Throughout the first few years of life, a baby will need to be lifted and held for all sorts of reasons such as feedings, diaper changings, to be dressed, bathed and most importantly, comforted. When holding the baby to comfort it, this strenthens the bond between parent and child and helps the baby to feel secure and happy with you. All babies need to be handled gently and carefully due to lack of head control, you must provide proper support for the baby's head and body in order to make the baby comfortable and eliminating chances of hurting the baby. Newborn babies require the most care and support when being picked up and held, the biggest concern being that their neck muscles have not yet developed and they cannot support their head on their own. You must keep your hand or arm under the baby's neck and head at all times, and make sure that the person holding your baby is mature and responsible.
             How to Hold a Baby and Positions When Holding
             To lift a newborn, slide one hand under the baby's buttocks, and slide the other hand under the shoulders and head. Use your forearm to support the neck and head as you raise your hands together to lift the newborn. Remember to move smoothly and gently so that you do not startle the baby. There are two basic positions for holding a newborn safely and comfortably. Holding the baby upright, cradled in the curve of your arm against your body. This position provides neck and head support as well as the maintenance of eye contact with your child. You can also hold the baby against your chest so that the baby is facing-or peeking over- your shoulder. In this position you must use your hand to support the baby's neck and head.
             Laying a newborn down is much like lifting it up, in the sense that you must maintain good neck, head, and body support. Bend over, keeping the baby close to your body until he/she comes in
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