The care of a newborn baby at birth is an important responsibility of the nurse because the first few minutes and hours of life are critical for successful adaptation from intrauterine to extrauterine life. Immediate newborn care aims to establish breathing, maintain body temperature, prevent infection, initiate breastfeeding, and identify any danger signs. Immediately after birth, the baby should be received in a warm, clean and dry environment. The nurse should note the time of birth and assess the baby's breathing, colour, muscle tone and general condition. The baby should be dried thoroughly with a clean, warm towel, especially the head, and wet linen should be removed. Drying stimulates breathing and prevents heat loss. The newborn should be placed skin-to-skin on the mother's abdomen or chest and covered with a warm cloth. Airway and breathing should be assessed immediately. If the baby is crying and breathing normally, routine suctioning of the mouth and nose is not required. If the baby is not breathing or has inadequate breathing, appropriate neonatal resuscitation should be initiated without delay according to established guidelines. The nurse should observe respiratory effort, heart rate and colour and ensure that the airway remains clear. The umbilical cord should be clamped and cut using sterile technique at the appropriate time,