Newborn examination
RACP guidance for the minimum standards required for the examination of well newborn infants
The Paediatrics & Child Health Division has produced this document as a guide to the minimum standards required for the examination of well newborn infants.
Introduction
Every newborn baby requires a full and detailed physical examination with the examination findings recorded and appropriately conveyed to parents. The newborn examination is essential in attempting to determine the integrity of various organ systems and their ability to adapt successfully to extrauterine life. Examination may reveal potentially correctable defects that may significantly interfere with normal
development. It is incumbent upon every maternity unit to maintain clear and accountable records of newborn examination.