Baby-care Basics: Handling a Newborn

• Be careful to support your baby's head and neck
• Cradle the head when carrying your baby
• Support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay him or her down
• Be careful not to shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration
• Shaking that is vigorous can cause bleeding in the brain and even death
• If you need to wake your infant, don't do it by shaking — instead, tickle your baby's feet or blow gently on a cheek
• Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat
• Limit car rides and any other activity that would be too rough or bouncy
• Remember that your newborn is not ready for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown in the air