People say that when you become a parent, there are certain instincts that will naturally kick in.

For example, you’ll constantly feel the need to check if they need anything, respond to their every need, and above all, protect them at all costs. After all, a baby is completely dependent on their caregive

And because you’ll be aware of how dependent your little one is on you, it’s natural that you’ll be hyper-aware of every tiny interaction they have with others. For example, in the instance where a relative or friend wants to have a cuddle with them, it’s natural that you will become hyper-aware of every movement and every touch.

You’ll probably ask yourself questions such as,

Are they holding my baby correctly? Is their head supported? Is my baby comfortable in that position?

If so, then don’t worry! You’re one of millions of parents out there who will be having the same thoughts. Plus, we’re here to answer any questions you have about this area of your baby’s well-being.

What are some top tips for physically handling my baby?

Ensure that their head is supported when you are holding them. The top tip for handling or picking up a baby is to always ensure that their head is fully supported with one hand. At this age, babies don’t have the strength in their necks to do this by themselves.

It might take a few attempts to understand what is ‘right’ when it comes to handling your baby. Although there are some general guidelines that are key, every child is different and will feel more or less comfortable being held in a certain position. Therefore, be patient with yourself and them, as together you will slowly adjust to what works best and what makes them the happiest and most at ease.

Don’t be afraid to let others cuddle your baby. When you first have your baby and they are very new to the world, it can feel frightening to see others handle them. However, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t be afraid of others touching and handling them. Unless your baby is premature or sick, then others touching your baby won’t be harmful to them.

Don’t forget to put your baby on his tummy sometimes. Once your baby is a few weeks old, they will start to enjoy lying on their mat. When they are lying down, try to encourage them to roll onto their tummy occasionally. This will allow them to practice wriggling and kicking. This will in turn help them to strengthen their back and neck and expel wind if they need to as well.

At a few weeks old, try introducing a sling-type bouncy seat on the floor for them. This type of seat is good for a baby to sit in for long periods of time, as it allows them to attain the stature needed to be able to watch you bustle around the room. It gives them great back support and allows them to feel like they’re interacting with the activity or commotion in the room.

Don’t allow your baby to sit in the car seat for long periods of time. This is because the car seat won’t give your baby good back support.

Expect some objections when trying to dress your baby. When trying to dress your baby, it’s very normal for them to object at first and find the scenario a little stressful. Therefore, try to make this process as streamlined as possible. To do this, try to lay them somewhere soft and warm. Try to stretch the necks of clothes like T-shirts and vests before pulling them off. Pop the poppers of their clothes from the top to the bottom, and also keep a hand resting on their belly for reassurance when changing them.

How do I physically handle my baby?

If you never held a baby before the day your child arrived, this Unii Newborn article is for you.