To prevent heat loss

Besides drying and wrapping the newborn the best way to provide extra warmth for resuscitation is to use a radiant heater. However, this will provide sufficient warmth only if it is preheated so that the surface is warm, if it is the correct distance from the infant and if the room is warm. The heater should be selected and used with caution. Focusing warming bulbs are a less expensive alternative. The source of warmth should preferably be mobile so that it can be moved near the place of birth. Instructions about the distance between the source of warmth and the newborn should be carefully followed to avoid overheating, burns or hypothermia. Burns have been described in newborns being resuscitated under radiant heaters despite precautions.

The use of silver swaddlers and bubble wraps for thermal protection of newborns during resuscitation has not been systematically evaluated and there is no evidence for recommending them. If a swaddler is used, the baby should be dried before being wrapped in it.