7.4.4  Dry the baby quickly and keep it warm

Lay the baby on a warm surface away from drafts. Use a heat lamp or other overhead warmer, if available. Then dry the baby as shown in Figure 7.8.

Figure 7.8  How to dry the baby: (top) lay the baby on its back and dry it thoroughly; (bottom left) remove the wet cloth; (bottom right) tilt the baby’s chin to reposition the baby’s head and keep its airway open.

Place the baby in skin-to-skin contact with the mother, covered by a warm blanket. Place a warm cap or shawl to cover the baby’s head.