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"This is a Mongolian spot, which is found on many newborns.": Mongolian spots are bluish-gray pigmented areas usually found on the sacral or buttocks region, not swelling of the scalp.

"This is a cephalhematoma, which will resolve on its own in 3 to 5 days.": A cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the skull bone and periosteum, does not cross suture lines, and resolves over weeks, not a few days.

"This is erythema toxicum, which is a transient allergic reaction that causes edema in the skin.": Erythema toxicum is a newborn rash of red spots with small white/yellow papules, not swelling on the scalp.

Water: Water is not a nutritional source; newborns receive hydration through breast milk or formula.

Solid foods: Solid foods are not recommended for infants under 4–6 months of age due to immature digestive systems.

Iron-fortified cereal: Iron-fortified cereal is introduced around 4–6 months, not the main source of nutrition for newborns.

By around 6 months, infants’ iron stores from birth are depleted, and iron-fortified cereal is recommended as a first solid to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Without iron-fortified foods, infants are at higher risk of iron deficiency because breast milk alone cannot meet iron requirements beyond 6 months.

Scant scalp hair: This is more characteristic of preterm newborns, not post-term newborns.

Copious vernix: Post-term newborns typically have little to no vernix because it decreases as gestation progresses.

Increased subcutaneous fat: Post-term newborns usually have wasted appearance due to placental insufficiency, not increased fat.

Clear the respiratory tract: Suctioning the mouth and nose is indicated if secretions obstruct the airway or the newborn is not breathing effectively, but routine deep suctioning is not performed before drying/stimulation unless there’s obvious obstruction.

Stimulate the infant to cry: Gentle stimulation (rubbing the back) is used to encourage breathing if the newborn is not crying; this typically follows drying/positioning and airway assessment.

Clamp the umbilical cord: Delayed cord clamping is often recommended for several reasons; clamping is not the immediate first step for neonatal stabilization compared with providing warmth and ensuring breathing.

Brown fat production: Brown fat (brown adipose tissue) is used by the infant to generate heat; preventing cold exposure reduces the infant’s need to use brown fat but the action does not directly cause brown fat production.

Thermogenesis: Thermogenesis is the process of producing heat (often via brown fat); a radiant warmer reduces the need for the infant to generate heat but does not itself produce thermogenesis.

Shivering: Newborns do not shiver effectively to produce heat; shivering is not a typical neonatal thermoregulatory response.

"I should keep my baby's head covered.": Wearing a hat helps reduce heat loss through the head, especially in the immediate newborn period.

"My baby's bassinet should be kept away from fans and air conditioning.": Keeping the newborn out of direct drafts helps prevent heat loss and is appropriate.

"I will place my baby on my stomach and cover her with a warm blanket.": Skin-to-skin contact (usually chest-to-chest) with the mother covered by a blanket is recommended to promote warmth and bonding; placing the infant prone on the mother’s abdomen is not the usual safety/recommended method, so clarify positioning if needed — however, the most clearly incorrect teaching point among these options is the use of rectal temperature checks hourly.

Vitamin K decreases the newborn's risk of jaundice.: Vitamin K administration does not prevent physiologic jaundice; jaundice relates primarily to bilirubin metabolism and other factors.

Vitamin K decreases the newborn's risk of health care–associated infections.: Vitamin K is not an antibiotic or antiseptic and does not reduce infection risk.

Vitamin K decreases the newborn's risk of complications from the Hepatitis B vaccine.: Vitamin K does not affect vaccine reactions or complications; it is given for clotting factor support.

Cover the cord with the diaper: Covering the cord with the diaper can trap moisture against the stump and delay drying; parents are usually taught to fold the diaper below the stump so the area stays dry and exposed to air.

Wash the cord daily with mild soap and water: Keeping the cord clean is important; plain water is usually sufficient unless it is soiled. Routine gentle cleansing with mild soap and water when necessary is acceptable, but the emphasis is on keeping the stump clean and dry rather than vigorous washing.

Wrap the cord in petroleum jelly gauze: Applying ointments or occlusive dressings such as petroleum gauze can retain moisture and interfere with the natural drying process; this practice is generally avoided unless specifically ordered for a particular clinical reason.