Facilitating optimal infant health and development relies significantly on the skills, education and care given by the parents. The midwife works with families through the ante- and intrapartum periods to culminate in the beginnings of infant health and wellbeing. The midwife teaches by example (e.g. hand washing) as well as with verbal (wherever possible, evidence based) suggestions. In undertaking a daily examination for the baby the midwife relies on communication with the parents to appreciate the complete picture. Equally, it is a time for guiding and advising parents, when necessary, but ultimately in supporting and encouraging them in their new role.

The baby is a ‘compromised host’ at birth, at risk from infection that can affect morbidity and mortality. Standard precautions should be utilised (see Chapter 8), it is important to avoid cross-infection from other sources; hand hygiene should be scrupulous (see Chapter 9). If contact with body fluids is anticipated then personal protective equipment is used (e.g. gloves and apron).

As mentioned above, the daily examination is not a copy of the examination undertaken at birth, but is a daily assessment of progress thereafter. It therefore relies on the fact that all body systems have been screened, any deviations from the norm are known about and so daily progress is assessed accordingly. It should be undertaken methodically, in a good light and a warm environment.