Weighing of a Newborn
In this module, you will gain an understanding of the various aspects involved in the accurate and safe weighing of a newborn, including:
- Purpose
- Indications
- Preparation and equipment required
- Step-by-step procedure
- Common clinical errors related to newborn weighing
This module emphasizes the significance of newborn weight as a vital indicator of overall health and development. You will learn the correct techniques to weigh a newborn using different types of scales, the importance of maintaining hygiene and thermal protection, and how to ensure accuracy in measurement. The module also highlights practical considerations such as calming the newborn, preventing falls, interpreting weight changes, and identifying red flags like low-birth weight or sudden weight loss. Nurses will be trained in documentation standards and guided on how to communicate weight-related findings with the healthcare team and caregivers effectively. By the end of this module, nurses will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to perform newborn weighing safely and accurately as part of routine neonatal assessments and ongoing care.
