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1NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)

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This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health and
Fa1

Immunization
Health Workers Information Series No. 1
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health and
Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline workers. The
information presented in the handout is largely drawn from
the Immunization Handbook for Medical Officers published
by Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government
of India. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) for technical review
of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for evolving
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
the idea to develop this resourse material and for providing
financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When do we call a child fully Immunized?
A child is considered fully immunized, when he/she has
received one dose of BCG, three doses of DPT and OPV each
and one dose of measles by the age of 12 months.
2. In our country how many children have received full
immunization?
Periodic surveys conducted by Govt. of India namely National
Family Health Survey (NFHS) and District Level Household
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
Survey (DLHS) provide us with accurate information on
immunization status of children. According to the NFHS-
3 (2005-06), less than half (43.5%) of the children in the
age group 12-23 months are fully immunized. Immunization
coverage rates varies among different states: they are higher
among several southern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu
etc. and are lower in central/northern India including Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa.
Immunization
OPV (Oral)
Measles (Subcutaneous)

1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
Hepatitis B (Intramuscular)
Vitamin A (Oral)
BCG (Intradermal)
DPT (Intramuscular)
4
3. Why is BCG vaccine given on the left upper
arm only?
BCG is given on the left upper arm to maintain
uniformity and for helping surveyors in verifying
the receipt of the vaccine (by checking the presence
of a scar on the left upper arm).
4. Why do we give a lower dose (0.05 ml) of
BCG to neonates below 1 month of age?
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
This is because the skin of newborns is thin and an
intradermal injection of 0.1ml may penetrate into
the deeper tissue and may cause local abscess and
enlarged axillary lymph nodes.
5. If BCG vaccine is not given at birth, when
should it be given?
If not given at birth or along with DPT-1, then it
should be given as early as possible. BCG can be given any
time before 1 year of age.
6. Why is BCG given only up to 1 year of age?
This is because most children acquire natural clinical/
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
sub-clinical tuberculosis infection by the age of 1 year.
This too protects against severe forms of childhood
tuberculosis.
7. If no scar appears after administering BCG, should one revaccinate
the child?
There is no need to revaccinate the child if there is no scar.
8. Why should DPT vaccine be given in the antero-lateral mid
thigh and not the gluteal region (buttocks)?
DPT is given in the antero-lateral mid thigh and not the
gluteal region to prevent damage to the sciatic nerve. In
5

1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
addition, the vaccine deposited in the fat of gluteal region
does not invoke the appropriate immune response.
9. Why should there be a minimum gap of 4 weeks between
2 doses of DPT?
This is because decreasing the interval between two doses
may interfere with the antibody response and protection
against the diseases.
10. What should one do if a child is found allergic to DPT or
develops encephalopathy after DPT?
If a child is allergic or develops encephalopathy after DPT,
he/she should be taken to a doctor immediately. Also the child
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
should be given DT vaccine during the subsequent dose as it
is usually the P (Pertussis) component of the vaccine which
causes the allergy/encephalopathy.
11. If a child has received DPT-1 but comes late for receiving
DPT-2, should one restart with the fi rst dose
of the vaccine?
Do not start the schedule all over again
even if the child is brought late for a dose.
Pick up where the schedule was left off.
For example: if a child has received BCG,
DPT-1 and OPV-1 at 5 months of age and
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
returns at 11 months of age, vaccinate the
child with DPT-2, OPV-2 and Measles and
do not start from DPT-1 again.
12. If a child could not receive DPT 1, 2, 3 and
OPV 1, 2, 3 as per the schedule, till what
age can these vaccines be given?
DPT vaccine can be given till 2 years of age
and OPV can be given till 5 years of age.
6
A single dose of measles vaccine can be given till 5 years
of age if the child has not received the vaccine during 9-12
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
months of age as per the schedule.
17. Why should Measles vaccine be given on the right upper arm
only?
Measles vaccine is given on the right upper arm to maintain
uniformity and to help surveyors in verifying the receipt of the
vaccine.
18. If a child has received the Measles vaccine before 9 months of
age, is it necessary to repeat the vaccine later?
Yes, the Measles vaccine should be repeated even if a child
has received it before the recommended age.
13. If not given at birth, when should OPV-0 be given?
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
OPV-0 dose can be given up to 15 days after birth.
14. Can an infant be breast fed immediately after OPV?
Yes
15. A child has received 3 doses of OPV as per
the immunization schedule. Should this child
still be given a dose of OPV during the Pulse
Polio Campaign?
All children upto the age of 5 years should be
given a dose of polio vaccine during the pulse
polio campaign, even when they have need
all the doses of OPV as per the immunization
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
schedule.
16. When can measles vaccine be given if the
child has not received this between 9-12
months of age as per schedule?
7
19. Until what age can Hepatitis B vaccine be given?
According to the National Immunization Schedule, Hepatitis
B vaccine should be given with the first, second and third
doses of DPT till 1 year of age.
20. Can Hepatitis B vaccine be mixed in the same syringe with
DPT and given as one injection?
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
No, DPT and Hepatitis B vaccine (if supplied
separately) cannot be mixed or administered
through the same syringe.
21. If a girl received all doses of DPT, and TT as
per the National Immunization Schedule till
16 years of age and she gets pregnant at 18
years, should she get one dose of TT during
pregnancy?
Give 2 doses of TT during the pregnancy as per
the schedule.
22. Why is it not advisable to clean the injection site with a
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
spirit swab before vaccination?
This is because some of the live components of the vaccine
are killed if they come in contact with spirit.
23. If a child who has never been vaccinated is brought for
Immunization at 9 months of age, can all the due vaccines
be given to him/her on the same day?
Yes, all the due vaccines can be given during the same
session but at different injection sites using separate
AD syringes. It is safe and effective to give BCG, DPT,
Hepatitis B, OPV and Measles vaccines and Vitamin A at
the same time to a 9 months old child who has never
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
been vaccinated.
8
24. If the mother/caregiver permits administration of only one
injection to a child who has come for Immunization at 9
months of age, which vaccine should be given?
At 9 months of age, the priority is to give measles vaccine
with OPV and Vitamin-A.
25. Which vaccines can be given to a child between 1-2 years of
age, who has never been vaccinated?
The child should be given DPT-1, OPV-1, Measles and 2ml of
Vitamin A solution. He/ she should then be given the second
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
and third doses of DPT and OPV at one month intervals till
2 years of age. The booster dose can be given at a minimum
interval of 6 months after administering OPV-3/ DPT-3.
26. If a child comes between the age of 2 to 5 years without
having received any vaccine, what vaccines should be given?
The child should be given two doses of DT with OPV with
a minimum gap of 4 weeks ( or 1 month). A single dose of
measles vaccine also needs to be given with the fi rst dose
of DT.
27. What vaccines should one give to a child who is brought after
6 years of age for the fi rst time?
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
Give the child only 2 doses of TT one month apart.
28. How should Vitamin A syrup be administered?
Vitamin A syrup should be administered using only the spoon/
dispenser provided with each bottle. The half mark in the
spoon indicates 1,00,000/- IU and a level full spool contains
2,00,000/- IU of Vitamin A. A child less than 1 year of age
should be given 1 ml, and a child older than 1 year should be
given 2 ml of vitamin A. 1,00,000/- IU 2,00,000/- IU
9
29. What should be the minimum gap between two
doses of Vitamin A?
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
The minimum gap between any two doses of
vitamin A should be 6 months.
30. What are the storage guidelines for un-opened
bottles of Vitamin A solution?
Vitamin A solution must be kept away from direct
sunlight.
31. How long can a bottle of Vitamin A be used, once
opened?
Vitamin A bottle, once opened, should be used
within 6-8 weeks. Write the date of opening on
the bottle.
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
10
Notes
11
Notes
ii
National Child Health Resource Centre
National Institute of Health and Family Welfare
Baba Gang Nath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi-110067
Phones: 26165959/26166441/26188485/26107773
Fax: 91-1126101623
Website: www.nihfw.org
vkjksX;e~ lq[klEinkvvvvv

1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
the baby
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
• It reduces post birth bleeding in mother and
prevents anaemia.
• It can help to delay next pregnancy.
4. What are the important things mother should know about
breast feeding?
• Start feeding the newborn within ½ to 1 hr after birth
• Do not discard the initial yellow part of milk (colostrums). It
protects the child against infections.
• Give exclusive breast feeding till 6 months of age and then
add semi-solid feeds.
• Do not give water, honey, ghutti etc. They reduce the milk and
increase the chances of infection.
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
• Feed the baby whenever baby demands and allow the baby to
feed till satisfied.
• Continue breast feeds till the baby is 2 years old and also
beyond 2 years, if possible.
5. What is exclusive breast feeding and why is it important?
Exclusive breast feeding means the baby should not be given
anything else (not even water) except breast milk till 6 months of
age. Breast milk contains all the nutrients in the right proportion
which are needed for optimum growth and development of
the baby during the first six months. Exclusive breast feeding
is safe and protects the baby from infections. Giving the baby
anything other than breast milk to the body increases the risk of
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
contamination and infection which can be dangerous.
5
6. How will mother know if her milk is suffi cient for her baby or not?
Mother’s milk is suffi cient for her newborn, if the following are
seen in the newborn:
1. The baby passes urine at least 5 to 6 times in a day
2. The baby sleeps for atleast 2 hours after taking breast feed
3. Weight gain of the baby is normal
4. When the mother feeds the newborn, there is a fl ow of milk
from the other breast.
7. What milk should be given to a newborn if the mother has fever?
If mother is having fever and is able to feed, she should feed the
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
baby. This will additionally also protect the baby from infection
which the mother is having by protective factor which are passed
through milk.
8. Why is it important to keep newborns warm?
• Warmth is essential in the care of newborns because they can
not maintain their own body heat. The baby can become cold
when not clothed properly or because of practices such as
bathing, even during summer months.
• Low body temperature is harmful to the newborn and this
increase the risk of sickness and death, so it is important to
prevent low body temperature in a newborn.
9. How can we keep me newborn warm?
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
Make sure that the baby is warm at all times: Ensure that both
abdomen and the feet of baby are equally warm by touching
them with the back of your hand.
• Do not keep the baby wet for prolonged period. Dry the
baby with clean soft towel soon after the baby is bathed.
• Wrap the baby in 2-3 layers of loose clothing, with
head and feet covered. In winter, give additional layer
of woollens and wrap the baby in a blanket.
• Do not bathe soon after birth.
• Bathe the infant quickly and gently in a warm room
with warm water.
6
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
• Keep baby dry at all times, in a warm room
and close to the mother.
10. When should a newborn be given his/her fi rst
bath?
• Bathing should be avoided immediately after
birth. Preferably, normal baby should be given
bath on second day during summer. In winter
bathing may be avoided for several days.
• Ensure baby’s temperature is normal before
giving a bath (Both abdomen & feet should be
equally warm).
• Bathe the baby in a warm room, and use warm
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
water.
11. What is the kangaroo method and what are its
benefi ts?
The kangaroo method is a method in which mother
and the newborn baby maintain skin to skin
contact to provide warmth to baby and prevent the
development of low body temperature. The method
is specially benefi cial for a LBW baby, who is at a
high risk for developing low body temperature.
• For this, the baby is placed, upright inside mother’s clothing
against the bare skin over the chest. Cover the baby’s head
by cap, feet by socks and hands by mittons. A loose blouse,
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
sweater or wrap tied at the waist holds the baby.
• Let baby suckle at breasts as often as he/she wants, but at
least once in every 2 hour. Mother should sleep propped up so
that the baby stays upright. Make sure the baby stays warm
at all times.
• If the weather is cold, dress the baby with extra clothing.
• When the mother wants to bathe or rest, ask the father or
another family member to ‘Kangaroo’ the baby or wrap infant
in several layers of warm clothing, covered with blankets and
keep in a warm place.
7
Benefits of the Kangaroo Method
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
(a) Assists in maintaining the temperature of the baby, prevents
low body temperature
(b) Facilitates breastfeeding
(c) Improves mother- infant bonding
12. If a newborn develops low body temperature what should be done?
If a newborn appears cold, he/she should be placed in skin to
skin contact with the mother (kangarooing). Ensure to cover the
head of the baby with a cap or any other warm cloth and make
him/her wear socks in the feet. The mother should continue
breastfeeding the baby. If the baby still appears cold, take the
baby to the nearest health facility. Ensure that newborn stays in
skin to skin contact during referral.
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
13. Why is it important to prevent infections in a newborn?
• All newborn babies are vulnerable to get infection as they
have less capacity to fight with infections.
• These infections can spread rapidly and can lead to the death
of the newborn.
14. How can we prevent infection in newborns?
• Always wash hands with soap and water before handling the
baby and after cleaning the baby (whenever the baby passes
a motion).
• Give only breast milk and do not give anything else.
• Do not apply anything in the eyes (eg. Kajal, surma)
• Do not apply anything on the umbilical stump. Keep the
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
umbilical stump clean and dry.
• Do not allow people with cough, loose motions and skin
infections to handle the baby.
• Immunization is an effective way of preventing infections.
Take the infant for immunization at 1 ½ months, 2 ½
months, 3 ½ months, 9 months, 1 ½ years and 5 years
of age.
8
15. When should a newborn be taken to health facility immediately?
The presence of any of the following is a danger sign for a
newborn. If any of these signs are present, the baby must be
taken to hospital immediately:
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
• Lethargy – Reduction in activity or weak cry
• Poor feeding – weak sucking ability
• Fever or Cold to touch ( Abdomen cold)
• Fast or diffi cult breathing
• Yellow palms/soles
• Bleeding from any site.
16. When is a baby called Low birth weight (LBW)?
A newborn baby is called as low birth weight when the birth
weight is less than 2.5kg. In India over 1/3rd newborns born
are LBW. A baby with low birth weight is at increased risk for
complications and has a higher risk for dying as compared to
a baby with normal birth weight. Nearly 3/4 of the neonatal
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
deaths and 1/2 of the infant deaths occur among the low birth
weight neonates.
17. How can we maintain temperature of LBW baby?
• Keep baby dry at all times and in a warm room.
• Delay bathing after birth for several days
• Wrap the baby in 2-3 layers of clothing with head and feet
covered
• Given additional layer of woollens and blanket in winter.
• Kangaroo method can be used to maintain temperature of
low baby
18. How should LBW babies be fed?
• All LBW babies must be given exclusive breast feeding at
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
least 10-12 times in a day (at least 4 times during the night).
Avoid all pre lacteal feeds.
• If baby is not sucking vigorously at the breast, after sucking
the baby on the breast, breast milk of the mother should
be expressed into a clean washed cup. The expressed milk
9
should be fed to a baby with a spoon or traditional feeding
device (eg. paladai, cup & spoon etc.) till baby accepts
breast feeds well.
19. How can we prevent infections in LBW baby?
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after toilet and
after cleaning the baby.
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
• Allow only one or two persons (other than the mother)
to handle the baby.
• Do not allow persons with diarrhoea, cough / cold to
come near the baby.
• Give exclusive breast feeding. It protects the baby from
infection
• Bring the infant for immunization as per schedule.
The schedule of immunization is same as for normal
babies.
• Look for danger signs. Seek medical help immediately
if any of the danger signs are present.
10
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
Notes
11
Notes
ii
National Child Health Resource Centre
National Institute of Health and Family Welfare
Baba Gang Nath Marg, Munirka, New Delhi-110067
Phones: 26165959/26166441/26188485/26107773
Fax: 91-1126101623
Website: www.nihfw.org
vkjksX;e~ lq[klEink

1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
the baby
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
• It reduces post birth bleeding in mother and
prevents anaemia.
• It can help to delay next pregnancy.
4. What are the important things mother should know about
breast feeding?
• Start feeding the newborn within ½ to 1 hr after birth
• Do not discard the initial yellow part of milk (colostrums). It
protects the child against infections.
• Give exclusive breast feeding till 6 months of age and then
add semi-solid feeds.
• Do not give water, honey, ghutti etc. They reduce the milk and
increase the chances of infection.
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
• Feed the baby whenever baby demands and allow the baby to
feed till satisfied.
• Continue breast feeds till the baby is 2 years old and also
beyond 2 years, if possible.
5. What is exclusive breast feeding and why is it important?
Exclusive breast feeding means the baby should not be given
anything else (not even water) except breast milk till 6 months of
age. Breast milk contains all the nutrients in the right proportion
which are needed for optimum growth and development of
the baby during the first six months. Exclusive breast feeding
is safe and protects the baby from infections. Giving the baby
anything other than breast milk to the body increases the risk of
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
contamination and infection which can be dangerous.
5
6. How will mother know if her milk is suffi cient for her baby or not?
Mother’s milk is suffi cient for her newborn, if the following are
seen in the newborn:
1. The baby passes urine at least 5 to 6 times in a day
2. The baby sleeps for atleast 2 hours after taking breast feed
3. Weight gain of the baby is normal
4. When the mother feeds the newborn, there is a fl ow of milk
from the other breast.
7. What milk should be given to a newborn if the mother has fever?
If mother is having fever and is able to feed, she should feed the
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
baby. This will additionally also protect the baby from infection
which the mother is having by protective factor which are passed
through milk.
8. Why is it important to keep newborns warm?
• Warmth is essential in the care of newborns because they can
not maintain their own body heat. The baby can become cold
when not clothed properly or because of practices such as
bathing, even during summer months.
• Low body temperature is harmful to the newborn and this
increase the risk of sickness and death, so it is important to
prevent low body temperature in a newborn.
9. How can we keep me newborn warm?
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
Make sure that the baby is warm at all times: Ensure that both
abdomen and the feet of baby are equally warm by touching
them with the back of your hand.
• Do not keep the baby wet for prolonged period. Dry the
baby with clean soft towel soon after the baby is bathed.
• Wrap the baby in 2-3 layers of loose clothing, with
head and feet covered. In winter, give additional layer
of woollens and wrap the baby in a blanket.
• Do not bathe soon after birth.
• Bathe the infant quickly and gently in a warm room
with warm water.
6
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
• Keep baby dry at all times, in a warm room
and close to the mother.
10. When should a newborn be given his/her fi rst
bath?
• Bathing should be avoided immediately after
birth. Preferably, normal baby should be given
bath on second day during summer. In winter
bathing may be avoided for several days.
• Ensure baby’s temperature is normal before
giving a bath (Both abdomen & feet should be
equally warm).
• Bathe the baby in a warm room, and use warm
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
water.
11. What is the kangaroo method and what are its
benefi ts?
The kangaroo method is a method in which mother
and the newborn baby maintain skin to skin
contact to provide warmth to baby and prevent the
development of low body temperature. The method
is specially benefi cial for a LBW baby, who is at a
high risk for developing low body temperature.
• For this, the baby is placed, upright inside mother’s clothing
against the bare skin over the chest. Cover the baby’s head
by cap, feet by socks and hands by mittons. A loose blouse,
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
sweater or wrap tied at the waist holds the baby.
• Let baby suckle at breasts as often as he/she wants, but at
least once in every 2 hour. Mother should sleep propped up so
that the baby stays upright. Make sure the baby stays warm
at all times.
• If the weather is cold, dress the baby with extra clothing.
• When the mother wants to bathe or rest, ask the father or
another family member to ‘Kangaroo’ the baby or wrap infant
in several layers of warm clothing, covered with blankets and
keep in a warm place.
7
Benefits of the Kangaroo Method
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
(a) Assists in maintaining the temperature of the baby, prevents
low body temperature
(b) Facilitates breastfeeding
(c) Improves mother- infant bonding
12. If a newborn develops low body temperature what should be done?
If a newborn appears cold, he/she should be placed in skin to
skin contact with the mother (kangarooing). Ensure to cover the
head of the baby with a cap or any other warm cloth and make
him/her wear socks in the feet. The mother should continue
breastfeeding the baby. If the baby still appears cold, take the
baby to the nearest health facility. Ensure that newborn stays in
skin to skin contact during referral.
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
13. Why is it important to prevent infections in a newborn?
• All newborn babies are vulnerable to get infection as they
have less capacity to fight with infections.
• These infections can spread rapidly and can lead to the death
of the newborn.
14. How can we prevent infection in newborns?
• Always wash hands with soap and water before handling the
baby and after cleaning the baby (whenever the baby passes
a motion).
• Give only breast milk and do not give anything else.
• Do not apply anything in the eyes (eg. Kajal, surma)
• Do not apply anything on the umbilical stump. Keep the
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
umbilical stump clean and dry.
• Do not allow people with cough, loose motions and skin
infections to handle the baby.
• Immunization is an effective way of preventing infections.
Take the infant for immunization at 1 ½ months, 2 ½
months, 3 ½ months, 9 months, 1 ½ years and 5 years
of age.
8
15. When should a newborn be taken to health facility immediately?
The presence of any of the following is a danger sign for a
newborn. If any of these signs are present, the baby must be
taken to hospital immediately:
1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of
• Lethargy – Reduction in activity or weak cry
• Poor feeding – weak sucking ability
• Fever or Cold to touch ( Abdomen cold)
• Fast or diffi cult breathing
• Yellow palms/soles
• Bleeding from any site.
16. When is a baby called Low birth weight (LBW)?
A newborn baby is called as low birth weight when the birth
we

1
Health Workers Information Series No. 2

Newborn care
NIHFW Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI)
2
Acknowledgements
This handout has been prepared by National Child Health
Resource Centre (NCHRC) of National Institute of Health
and Family Welfare (NIHFW) for use by the frontline
workers. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided
by National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for technical
review of the material. We also thank NIPI – UNOPS for
evolving the idea to develop this resourse material and for
providing financial support for the initiative.
3
1. When is a baby called a ‘newborn’ baby?
A baby between 0-1 month of life is known as newborn baby.
The newborn period is a very important period, which requires a
lot of attention: about 2/3rd of all deaths which occur in infants
<1 year take place in the newborn period. This means that
special attention must be given to the newborns, to bring about
a reduction in infant mortality. Newborns have special needs and
require supportive care for their healthy survival.
2. What are the important aspects of care of a newborn?
The important components of care of a newborn are:
1. Breast feeding
2. Keeping the baby warm and prevention of low body
temperature
3. Prevention of infection
4. Immunization
5. Detection of danger signs and early referral
6. Care of low birth weight baby
Newborns care
4
3. What are the benefits of breast feeding the
newborn?
• Breast milk is complete food that a newborn
baby requires and is easily digested and
well absorbed.
• Breast milk is available at all times and is at
right temperature
• It improves physical and mental growth of

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