How to handle your baby

When you pick up or hold your baby, it's important to support their head and neck carefully. Babies have no control over their heads, and no strength in their necks.

If you need advice on how to handle your baby, ask your midwife or Plunket nurse.

Helpful tips

Safe ways to hold your baby:

• Cuddled up to your shoulder, your hand supporting their head.
• Baby looking outwards, their back against your body, your arm around baby's tummy.
• Lying securely on your chest.
• Cradled in your forearms, feet against your body, head supported by your hands.
• Carried in a baby sling.

DO NOT:

• Play too rough, grip them too tightly
• Shove a dummy or bottle into their mouth.
• Hold them at arm's length, or pick them up without warning.
• Throw them up in the air.
• Never shake your baby, even if you're afraid they aren't breathing. Try flicking the soles of their feet to see if they respond.

Plunket can provide you with advice on how to hold your baby

Kiwi Families provide a baby's chat room where you can share your experiences

Raising Children Australia has information on new babies