Newborn Care Immediately After Birth

19 items · Health · Medium difficulty · 30 min

Essential first-hour steps to keep your newborn safe, warm, and ready to feed.

• Dry and warm the baby immediately

  Pat dry with a warm towel and remove wet linens to prevent heat loss.

• Remove wet linens and thoroughly dry the baby

  Focus on the head, back, and limbs to reduce heat loss.

• Place hat on baby's head and wrap in a warm blanket

  Cover head and body to help maintain body temperature.

• Clear the airway if needed

  Suction mouth then nose gently only if breathing is weak or obstructed.

• Gently stimulate the baby to encourage breathing

  Rub the back or flick the soles gently if breathing is slow or absent.

• Place baby skin-to-skin on parent's chest

  Remove baby clothing, place bare baby on chest, and cover both with a blanket.

• Assess APGAR at 1 and 5 minutes

  Record observations and alert the team if scores suggest concern.

• Clamp and cut the umbilical cord per facility protocol

  Follow hospital guidance on timing (immediate or delayed clamping).

• Administer Vitamin K injection per hospital protocol

  Provide Vitamin K to reduce bleeding risk; obtain consent if required.

• Apply eye prophylaxis as ordered

  Use the prescribed ointment or drops to lower infection risk.

• Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour and help with latch

  Offer the breast during skin-to-skin and support positioning as needed.

• Monitor and keep the baby warm continuously

  Watch for shivering, cool skin, or overheating and act quickly.

• Use a skin thermometer or touch to check baby's temperature

  Take and record temperature; note any changes promptly.

• Use a radiant warmer if the baby becomes cold or unstable

  Move to a warmer and reassess until the baby is stable.

• Observe breathing, color, and muscle tone for the first hour

  Watch for grunting, pauses, bluish color, or limpness and report changes.

• Record birth weight and basic measurements once stable

  Weigh and measure length/head circumference after initial stabilization.

• Apply ID bands and document parent and baby details

  Match ID bands to parents and note time of birth and attendants.

• Prepare and offer Hepatitis B vaccine according to consent and policy

  Administer vaccine within the recommended timeframe if consent is given.

• Document all findings, interventions, and parental consent in the record

  Include times, medications, observations, and any concerns raised.

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