Holding your newborn baby
Your newborn baby is not nearly as fragile as you might think. Newborn babies are pretty resilient beings with many natural reflexes. However, you should still handle your newborn baby gently, not just for safety, but also to keep him feeling safe and secure.
All newborn babies come into the world with what is known as the startle, or Moro, reflex. In the startle reflex, loud noises or sudden movements may cause your baby to arch his back, throw out his arms and legs, and cry. This natural reflex usually lasts about four months. To avoid causing your newborn baby to startle, handle him slowly and support his entire body when you hold him. Allowing his legs and arms to dangle could make him feel unsafe and cause him to startle.
Always make sure to support your newborn baby's neck when holding him. He will feel safe and secure if you support his head and neck with one hand, and his bottom and thighs with the other. Hold your baby close to your body for added security.
When putting your newborn baby down to sleep, move slowly and gently to avoid waking him up or causing him to startle. Put your baby’s head down first, and then gradually lay the rest of his body down. Remove one hand slowly, and then the other. Hopefully he will not wake up at this point. If your newborn baby tends to startle when he is put down to sleep, try swaddling him before putting him down. Remain with your baby for a few more minutes, slowly stroking him and speaking to him in a soft, soothing voice. Wait until he is settled before leaving.
Always remember never to shake your baby. Shaking can lead to serious brain damage. If you feel like you might harm your baby by vigorously shaking her, seek help. Grandparents and other caregivers also need to know that they should never shake a baby.
Dressing your baby
When planning to go outside, dress your newborn baby in the same number of layers that an adult would need for the weather. Try to resist the urge to overdress your baby in the summer. In winter, your newborn baby needs a hat to protect his head against heat loss.
Lie your baby down when you are dressing him. This will leave both of your hands free to do all the work. Remember that when you dress your baby, you need to do everything for him. It will be a while yet before he can put his hands through the sleeves on your prompting. You will need to guide his arm through each sleeve, and likewise for his legs.
Regardless of what the neighbour next door says, your baby does not need to wear shoes. In fact, he will not need shoes until after he has started to walk. Shoes can interfere with the normal development of the arch in your baby’s foot. Just use little booties and socks for now.