General Care for Your Baby - Patient Education Home

General Care for Your Baby
Picking Up or Lifting
Use both hands to support your baby's head and neck when
you lift your child.
One way of picking up your baby is to place the palm of
one hand under the baby's head and neck. Slide the palm of
the other hand under the baby's bottom and gently lift.
This technique is useful when picking your baby up
from a flat surface, such as a changing table or crib.
Another way to pick up your baby is to slide both hands
under the baby's back using your fingers to support the
head and neck. Your thumbs should be across the baby's
chest, holding firmly. This method is useful when lifting
the baby from a semi-upright position. The semi-upright
position is common when the baby is in an infant seat or
swing.
Holding
There are three basic positions used for holding. These are the
cradle, football, and the over the shoulder holds.
Cradle hold: Place the baby in your forearm nestling the
baby's head in the bend of your elbow. Use your wrist and
hand to support the baby's bottom and lower spine.
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The football hold allows you to hold the baby with one arm while
the other arm can move freely. Place one hand under the baby's
head and neck. Slide the baby's bottom between your elbow and
hip in a tucked position.
The over the shoulder hold is also known as
the burping position. Place your baby high
enough so the baby’s chest rests on your
shoulder. Use one hand to support the baby's
head and neck and place the other under the
baby's bottom to support the body.
Safe Sleep
Place your infant on his or her back when sleeping. When sleeping or
taking naps, back sleeping reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS). As your baby gets older tummy time will be
recommended to develop neck and stomach muscles. Ask your baby's
doctor about the position that is safest for your baby.
Use infant sleep sacks or blanket sleepers. Your baby can stay warm
and reduce the need for blankets in the crib.
If blankets are used, place the blanket no higher than your baby’s chest
and tuck in the blanket securely under the bottom and sides of crib
mattress. This will reduce the chance of your baby pulling the blanket
over his or her head when sleeping.
Do not over bundle your baby in clothing when sleeping. Light clothing
is best.
Temperature in the room should be comfortable for a lightly clothed
adult.
For more information, review the handout: Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS).

Choosing Clothing for Your Baby
Make sure clothing is roomy and comfortable. Avoid
tight collars, sleepers that are too small, or clothes with
dangling strings and ties. Clothes made of stretchy
fabrics are best for a newborn. Remember, babies grow
out of clothing very fast and clothing sizes can be very
misleading.
Choose simple clothes with easy-on and easy-off
features, such as snaps or zippers. Avoid clothing with
many buttons. Use undershirts that tie or snap at the
side. Try clothing with snap crotches and legs that
allow you to change your baby’s diaper without
removing the clothes. This will make dressing easier.
Cotton clothing is a good choice for a baby's clothes.
Cotton fabric absorbs moisture, allows air to circulate,
and keeps the baby comfortable.
All infant-wear should be flame retardant. The clothing
label should state whether the clothes have been treated.
Dressing
Dress your baby on a flat surface such as a changing
table, crib mattress or bed.
Allow dressing to be play time. This will distract
your baby enough to make cooperation more likely.
Stretch the neck opening of garments and ease it
over the baby's head. Avoid snagging the ears or
nose.
Reach into the sleeves of garments and gently pull
the baby's arm through to the other end. Avoid
pulling or tugging the arms or legs.
Draw the garment away from the baby's body when
pulling a zipper up or down to avoid pinching the
skin.
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Dress your baby appropriately for the season of the year. Hats that cover
the ears are essential in cold weather. In the summer, a hat with a brim will
protect the baby's eyes, head and face from over exposure to the sun. It is
not recommended that you use sunscreen on your baby until 6 months
of age.
Check your baby's hands and feet for body temperature. Cold hands and
feet show the need for more warmth. Hot sweaty hands and feet say the
baby may need less clothing or a cooler environment.
If your baby is under 8 pounds at discharge from the hospital, add an extra
layer for warmth like a blanket.
How to Trim Your Baby's Nails
Here are some helpful hints on trimming your baby's nails:
Use clean baby nail clippers or baby scissors.
Work in a well lit area.
Trim only the tips of the nails. Use a nail file to smooth rough edges.
Nail trimming is easily done when the baby is asleep. Have another
person help you when the baby is awake.
Even if you follow these steps, you may draw blood from the fingers or
toes. If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the area until the bleeding
stops, using a clean cloth. Keep the nail area clean and dry.
Talk to your doctor or others on your health care team if you have
questions. You may ask for more written information from the
Library for Health Information at (614) 293-3707 or email:
health-info@osu.edu.