During the initial steps of newborn care, what should be performed first?

In the initial steps of newborn care, providing warmth is the priority. This is crucial because newborns are particularly susceptible to hypothermia immediately after birth due to their wet skin, limited subcutaneous fat, and the transition from a warm intrauterine environment to a much cooler external environment. Ensuring that the newborn remains warm helps maintain their body temperature, which is vital for their overall metabolic function and reduces the risk of complications.

While other actions like positioning the head and neck, clearing secretions, and drying the newborn are important components of newborn care, they are not as critical as providing warmth. In fact, drying the newborn can also contribute to keeping them warm, as it helps to prevent heat loss through evaporation. However, the first action should always prioritize maintaining the newborn's temperature, as it lays the foundation for effective transition to extra-uterine life.