Avoid These Mistakes While Holding a Baby, or Problems May Arise

During the first 6 to 8 months after birth, babies are extremely sensitive. At this stage, their immune system is still developing, and their muscles and skin are very delicate. This period requires utmost care and attention, as even minor mistakes can lead to serious issues for the infant. Often, in moments of affection and excitement, people unintentionally make errors when holding a baby, which could be harmful to the child. Whether parents are holding the baby themselves or allowing someone else to hold them, certain precautions must be taken.

Holding and cuddling a newborn is a joyful experience for everyone. When a newborn arrives in the family, there is an atmosphere of happiness, and everyone is eager to shower the baby with love and affection. However, the baby’s safety must always come first. Let’s take a look at some of the common mistakes people make when holding a baby and how these mistakes can be harmful.

1. Not Sanitizing Hands Properly One of the most frequent mistakes people make is not sanitizing or washing their hands before holding the baby. Newborns are highly susceptible to infections because their immune systems are not fully developed. When people touch the baby without cleaning their hands, they increase the risk of spreading germs and infections to the infant. Therefore, before holding a baby, it is crucial to wash your hands thoroughly with soap or use a sanitizer. If you’ve just returned from outside, you should clean your hands, face, and feet properly, change your clothes, and then only pick up the baby.

2. Kissing the Baby on the Lips While it is natural to want to kiss a baby, particularly for parents, it’s important to avoid kissing the baby on the lips. This is one of the easiest ways to transmit infections, as many viruses and bacteria can spread through saliva. If you want to show affection, it’s safer to kiss the baby on the forehead. Additionally, if you are unwell with a cold, fever, or any other illness, it’s best to avoid holding or kissing the baby altogether to prevent the risk of passing on the infection.

3. Supporting the Baby Correctly While Holding A baby’s bones and muscles, especially in the first six months, are fragile and still developing. When picking up a baby, it is essential to provide proper support to the neck and shoulders, as their neck muscles are not strong enough to support their head. Some people make the mistake of picking up the baby from under the arms, which can be uncomfortable and unsafe for the baby. The correct way to hold a baby is to use one hand to support the baby’s back and waist, and the other hand should be placed under the neck for additional support. Once securely held, gently lay the baby in your arms.

4. Throwing the Baby in the Air While Playing Many people, in an attempt to entertain the baby, make the mistake of tossing them into the air and catching them. While this may seem fun, it can be dangerous for the baby, regardless of whether they are six months old or even one or two years old. There’s always a risk of losing grip, and even a minor mistake can lead to a fall, causing serious injury. Babies’ bodies are delicate, and such play should be avoided at all costs.

5. Shaking the Baby Too Roughly Shaking the baby too forcefully, whether to wake them up or calm them down, is a common mistake that can have serious consequences. A baby’s brain is very sensitive, and violent shaking can lead to a condition known as "Shaken Baby Syndrome," which can cause brain damage or even death. It is important to handle a baby with care and avoid any sudden or rough movements.

6. Not Being Careful With Clothing Another mistake often made is not considering the type of clothing worn by the person holding the baby. If someone is wearing clothes with sharp or rough elements, like zippers, buttons, or jewelry, these could accidentally scratch or irritate the baby’s delicate skin. Always ensure that anyone who is holding the baby is wearing soft, comfortable, and clean clothes.

7. Allowing Too Many People to Hold the Baby It is understandable that family and friends are excited to hold a newborn, but allowing too many people to handle the baby can increase the risk of infection and overstimulation. Newborns need a calm and peaceful environment, and too much handling can make them uncomfortable or irritable. Limit the number of people who hold the baby, especially during the early months, to ensure a safe and soothing environment for the infant.

8. Not Monitoring the Baby’s Comfort Sometimes, while holding the baby, people may not realize that the baby is uncomfortable or in an awkward position. Babies cannot communicate verbally, so it’s essential to pay attention to their body language. If the baby seems fussy, squirmy, or distressed, it’s important to adjust the way they are being held. Ensure that the baby’s body is fully supported and they are comfortable in your arms.

Taking care of a newborn requires attention to detail, especially when handling them. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure the baby’s safety and comfort. Always remember that the infant's health and well-being should be the top priority, and small precautions can go a long way in protecting them from unnecessary harm.

If you also fast in Navratri, then keep this thing in mind while eating

PCOS and Pregnancy: ICMR’s Groundbreaking Research Unveils New Insights

Almonds or Peanuts: Which is More Beneficial?