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Common health questions...

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What is the best way to pick my newborn up?

For starters, be careful of your back when lifting a baby - bend your knees first, then lean over. Then: always slide one hand underneath baby's head, fully supporting their head and neck; slide your other hand down to support their bottom and lower spine; gently lift baby up and bring towards your chest, while ensuring their head is supported; hold baby against your chest, keeping a hand behind their head and one under their bottom; alternatively, keeping your hand behind their head, gently position baby in the crook of your arm - your inner elbow can provide good support for their head and holding baby close to your body provides comfort; if handing baby to someone else, ensure you keep your hand underneath their head and neck, until the other person has control, and; reverse this process to put baby down on the floor or into their crib, always supporting their head.13441

Author: Idan Ben-Barak
First answered: 14 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.5/5 Votes: 949

View the Safely holding a baby report page.

Related questions

Do I need to support my newborn's head when I lift them?

Yes. For the first few months, your baby may not be able to support the weight of their own head. If you pick them up without supporting their head, it will probably flop backwards, distressing your baby and potentially causing …

Why do small babies have wobbly heads?

Small babies' heads weigh more than any other part of their bodies - up to a quarter of their weight in most cases. Babies do not need to use their muscles when in the uterus, so when they are born, they have very weak and undeveloped neck and head …

Can I put my newborn in an upright stroller?

Upright strollers do not provide any support for your baby's head and neck, so they are unsuitable until your baby is able to control its head. Some strollers have removable padding, specially designed to support newborns and have them in a …

Is it safe to put my newborn in a backpack baby carrier?

Wait until your baby has head control before using a backpack baby carrier. As they are behind you, you cannot see if they are distressed or if their heads have flopped down against their chests, or worse, backwards.

What are fontanelles?

Fontanelles are the soft spots on your newborn's head, where the bones of their skull have not fused together. It is OK to lightly touch these when washing baby's hair or combing it, but protect these areas from impacts when lifting baby.

When will my baby be able to hold up its head without support?

By the time your baby is three months old, they will usually be able to hold their head steady for longer periods of time. Still, take care to support their head if they are still slightly wobbly and provide head support by …

My baby was preterm - will this affect their head control?

In many cases, yes. Preterm babies are often slower to develop physically than their peers. Each baby is unique, but it is perfectly normal for a preterm baby to be a few months behind a full-term baby of the same age.

Is it safe to put my baby on its tummy?

Tummy time is good for your baby and helps them to develop their neck muscles. Start off with 1-2 minutes, two or three times per day. You can build up to 15 minutes a few times daily over the months. Your baby will spend most of its time lying on …

Can I help my baby to develop their neck muscles?

Daily tummy time is a great way to help exercise a baby's neck. Encourage your baby to pull themselves upright from lying on their back by holding their hands and gently pulling their arms upwards. Only do this for a few seconds until they …