A quick guide to the NIPE

NIPE stands for Newborn Infant Physical Examination

Photo by Marcel Fagin on Unsplash

NIPE stands for Newborn Infant Physical Examination.

In the UK, every baby is offered the NIPE. This is an in-depth look, from head to toe, as well as checking 4 key elements. The eyes, the heart, the hips and testes in baby boys.

Definition:

The aim of the NIPE is to identify a range of congenital conditions so that further assessment can be undertaken and specialist care initiated as early as possible, improving health outcomes.

When is it done?

• Ideally between 6 and 72 hours post-birth.
• If Birth has taken place in a hospital, every effort should be made to do this before discharge.
• It will then be repeated at the 6–8 week GP appointment.
• It may be delayed if the baby is born before 34 weeks gestation or if the baby is too ill.

Who carries out the NIPE?

• Neonatologist
• Paediatrician
• Advanced neonatal nurse practitioners
• GPs
• Midwives who have undertaken the appropriate training

Consent