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Back to Basics: Taking Care of Baby

Basic Care from Holding to Diapering

By Laurie Dove

Siebenmark cautions parents to always support the baby's head and neck, regardless of the position in which he is being held. What's more, Siebenmark encourages parents to try different holding positions with their infants until they find the ones they and baby are comfortable with.

One of the most popular holding positions is the cradle hold, in which Baby is nestled in the crook of a parent's forearm, supported by the opposite forearm underneath. Siebenmark says this is a natural position, one that many new mothers instinctively use. And, by swaddling the baby in a couple of blankets before holding, new parents can help their infant feel calm and warm. "Swaddling can make a big difference," says Siebenmark. "And after you do it yourself a time or two, it's not difficult at all."

To swaddle a baby, spread a receiving blanket on a flat surface with one corner folded down about 6 inches. Place Baby on the blanket diagonally with her head above the folded corner. Then take the corner near Baby's left arm and pull it over the arm and across Baby's body. Lift the right arm and tuck the blanket corner under Baby's back on the right side. Lift the bottom corner and bring it up over Baby's body. Before lifting the last corner, bring it over Baby's right arm and tuck it under Baby's back on the left side.

Want to see more?

• Baby Gear: What
• Talk about it!
• To Have and to Hold: Cradling and Loving Your Newborn
• Bathing Your Little Beauty: How to Give Your Newborn Baby a Bath