Hesperian Health Guides

Danger Signs for the Baby at Birth

In this chapter:

Baby born too early or too small

A baby born before 8 months is born too early. A baby that weighs less than 2500 grams (about 5.5 pounds) is born too small. These babies need special care.

a baby lying on the mother's chest under a blanket
Keep baby warm and dry
Treatment:
  1. Dry the baby with a warm, clean cloth immediately after birth.
  2. Put a hat and diaper on the baby and lay the baby against the skin of a parent or other caregiver. Keep skin-to-skin contact day and night.
  3. Keep the baby warm. Use many blankets, keep their head covered, and keep the room warm. DO NOT bathe the baby
  4. More Information
    breastfeeding
  5. Feed the baby as much breast milk as they will take, as often as they will take it.
This page was updated:13 Nov 2023