Newborn Care Flashcards

What is the 'safe sleep' environment recommended by the AAP for newborns?

Answer: Firm, flat surface on the back, in own sleep space, room-sharing without bed-sharing

The AAP recommends a firm, flat sleep surface, back sleeping position, and room-sharing (not bed-sharing) to reduce SIDS and sleep-related infant death.

What is the moro reflex and when does it typically disappear?

Answer: A startle reflex where arms spread outward then inward; disappears around 3–6 months

The Moro (startle) reflex causes the baby to extend and then bring in the arms in response to sudden movement or sound, and typically resolves by 3–6 months of age.

What is newborn screening and when is it performed in the US?

Answer: Blood tests done at 24–48 hours to detect metabolic, hormonal, and genetic disorders

Newborn metabolic screening using a heel stick blood sample is performed at 24–48 hours of age to detect dozens of treatable metabolic and genetic conditions.

What is skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) and what are its benefits?

Answer: Placing the baby directly on the parent's bare chest to stabilize temperature, breathing, and bonding

Skin-to-skin contact involves placing the bare newborn on the parent's chest and is proven to stabilize temperature, heart rate, and blood sugar while promoting bonding and breastfeeding.

What does the newborn hearing screening test detect?

Answer: Congenital hearing loss that may affect speech and language development

Universal newborn hearing screening identifies congenital hearing loss early so that intervention can begin before language acquisition is affected.

How should parents handle umbilical cord stump care?

Answer: Keep it dry and clean; allow it to fall off on its own within 1–3 weeks

Current guidelines recommend dry cord care — keeping the stump dry and clean and allowing it to separate naturally, typically within 1–3 weeks after birth.