NEWBORN CARE PROCEDURE

1. Definition

• Newborn care is the essential care provided to a baby immediately after birth and during the neonatal period (first 28 days) to ensure survival, growth, and development.

2. Purpose

• To maintain normal body temperature

• To ensure effective breathing and circulation

• To prevent infection

• To promote growth and development

3. Indications

• All newborn babies

• Immediately after birth

• During hospital stay and home visits

4. Contraindications

⚠️ No contraindication (essential care for all newborns)

5. Articles / Equipment

🧰 Equipment:

• Radiant warmer (if available)

• Weighing scale

• Thermometer

🧴 Supplies:

• Clean towels

• Baby clothes

• Sterile cord clamp

• Gloves

📋 Records:

• Newborn record chart

6. Baby Preparation

• Ensure warm environment

• Maintain aseptic technique

• Handle baby gently

• Keep baby dry

7. Procedure Steps (Step-by-Step Sentences)

1. Wash hands thoroughly before handling the newborn.

2. Receive the baby in a warm, clean towel immediately after birth.

3. Dry the baby thoroughly to prevent heat loss.

4. Clear airway by wiping nose and mouth if required.

5. Assess breathing and crying of the newborn.

6. Clamp and cut the umbilical cord using sterile technique.

7. Place the baby under radiant warmer or keep skin-to-skin with mother.

8. Assess APGAR score at 1 minute and 5 minutes.

9. Identify the baby correctly using identification bands.

10. Weigh the newborn and record the weight.

11. Examine the baby from head to toe for abnormalities.

12. Administer prophylaxis (e.g., Vitamin K injection as prescribed).

13. Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour.

14. Provide eye care if required.

15. Dress the baby in clean clothes.

16. Maintain warmth using cap and wrapping.

17. Educate mother about newborn care and feeding.

18. Record all findings in newborn chart.

19. Wash hands after completing care.

8. Post Procedure Care

• Monitor temperature, breathing, and feeding

• Encourage exclusive breastfeeding

• Maintain hygiene

• Schedule follow-up

9. Complications

• Hypothermia

• Infection

• Respiratory distress

• Jaundice

10. Health Education

• Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months

• Maintain warmth (kangaroo mother care)

• Cord care (keep clean and dry)

• Recognize danger signs:

  • Poor feeding

  • Fever or cold body

  • Fast breathing

  • Yellow skin

🎯 Viva Questions

Q1. What is neonatal period?👉 First 28 days of life

Q2. What is APGAR score?👉 Assessment of newborn condition after birth

Q3. Why is baby dried immediately?👉 To prevent hypothermia