Objective:

To assess the impact of essential newborn care (ENC) practices on the mortality of neonates delivered at home in Bangladesh.

Study design:

This study used cross-sectional data from the 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Adjusted logistic regression model was used to examine the effect of ENC practices on neonatal mortality based on 3190 live-born infants.

Result:

Delayed bathing (72?h after delivery) significantly contributed to reducing neonatal mortality. A significant but counterintuitive relation was observed between the dry cord care and neonatal deaths.

Conclusion:

Neonatal mortality may be reduced through emphasizing delayed bathing. Specific guidelines on the cleanliness of the fabric used to dry and wrap newborns, as well as emphasizing the use of clean delivery kits and initiation of immediate and exclusive breastfeeding, may improve neonatal outcomes. Further, the ENC guidelines in Bangladesh should include the application of topical antiseptics to the cord stump.