What it’s like to be a newborn

• I need someone to love me, feed me, hold me, and play with me.

• I like to feel warm, but not hot.

• Watch for these signs that I’m too warm: sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, rapid breathing.

• I don’t like lots of noise.

• I like to be held gently and very close.

• I like to sleep a lot.

• I am hungry every few hours.

• I may be fussy and cry a lot.

• My head is large and my arms and legs are short.

• When you hold me, place your arm under my neck to help support my head.

• I keep my arms and legs curled up and my fists closed.

• My skin may be flaky.