes and dislikes. This is true when being held in someone's arms as well. Some little ones like to lay curled up against the chest with their head on a comfy shoulder. Others like to lay in someone's arm in the typical manner often thought of when holding a baby . Many little ones are not content unless they are being held with their back against a firm chest so they can face out and see what is going on.
Learn to Enjoy the New Addition
Learning what works for a newborn takes time. Feeling confident when holding a baby will come if everyone relaxes. While parents do need to protect and watch out for their baby, babies are not quite as fragile as one might think. And remember, this is all new to the baby as well. Practice makes perfect here, just like anything else, but practicing holding a baby is much more pleasant than many other tasks parents have to do over and over!
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