Health Tip: Caring for Your Newborn

(HealthDay News) -- Most first-time parents are at a loss when they bring baby home from the hospital.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions for parental novices:

• Support baby's head with a gentle hand whenever you hold, carry or lay baby down.
• Treat baby gently. Never shake the baby for any reason, including to wake him or her up. Instead, tickle the feet or blow on the cheek to rouse your little one.
• Make sure you're using the baby car seat and stroller correctly, and that baby is safely secured.
• Newborns just need to be held and cuddled. It's too soon for games such as bouncing on the knee or lifting in the air.