Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting health systems globally, risking hard-won gains towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Maternity care disruptions have been surveyed, but not those related to vulnerable small newborns. We aimed to survey reported disruptions to small and sick newborn care worldwide and undertake thematic analyses of health care providers’ experiences and proposed mitigation strategies. Methods: Using a widely-disseminated online survey in three languages, we reached out to relevant cadres working on inpatient newborn care. We collected data on respondent characteristics, COVID preparedness, effects on health personnel and on newborn care services including kangaroo mother care (KMC), as well as disruptors and solutions. We conducted a thematic analysis of free-text answers on disruptors and solutions. Results: We analysed 1120 responses from 62 countries mainly LMIC. Majority of respondents reported reduced hospital births and newborn admissions. Preparedness for COVID was sub-optimal in terms of guidelines and availability of personal protective equipment. One-third reported routine testing of all pregnant women, but 13% had no testing capacity at all. More than 85% of health personnel feared for their own health and 89% had increased stress. Newborn care practices were disrupted both due to reduced care-seeking and a compromised workforce from reallocation to COVID-related activities, quarantine or workers own health issues. More than half reported that evidence-based interventions such as KMC were discontinued or discouraged. Separation of mother-baby dyad was reported for both COVID-positive mothers (50%) and those with unknown status (15%). Follow-up care was disrupted primarily due to families’ fear of visiting hospitals (~74%). Conclusions: Newborn care health providers are stressed by the pandemic and lack clarity and guidelines regarding care of small newborns during the pandemic. There is an urgent need to protect life-saving interventions, such as KMC, which are being threatened by the pandemic, and be ready to recover and build back better.