Your new bundle of joy can seem overwhelming when you’re trying to do everything at once in those first few days. Our health visitor gives a masterclass…
Hands up who worries they’ll drop their baby on his head or hold him the wrong way? Yep, every mum! So rest assured, your confidence will grow the more you pick him up. When lifting and carrying your little one, supporting the head is crucial as babies take a few months to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. However, you’ll be amazed how quickly your baby learns to help you by getting himself ready for a lift and nestling into your body, gripping you to support himself with his legs.
“Before I was a mum, I used to worry about picking up other people’s babies – they seemed so fragile. But when Idris was born it was as if some instinct kicked in and all the fears I’d had went away. When he cries and wants picking up, I chatter to him and this really helps to soothe him – I get a few odd looks when we’re out, but his needs are more important than people’s opinions!”
Debbi Sonko, 36, from Didcot, mum to Idris, 1 month
