The Basics

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The Basics 〰️

Handling Baby

If you haven't spent a lot of time around newborns, they may seem very fragile. Here are a few basics to remember:

  • Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. Newborns don't have a strong immune system yet, so they're at risk for infections. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby has clean hands.

  • Support your baby's head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby. And support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down.

  • Never shake your baby, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and sometimes death. If you need to wake your baby, don't do it by shaking. Instead, tickle your baby's feet or blow gently on a cheek.

  • Always fasten your baby securely when using a carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit any activity that could be too rough or bouncy.

  • Avoid rough play with newborns, such as jiggling them on the knee or throwing them in the air.

Bonding

Although bonding initially happens during the first hours and days after birth when parents make a deep connection with their child. Physical closeness can help form an emotional link and help your baby develop in other ways. As fathers, we need not be afraid of this contact for the closeness builds attraction both ways. I encourage you to interact physically with your new baby as much as possible. Your baby will benefit immensely and thrive under the attention and constant contact.

Begin bonding by cradling and gently stroking your baby in different patterns. Another good technique is skin-to-skin contact where you hold your newborn against your own chest. This helps calm and soothe babies and regulate their heartbeat. It’s a good practice for moms or dads to do.

Here’s how to do skin-to-skin contact with your baby:

  • Avoid using scented perfumes or lotions and stay away from cigarette smoke beforehand.

  • Find a comfortable seat in a dimly-lit room. Wear a shirt that opens in the front. Lay your baby in just a diaper on your bare chest.

  • Sit quietly, talk softly, hum, sing, or read aloud. Your baby may sleep during this time.

Soothing

Massage: Infant massage can be particularly beneficial for babies, especially those born prematurely or with medical issues. Certain massage techniques can strengthen the bond between parent and child and support the baby’s growth and development. Numerous books and videos are available on the topic; consult your doctor for recommendations. However, be cautious—babies are more delicate than adults, so ensure you massage your baby gently.

Sounds: Babies often love vocal sounds like talking, babbling, singing, and cooing. Your baby will likely enjoy listening to soft music as well. Baby rattles and musical mobiles are great for stimulating your infant's hearing. If your baby is fussy, try singing, reciting poetry or nursery rhymes, or reading aloud while gently swaying or rocking in a chair.

Some babies may be unusually sensitive to touch, light, or sound. They might startle and cry easily, sleep less than expected, or turn away when someone speaks or sings to them. If this is the case with your baby, keep noise and light levels low to medium.

Swaddling: Another effective soothing technique is swaddling, which can be particularly beneficial for some babies during their first few weeks. Proper swaddling involves wrapping the baby's arms snugly against their body while allowing some movement for their legs. This method keeps the baby warm and often provides a sense of security and comfort. Additionally, swaddling may help reduce the startle reflex that can wake a baby.Here's how to swaddle your baby:

  • Spread out a baby blanket with one corner folded over slightly.

  • Lay the baby face-up on the blanket with their head above the folded corner.

  • Wrap the left corner over the baby's body and tuck it beneath the back, going under the right arm.

  • Bring the bottom corner up over the baby's feet and pull it toward their head, folding the fabric down if it gets close to your baby's face. Don’t wrap too tightly around the hips. The hips and knees should be slightly bent and turned out. Wrapping your baby too tightly may increase their risk for injury

  • Wrap the right corner around your baby, and tuck it under their back on the left side, leaving only the neck and head exposed. To make sure your baby isn’t wrapped too tightly, make sure you can slip a hand between the blanket and your baby's chest. This will allow comfortable breathing. But make sure that the blanket isn’t so loose that it could come undone.

  • Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of starting to roll over. That’s usually around 2 months. At this age, some babies can roll over while swaddled, which puts them at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)