What is a key safety action for an HHA when caring for a newborn?

Supporting the baby's head and neck when picking up a newborn is crucial because infants have weak neck muscles and cannot support their heads on their own. This lack of head and neck control makes them vulnerable to injury. By ensuring proper support, the home health aide protects the baby's delicate spinal cord and prevents any potential harm that might occur if the head were to flop backward. This action emphasizes the importance of gentle handling and proper techniques in caring for newborns, which is essential for their safety and well-being.

The other choices highlight actions that could pose significant risks to the infant's safety. For instance, holding a baby by the legs could cause discomfort or injury, shaking the baby can lead to serious brain injuries such as Shaken Baby Syndrome, and leaving the baby unattended creates a risk of accidents, such as falling from the crib. Therefore, proper support is not just important—it is a fundamental safety practice in newborn care.