The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a newborn – also called a neonate – as a child from birth to 28 completed days of life. The first hours and days of life are critical for a newborn’s survival and long-term health. High-quality newborn care interventions can significantly reduce newborn deaths and ensure babies thrive beyond infancy.

Essential newborn care includes immediate and exclusive breastfeeding (initiated within 30 minutes to an hour after birth based on your country guidelines), infection prevention, thermal protection, and early identification of complications. By implementing evidence-based newborn care practices, healthcare providers can ensure that every baby gets the best possible start to life.

This section provides guidance on lifesaving interventions that improve newborn survival and health, including: