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.
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