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Handling Your Baby
To lift your baby out of the crib or bassinet:
- Roll baby on its back.
- Place one hand under the head and neck for support.
- Place the other hand under the baby's bosom.
- Lift the baby up being sure to keep the baby's head straight with its body.
Holding your baby:
- Babies like to be held close to your body for warmth and comfort.
- Always be sure that your hand or arm is supporting the baby's head and neck. Head control and neck muscles develop over time; but until then, they need your help.
- For washing your baby's hair or breastfeeding, it can be helpful to hold your baby like a football - one hand under the head and the neck with baby's body supported against your side. This leaves your hand free.
To lay your baby back in the crib or bassinet:
- Position the infant on the right side - this helps with digestion and keeps baby from choking.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the side lying or back position for healthy, non-spit babies. Bronson Battle Creek recommends the side lying position. Please discuss position of choice for your baby with your baby's doctor.
- Wrap the baby in blankets. This promotes sleep, comfort and security for the infant.
- Before turning the baby on its side, lay the infant on a soft blanket.
- Bring one corner across diagonally and tuck it under the baby's back and knees.
- Lift the opposite corner and pull until the blanket appears snug around the baby.
- Bring the corner across and tuck under the baby's back and body.
- Place the baby on its side.