Introduction

Figure 24.1 Nursing Care of the Newborn The nurse’s care of the newborn is both patient- and family-centered: readying the newborn for discharge and preparing their parents and support persons to care for them at home. The postpartum or newborn nurse provides education and identifies any problems before the infant is discharged to home. (credit: “Newborn Baby Lee” by Joanne Lee/Flickr, CC BY 4.0)

Chapter Outline

24.1 Basic Newborn Care

24.2 Care of Common Problems in the Newborn

24.3 Newborn Discharge Planning and Parent Education

The early days, weeks, and months of a baby’s life are crucial for their growth and development and their overall well-being. Caregivers, parents, and health-care professionals require a comprehensive understanding of newborn care, encompassing various aspects such as hygiene, feeding, sleep patterns, soothing techniques, and general health assessments like newborn screening. Recognizing signs of illness, knowing when to call the provider, identifying variations from normal, and understanding the importance and timing of immunizations are also important for newborn care. By gaining knowledge in these critical areas, nurses can confidently navigate the challenges of newborn care, ensuring the well-being and healthy development of these vulnerable persons.