Essential newborn care (ENC) comprises of a set of basic preventive measures including hygienic cord care, thermal control (including drying and wrapping, skin-to-skin, and delayed bathing), early and exclusive breastfeeding, and immunization. These measures are needed to ensure the survival of all newborns and to assist babies to breathe when needed.  Additional components of ENC are early recognition or detection and appropriate referral and treatment of sick newborns.  ENC comprises:

• Basic preventive newborn care, such as care before and during pregnancy, clean delivery practices, temperature maintenance, eye and cord care, early and exclusive breastfeeding, and general hygiene emphasizing handwashing; and
• Early detection of newborn problems or danger signs (with priority given to sepsis, birth asphyxia, and prematurity), appropriate treatment, referral and care-seeking.