Pediatrician’s Advice: How to Safely Hold and Bath Your Baby, and Why You Should Avoid Kissing Them

As a pediatrician, I often remind parents that caring for newborns requires extra caution and attentiveness. Here are some key guidelines to help parents ensure their baby’s safety and well-being.

1. How to Safely Hold a Baby

Proper technique is crucial when holding a newborn. Incorrect handling may cause discomfort or even injury to the baby’s muscles or bones. Here are some basic tips:

• Support the head and neck: A newborn’s neck muscles are not yet fully developed, and they cannot support their own head. Always use one hand to securely support the baby's head and neck while holding them.
• Cradle the body with both hands: Use one hand to gently support the baby's neck and back, and the other hand to support their bottom. This ensures that the baby’s body is evenly supported, minimizing any unnecessary pressure.
• Ensure stability: When lifting and holding your baby, keep your body stable and hold the baby close to your chest. This helps prevent sudden movements that could make the baby feel unsafe.

2. How to Safely Bath Your Baby

Bathing is a part of a newborn’s daily care routine, but it must be done with extra care. Here are some bathing guidelines:

• Keep them warm: Newborns have limited ability to regulate their body temperature. Make sure the bath water is comfortably warm, ideally between 37–38°C (98.6–100.4°F). You can use a bath thermometer to accurately check the water temperature.
• Use safe bathing equipment: Always use a bathtub specially designed for newborns. Avoid placing the baby directly in a large bathtub, as it increases the risk of slipping or accidents.
• Gentle cleansing: A newborn’s skin is very delicate. Use mild, fragrance-free, alcohol-free baby products, and be extra gentle when washing the baby's skin.

3. Why You Should Avoid Kissing Your Baby

While many parents see kissing as a way to express love, it can actually pose health risks. Newborns have immature immune systems, making them vulnerable to infections. Specifically:

• Prevent infectious diseases: Adults and other children may carry bacteria or viruses in their mouths. These microorganisms can be harmful to newborns, particularly those causing illnesses like influenza or herpes.
• Reduce respiratory infection risks: Kissing a baby’s face, hands, or mouth can transfer respiratory pathogens, leading to infections that can seriously impact a newborn’s health.

Therefore, parents and relatives should avoid kissing the baby’s face, hands, or mouth. Expressing love through gentle hugs, speaking softly, and tender touch is much safer and just as meaningful.
The safety and health of a newborn are every parent's top priority. From proper holding techniques to cautious bathing practices and refraining from kissing, these measures are essential for ensuring a healthy start in life. As parents, staying alert and following professional medical advice will help create a safe and nurturing environment for your baby’s growth. If you want to know more about our service, please contact Line/wechat: jdbmom828(whatsapp:+1 828-866-8886).

Reference: Steven Sun