Measurements – Initial Assessment of the Newborn (Nursing)

00:01 Now, let's talk about measuring the baby.

00:04 We're going to take several different dimensions.

00:06 So let's break down each one.

00:08 First, let's talk about the length.

00:11 Now, I'm going to give you some numbers about average links.

00:14 But I want you to know that when we talk about inches and centimeters, mathematically, they may not match up exactly.

00:20 And you're going to find some differences between textbooks and unit policies.

00:25 So these are general numbers, not exact.

00:28 But in general, the length is going to be anywhere from 19 to 21 inches, this is normal, or 48 to 53 centimeters.

00:37 And you're going to measure from the tip of the head all the way down to the heel, and that's going to give you the length.

00:43 Next, we're going to measure the head circumference.

00:45 So you're going to use again, a pliable tape measure, and you're going to wrap that tape measure around the baby's head right above the eyebrows.

00:53 And the measurement that you typically will get for most babies is going to be somewhere between 12.5 inches to 14.5 inches, or 32.5 to 37.5 centimeters.

01:06 Now remember, sometimes right after delivery, especially for a vaginal birth, the head may be slightly misshapen due to moulding.

01:15 And so that may change the head circumference measurement.

01:18 So you want to note that in your chart.

01:20 Now let's talk about chest circumference.

01:23 Chest circumference is going to be measured right above the nipple line.

01:26 And you can expect that range to be somewhere between 12 and 13 inches, or 30 to 34 centimeters.

01:33 You can also compare the head and chest circumference.

01:37 And if you find that there's more than a two centimeter discrepancy, then that's something you want to investigate further to make sure that they're not any other complications.

01:46 Now let's talk about weight.

01:48 So this is going to be probably in every baby's baby book.

01:52 This is a picture of the baby laying on the scale next to the weight.

01:56 So typically, we report the weight to parents in pounds, but we always chart newborns weight in grams.

02:04 So the normal gram is going to be somewhere between 2700 to 4000 grams, which equates to about six to nine pounds.

02:13 So I'm hoping you remember our discussion about thermal regulation and know that before we placed the newborn on the scale, we're going to use some sort of protective covering a blanket or one of those measuring towels.

02:27 Why do we do that? We're trying to protect the baby from loss of heat via...

02:33 conduction. Very, very good.