What should be done if a newborn is not breathing?

If a newborn is not breathing, the recommended first course of action is to flick their feet or rub their back. This is a gentle stimulation method that can help to encourage the newborn to take their first breaths. Newborns, especially those who are just delivered, may not start breathing immediately and can respond positively to tactile stimulation. This approach provides a non-invasive way to prompt respiratory effort without immediately resorting to more aggressive interventions, such as CPR.

Administering CPR is a critical response for adults and older children who are unresponsive and not breathing, but for newborns, it is crucial to first attempt to stimulate them and assess their condition. Providing oxygen is also not appropriate until the newborn is properly assessed and resuscitation measures are taken, if needed. Wrapping the newborn in a warm blanket is important for maintaining body temperature but does not directly address the immediate need for respiratory support. Thus, flicking their feet or rubbing their back is the most appropriate initial response to encourage breathing in a newborn.