Background: Newborn infants are sensitive and the neonatal mortality remains high in low resource settings for various reasons such as hyperthermia, hypoglycemia and infections. In both low and high income settings the bonding is important for children in the long run. Skin-to-skin care of the newborn both enhances the infant’s wellbeing and health.Aim: The aim of this meta- synthesis was to describe family members’ care of the newborn after birth, during maternal-infant separation or in the presence of the mother.Methods: Methasynthesis with metaethnography as analysis method. 15 scientific articles are included.Result: The content of the care provided is presence, emotional and practical support to the newborn. In presence, close body contact or preferably skin-to-skin contact is the main caring activity. Emotional support is provided through the presence when consoling the baby. Practical support is provided by changing diaper, through breastfeeding support etc. practical activities which in turn enhance emotions (bonding).Conclusion: The mother to the newborn should provide skin-to-skin care immediately after birth of the infant. When this is not possible the father or another family member such as grandmother, sister, or aunt could be close to the infant.Clinical implications: The results from this study can be used to foster midwives to provide evidence based care of the newborn including close contact and preferably skin-to-skin contact with the mother, father or other family member after birth. This to enhance health and wellbeing of the newborn. This thesis could be a lecture in the midwifery education.