How to Handle a Newborn

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Windy St. George, and this is how to handle a newborn. Newborns are quite small, they're smaller than my prop doll here, and you can be intimidated. It can be frightening to even try to lift the baby up, but really it's it's simple. You just have to do it and try not to be afraid, because your nerves are what's really going to get in the way. When you pick up a baby you should support their bottom, and their head and neck; putting your hand across the shoulder blades and cradling the head and neck in the yoke of your hand. And then, you pick em' up. Mostly, they like to be up on your shoulder. Babies like to be held close. You can also cradle your baby cross your arms, making sure that you support their back and their bottom with one hand, and their head with another. Because they like to feel secure you should hold them close to your body, because they have a fear of falling, and they could get fussy if you hold them too loosely. When you place your baby down you should gently do it; always making sure to support their head and their bottom. Babies should always be placed face up. And that's how you handle a newborn."