Question
My brother’s son is less than half a year old. He went to the hospital for a check-up and the doctor said the muscle tone is high, considering there are signs of cerebral palsy. Now I don’t know how to hold him. How should I hold a newborn with cerebral palsy?
Answer
Pay attention to the holding posture in care: Position the child facing the caregiver, first separate the child’s legs and then bend them, keeping the hands apart. The head should be slightly protruding or resting on the caregiver’s shoulder. It is also okay to let the child’s hands extend over the caregiver’s shoulders to encircle the neck. If the child is heavier, move them towards one side of the hip bone. This position is not only more comfortable but also helps correct the child’s stiff legs and strengthens their control over their head.