I am terrified to hold babies.?

Question

I know this sounds stupid but, im scared to hold babies. I've heard about shaken baby syndrome(SBS), and every since then I will not hold a baby. How can I get over this fear? Will rocking a baby in a cradling motion, cause stress to the baby?

Thanks,

Anthony.

P.s. My brother's wife just had a baby, and I am terrified of holding her.

Answer 1

it quite common to feel this way especially if you haven't had much to do with kids or babies

my hubby still will not hold our daughter in the bath he is terrified he will do something poor man  but we will over come that fear  

Answer 2

Anthony... nothing to worry about....  I used to be the same way, but in a little different aspect.  I used to not want to hold a baby because the first baby I ever wanted to hold was my own.  Well, I haven't had my own yet, so I would never hold a baby.  All you need to do is take it slow.  Treat it as if... you're holding about ten glasses of water and you don't want to spill a drop.  All you have to do is make slight and tiny movements and cradle it.  Try it for about three minutes at a time every once and a while.  Do that a few times and you'll get accustomed to it and it won't bother you near as much.

Answer 3

It takes a lot to cause SBS.  Just holding the baby will not hurt her.  I know I was always scared to hold newborns and still am really if they aren't my own but they won't fall apart just sit down in a chair or on the couch or something and put your arms out and hold her so you won't be doing anything that could even come close to hurting her.  Really though it is fine.  Rocking doesn't harm them.  

Answer 4

Don't be scared...If you just cradle or hold the baby she'll be fine...

Answer 5

you are not alone in how you feel, when my son was born the only man who would hold him was his daddy and even he was scared. they are not as fragile as they look, just support their head and hold them close. and rocking them is very relaxing for the baby and you. enjoy holding your niece  they grow up fast.

Answer 6

Rocking and cradling motion will not harm the baby. Exessive shaking of the baby can be harmful. But gently cradling is not, but the b aby likes it and will fall asleep faster.

Answer 7

SBS can be caused by bouncing the baby on your knee or throwing the baby up in the air and catching him/her.  Also, SBS only really happens with newborn babys, as the baby gets older their brain fills in their skull and wont shake around. You would really have to shake a baby to cause SBS tho, so dont worry.  

Answer 8

dont be scared..is common to feel uncomfortable when holding a newborn if you are not used to it..just gently hold her in a cradle position in your arm while sitting and rock her gently if thats what you want to do..that wil not harm the baby.  shaking a baby roughly/hard will cause damage, but not gently. itll be alright

Answer 9

Sit down, and get your brother to hand you the baby while you're already seated.  He or your sister-in-law will help you hold the baby properly.  The main thing to remember right now is that babies neck's are strong enough to support their big head.  Support the head & neck at all times.  It's not as difficult as it seems, but is certainly nerve wracking the first few times.  Rocking the baby in a cradle motion will not hurt the baby.  Just have your brother or sister there to coach you through it while you're still uncomfortable.  In 3 months or so, the baby's head / neck control will be much better and it will be a lot less stressful. :)  Enjoy being an uncle!