This paper is based on the Swiss interprofessional neonatal resuscitation course start4neo and the 2017 revised guidelines of the Swiss Society of Neonatology. Both the approach to normal adaptation and the procedures for stabilization and resuscitation are presented and discussed according to the T‑ABCD (thermoregulation, airway, breathing, circulation, drugs) approach detailed in the neonatal resuscitation algorithm. In the context of “the golden first minute” after birth, the assessment of breathing and heart rate are the two most important parameters calling for initiation, escalation or de-escalation of stabilization or resuscitation measures. The practical application of the theoretical background presented in this paper and the ability to the assess the situation should be trained in a practical course, ideally based on inductive learning methods in order to ensure competent action in neonatal care or resuscitation situations.