Babies can feel intimidated very easily. Remember how much smaller they are than you! I always try to make my babies feel secure and never startled. I try to gather them up with both hands if I can and get at least one hand underneath to support the whole body. You can also "hook" your finger around the baby's body to begin the lift, but slide the baby onto your other hand.
This process sounds like I go very slow and careful. Well, I am careful of course, but I don't move too slowly. I make sure the baby is not startled, but really I just reach in and pick them up. Be gentle and supportive and go easy, but sometimes if you move too slowly, they'll take advantage of that and strike in an attempt to bluff their way out of being picked up at all.
If your baby does strike, don't worry too much about getting bit. Right now, it's not going to hurt and you can get over your fear and he will too.
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