It’s true you don’t have to handle your newborn like a piece of fragile glassware. But you should be careful to support his head. Because a very young infant hasn’t developed head control, he needs to be carried so that his head doesn’t flop from side to side or snap back to front. Cradle the head when carrying your baby in a lying position, and support his head when carrying him upright or when you lay him down.

Be careful not to shake a newborn, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking can cause brain damage, even death. If constant crying, for instance, has you on the verge of losing control and no help is available, put your baby down in a safe place and walk out of the room. If you need to wake an infant, don’t shake him instead, tickle his feet or blow gently on his cheek.

When he’s traveling, make sure he’s securely fastened into his carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit car rides and any other activity that would jounce him around.

Whatever you do, do it gently. A newborn is not ready for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown up in the air. Instead, begin building bonds between parent and child by holding the baby, looking at him, stroking him, and talking and singing to him.