Narrator: An important part of caring for your newborn is handling and holding your baby safely.

Onscreen text: Take care with your newborn’s head and neck

Narrator: Take care with your newborn’s head, especially around the fontanelle, the soft spot on the top of his head. Support your newborn’s head and neck for the first six to eight weeks, as newborns have very little neck muscle control.

Onscreen text: Picking up your baby

Narrator: When picking your baby up, slide one hand under his head for support, with your other hand under his bottom. Once you’ve got a good hold, scoop your baby up and bring him close to your chest. You can hold your baby in a number of ways. Try different holds to find out what your baby likes.

Onscreen text: Cradling

Narrator: Using the cradle hold lets you look at and talk to your baby. After picking your baby up, make sure your baby’s head is resting on your chest. Slide the hand from baby’s bottom up to support his neck. Gently move your baby’s head to the crook of your arm, still supporting his neck. Place your other hand under his bottom.

Onscreen text: Shoulder hold

Narrator: The shoulder hold lets your baby hear your heart beat, or see over your shoulder. Put your baby on your shoulder, supporting his head and neck with your hand. Now place your other hand under baby’s bottom.

Onscreen text: Belly hold

Narrator: Babies who have gas or tummy pain might like the gentle pressure of the belly hold. Lie your baby with his tummy along your forearm. Support his head with your hand and use your other arm to steady his back.

Onscreen text: Safety tips