After birth, the goal is to disturb the baby as little as possible. Newborns are not washed in the delivery room. The white coating on the skin — vernix — is an important protective layer that moisturizes and helps prevent infection. For this reason, the baby is only gently dried to remove excess fluid, but the skin is left untouched.

Once the baby has had skin-to-skin contact and shown stable vital signs, the first routine assessments are performed. Many hospitals wait 1–2 hours so as not to disrupt bonding or early feeding attempts. The initial examination is gentle and often done right beside you.

The baby is weighed using a digital scale. Length and head circumference are measured, forming the baseline for future growth tracking. The midwife or nurse also performs a brief assessment of muscle tone, colour, breathing, and primitive reflexes to ensure the baby is adapting well. The umbilical cord stump is left completely untouched.

If the baby is well, all steps are done calmly and quickly, often in the same room so separation is minimized. No bath is given, as bathing can lower body temperature and disturb the baby’s natural skin protection. Warmth, closeness, and dryness are the priorities.

This first care session is about security, observation, and supporting the transition — not cleaning the baby.

Alma’s tips

• Skin-to-skin is the best way to keep your baby warm.

• Vernix protects the skin — it is meant to stay on.

• Speak up about anything you wonder — no question is too small.