Will my baby feel pain or discomfort?

No. The study does not involve any painful procedures.

The only extra thing your baby may experience is having their temperature checked more often, which is quick, gentle, and done under the arm.

This is done to provide adequate thermal care which is part of the NEWS-HEAT care bundle.

Is this study safe for my baby?

Yes. Everything done in this study is already part of safe, routine newborn care.

The study uses routine newborn care that is already recommended by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization as well as the NEWS-HEAT care bundle intervention care practice.

Will my baby receive normal care or something different?

All babies will receive normal standard of care including the Early Essential Newborn Care (EENC) as well as the NEWS-HEAT care bundle which simply adds a colour‑coded chart to help staff notice if a baby is getting cold and act quickly.

What happens if I don’t want my baby to participate?

Your baby will still receive the same safe standard of care as every other baby.

How will this study help my baby?

The study aims to prevent hypothermia, which is when a baby becomes too cold.

Keeping babies' warm helps reduce newborn deaths.

How does this help other babies in Kenya?

If the NEWS‑HEAT bundle works well, it could be used across Kenya to help reduce newborn deaths linked to hypothermia.

Your baby’s data helps improve care for thousands of future babies.

Who do I talk to if I have concerns?

Each hospital has a Site Principal Investigator (PI) and research nurses who can answer questions.

You can also speak to any nurse or doctor caring for you or your baby.

What happens after we leave the hospital?

Your baby continues with normal home care, and you will be asked for consent for a day‑8 phone call to check how you and the baby is doing this is optional.

You will also receive the Mother and Baby Handbook for guidance at home and visits from your community health promoter if needed.

Will my personal details be kept confidential?

Yes. Your personal information is kept private and stored securely at the hospital.

Only your baby’s date of birth and your date of birth are shared in the study data collection workbook.

All study data is coded so no one can identify you.