Kangaroo care is also known as skin to skin care. It is a method of holding your baby  close to your bare chest  ( father) or in between your breast (mother). The baby is naked  except for a diaper and a blanket covering his back to keep him warm. It is a great way to be close to your baby. As soon as you are able to hold your baby in the NICU, you are encouraged  to do kangaroo care.
 

 

What are the benefits of kangaroo care ?

 
Some of the benefits  of kangaroo care for babies include :

• stability of heartbeat and breathing
• keeps the body warm
• improves oxygen saturation level which means oxygen is being well delivered to all the infant’s organs and tissues
• increased weight gain
• increased breastfeeding
• less crying time
• spends more time in deep sleep
• earlier hospital discharge

 
Benefits of kangaroo care to parents  include :

• feeling of being close to your baby
• increases breast milk supply
• reduces stress
• builds your confidence about being able to care for your baby
• gives you  confidence that your baby is being well cared for

Giving kangaroo care

 
Most nurseries provide a comfortable rocking chair for parents to give kangaroo care to their babies. Screens are placed around the chair or baby area for privacy.

• remove your bra and wear a shirt that opens in the front. You can wear a hospital gown that opens in the front.
• baby should wear only a diaper
• place the baby on your bare chest in the upright  position

Ask the NICU staff about their policy on kangaroo care. Some NICUs postpone it until the baby is medically stable while others use it right from birth.
 
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