General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes the WHO–UNICEF nurturing-care framework for newborns.
What is nurturing care?
WHO and UNICEF use nurturing care as a framework for environments and relationships that help children survive, develop and reach their potential.
What are the five components?
The framework brings together good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, security and safety, and opportunities for early learning.
Why focus on the newborn period?
The WHO–UNICEF thematic brief describes the first month of life as a unique opportunity to begin supporting development and emphasizes that nurturing environments matter for every newborn, including babies born too soon, small or sick.
Who contributes to nurturing environments?
The brief describes roles for policy-makers, health-care managers, health-care providers and parents, beginning in health facilities and continuing at home.
This is a framework, not an individual assessment. Family circumstances and newborn health needs vary.
References
- World Health Organization and UNICEF. Nurturing care for every newborn: thematic brief, 12 February 2026.