Evidence has demonstrated clearly that the first hours, days and weeks after birth – the newborn period – are a precious time for a child’s survival, health and development. When cared for in a nurturing environment, babies not only survive, they are also helped to thrive. This Thematic Brief summarizes why nurturing care is essential for all newborns and uses the five components of nurturing care to describe what every newborn needs. It includes practical examples of creating nurturing environments for newborns, including those who are born too soon, small or sick, in India, Sweden, The Philippines, Colombia and Lebanon.