This study explores the potential contribution of DHS data in improving knowledge of trends in neonatal mortality in developing countries. It outlines the causes and possible consequences of sampling and non-sampling error in survey data of this nature, before using DHS and World Fertility Survey estimates to describe apparent trends in neonatal mortality over the last few decades. It also examines the association between neonatal mortality and per capita gross domestic product (GDP) at national level. The study draws out how both patterns of progress and relationship with GDP differ markedly in the neonatal period than in post-neonatal infancy and early childhood. The discussion summarises the potential limitations in using DHS estimates for NMR, as well as outlining potential factors underlying the relatively poor progress being made in reducing neonatal deaths.