Parents, do you know what newborn screening tests are?
Newborn screening consists of population-wide screening tests covering all newborn babies. Its purpose is the early detection of certain congenital conditions and the initiation of treatment.
Screening can detect conditions that do not produce characteristic clinical signs, or whose symptoms appear too late for effective treatment to begin, and which may affect a child's development if left untreated.
The following screening tests are carried out during the neonatal period:
- screening for somatic development disorders: measurement of body weight, body length, head circumference and chest circumference,
- a test to detect congenital metabolic disorders:
- phenylketonuria (PKU)
- hypothyroidism (congenital underactivity of the thyroid gland)
- cystic fibrosis,
- SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy)
- a screening test for congenital hip dysplasia,
- hearing screening.
Every newborn also undergoes screening pulse oximetry screening aimed at the early detection of asymptomatic heart defects.
Newborn Hearing Screening, or Otoacoustic Emissions Testing
- The test is performed on the second day of life
- The test involves placing a probe in the external ear canal and recording potentials
- The test is carried out in a quiet room while the newborn is naturally asleep
- The screening result is generated automatically.
- The test is documented by an entry or certificate in the child's health record.
- If the test result is abnormal, the test is repeated on the day the baby is discharged from hospital
- Regardless of the result, the baby's mother is interviewed about risk factors for hearing damage. This will later be documented together with the hearing-test result on the Hearing Screening Card.
Are we dressing our baby appropriately? How to provide optimal thermal conditions
A comfortable temperature for a baby is similar to a comfortable temperature for an adult. Because babies have a large skin surface area relative to their body weight and their thermoregulation mechanism is not yet fully developed, they are more vulnerable to the effects of high and low temperatures. To check that your baby is dressed appropriately, touch the back of their neck and their back; these should feel dry and warm. The temperature of the baby's hands and feet is not a reliable indicator.
In the womb, the baby was continuously in an environment of around 36–37°C, similar to your body temperature. After birth, the baby must adapt very quickly to a temperature around 15°C lower. It is therefore unsurprising that a baby may initially feel very cold. Remaining wet after birth would cause rapid heat loss through evaporation, so the baby's body needs to be dried thoroughly. A newborn loses heat quickly because their thermoregulatory mechanisms are not yet fully effective. The source states that the thermoregulatory centre gradually matures during the first month, helping the baby cope with small temperature fluctuations.
Overheating a baby during this period may reduce their resistance and cause reactions to even the slightest gusts of cold air. The temperature at home should be maintained so that a lightly dressed child is neither too cold nor too hot. For a baby, the optimum temperature is usually around 20–21°C, and fluctuations should not exceed 1–2°C. This recommendation is easier to follow during the colder months, when the heating can be adjusted. Try not to place the baby close to a radiator.
During hot weather, shade the room from strong direct sunlight and ventilate it when outdoor conditions and air quality allow. Air conditioning or fans may be used safely when maintained correctly and when cold air is not directed at the baby; monitor the room temperature and the child rather than relying on a fixed method. In cooler weather, brief ventilation can refresh the room, but keep the child away from unsafe draughts, open windows and sudden temperature extremes.
After briefly airing the room, do not turn on additional heating, as this can easily cause an excessive rise in temperature and reduce the humidity in the room.
When can we go out for a walk?
Choose a time for a walk when you will not need to rush. A family walk can gradually become part of the daily rhythm. Feed and change the baby as needed before leaving, and pack essentials such as muslin cloths, nappies, wipes, a change of clothes and an appropriate extra layer. For a longer walk, remember your own drink or snack. Adapt the outing to current weather alerts, temperature, wind, precipitation, air quality and the baby's age and health. In hot weather, prioritise shade, protective clothing and avoiding the strongest sun; use age-appropriate sunscreen on exposed skin according to current local guidance and the product instructions.
Emilia Adamczyk