Health Promotion of the Newborn and Family

During the first 28 days of life, the infant is considered a newborn. This is a time when newborns undergo dramatic changes as they adjust to the extrauterine environment and are completely reliant on others for their care. To promote the health of the newborn and their caregivers, the nurse will focus on preventing infection, optimizing nutrition, and promoting attachment.

As the nurse caring for a newborn, preventing infection is one of your most important considerations. This is because the newborn’s immune system is underdeveloped, making them highly susceptible to infections. So, the most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to perform diligent hand hygiene. You’ll also administer antibiotic eye ointment to prevent an eye infection called ophthalmia neonatorum, and most newborns will get their first hepatitis B vaccine before discharge.

You’ll also teach the newborn’s caregivers how to prevent infection in their newborn once they’re discharged home. For example, since bacteria can easily grow on the umbilical stump while it’s healing, teach them to fold the diaper below the umbilical stump to prevent irritation, to gently cleanse it with warm water if it becomes wet or soiled, and to watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and tenderness.