Table 1 Options for newborn thermal protection in resource-limited settings
Method | Eligibility | Advantages | Risks or disadvantages | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) by mother or other caregiver | Stable infants | Mother can closely monitor, promotes bonding | Not for life-threatening conditions | Community and institutional |
Radiant warmer or water mattress | At-risk infants | Allows observation of baby Allows procedures to be performed | Hyperthermia, dehydration Expensive to buy, requires electricity | Institutional only |
Incubator | At-risk infants, including high-risk, low-birth-weight infants | Maintains constant temperature and humidity Easy provision of oxygen Allows observation of (naked) infant | Hyperthermia, dehydration Expensive to buy, maintain, clean; requires electricity Separation of mother and child | Institutional only |
Warm room | Stable infants | No newborn equipment necessary | Hypothermia Uncomfortable for caregivers | Community and institutional |
Low-cost warming device (together with SSC) | At-risk and stable infants | Mother can closely monitor, other caregiver can provide SSC | Not appropriate for life-threatening conditions; more expensive than SSC | Potentially community and institutional |