The best practice statement routine examination of the newborn was originally developed in 20041 by a project midwife seconded to the Practice Development Unit of NHS QIS together with a multiprofessional working group. The aim of the statement is to offer guidelines for all registered maternity care professionals undertaking the routine examination of newborn babies, and is based on the evidence currently available together with a consensus by experts of established practice. The statement was reviewed and updated by a working group in 2008. In addition to the review process, an audit tool has been developed to support registered maternity care professionals and organisations who would like to audit current local practice. Babies are inspected soon after birth to identify any obvious visible unexpected features or abnormalities and to reassure parents. The midwife in attendance at the birth usually conducts this initial inspection. It is established as good practice to carry out a more detailed examination of the baby within 24 hours of birth as part of the core health programme for under five’s.2 During this routine examination problems can be identified, and if appropriate referred for investigation, specialist assessment and treatment, as well as being fully discussed with the parents.