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Safe Baby Handling Tips by David Sop, Kelly Sopp
Additional Information provided by J. Wright.

All new parents feel the same way. All new parents work at knowing, understanding, and loving their babies. If you want to learn all about your newborn baby, and be able to respond to his/her needs appropriately – it is going to take a lot of your time.

In case you're a young or new mother or father, having difficulties in putting the baby to sleep or feeding him, these instructions are the clearest you can get.

Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to caring for the baby!

When lifting the baby always remember to offer full support to head and back as newborn babies cannot support themselves as yet.
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When nursing also give the proper support to ensure both you and baby are comfortable. Men do not have breastmilk and cannot and should not attempt to breastfeed.
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Ensure that the contents of the bottle is not too hot and if cold; For example juice, not too cold. Never use your tongue or finger to check temperature.
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During the first 5-6 months of life, nothing other than breastmilk or formula should be given to a baby. It may be temting to share but their systems have not developed enough to digest some foods and some foods may cause choking as babies can not yet chew.
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When checking baby's diaper do not place your entire hand in the underwear. You may simply pull it a little as shown in the image or you can do the smell check. I have seen some mothers feel if the diaper feels weighty, as this is another indication "something" has been added!
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Some of us have a bad habit of cleaning our hands on our clothes after we wash them and as such may be tempted to follow suit when changing a diaper. Do use baby wipes or a soft washcloth to clean up..
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 When containing the baby, please do not put the baby in a cage, as cute as it may look. Cages are to be reserved only for your pets. Do use a crib or play pen if needs be.
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When bundling the baby be careful not to "tie him/her up; if its chilly: use enough to keep the baby warm; if its hot: use less blankets. Babies get hot and uncomfortable easily and may cry more..
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When waking the baby do not shake baby or spray anything over the baby, or shout the babies name. They are sensitive and are easily alarmed. Also ensure baby is placed on back when sleeping to prevent suffoction.
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You can make funny faces and play funny games with your baby, you may give a slight tickle or make funny noises. Do not play "gambling" with a baby! Don't ask for cashpot clues or numbers..
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When shopping with baby, do not place baby in trolley carrier along with food items. Each trolley comes well equipped with a child seat made specifically to transport the child. You may want to place a rag or towel under baby so as to prevent the baby from getting germs on his/her skin.
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Do not throw or swing or spin the baby; they are sensitive and as such are at a high risk for being "damaged" in their developmental stages.
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Do use playing time to exercise baby, Don't force them to run, ride bikes to burn calories!
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Do use sponge baths for newborns (up until umbilical cord stump falls off). Tub baths after. Never hose down or hose off a baby and call it a shower.
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Do not over rub the baby to dry the baby or put the baby in a dryer or hot sun to dry. Small pats to rid the excess water from skin are sufficient.
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Do not give baby crackers or anything else to help develop strong teeth. Ensure that diet provides adequate nutrition to supply the needs of a growing and teething baby.
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When calming the baby, do not give alcohol or medicine to see if he/she will be quiet. Be patient and calm, sing a song, gently rock or read a story.
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Do give the baby a toy to play with rather than place them directly in front of a television.
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Do bond with your baby by playing, reading stories or cuddling with your baby. A cup of cofee is a no-no!
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Again, do play and bond with your child to make them smile, do not force the baby to smile.
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When introducing baby to pets, never place in tanks, cages or kennels. This is a no-no..
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In clearing the baby's nose, you may use a bulb syringe to suction mucous. Back in the days, mothers use to suck it out themselves. Never insert your finger into the baby's nose or force to blow in tissue.
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When putting baby to bed, place baby on back in crib. If the baby is sleeping on the bed with you then place on back. They do not need pillows, but if you insist you may fold a towel and place under their head. Do not place them in a dresser draw no matter how big, deep or convenient it may seem.
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Ensure all bottles containg chemicals are out of the reach of children, matches, lighters, should be too. All plug holes should also be covered.
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Should you need the services of a baby sitter, be sure to get someone who is responsible and reliable. Always check with a close friend or trusted family member first before going the "i've got to hire someone route". You can even pay your friend or family, just to go the extra mile..
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Do use a car seat or have baby buckles instaolled. A baby is NOT secure in an adult's seatbelt.
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When walking with baby, do not use a leash or put in a regular school bag . Carriers are made specifically for this purpose with the pouch being in the front or back.
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**Avoid using pacifiers or bottles until after the first month of life. Introducing them before breastfeeding is known to cause "nipple confusion," and can lead to an infant giving up the breast.

**A bottle of formula (or breast milk) should not be warmed in a microwave. The bottle can heat unevenly and leave "hot spots" that can burn a baby's mouth.

**Bottles left out of the refrigerator longer than 1 hour and any formula left in the bottle that a baby doesn't finish should not be used. Discard immediately.
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