What is Kangaroo Care?

Kangaroo care is the way of cradling your baby against your chest. The baby has only a diaper and maybe a hat and socks to keep them warm. They lie against your chest, which is bare, so there is skin-to-skin contact. This kind of contact is a unique experience that can bring you and your baby together. It also has medical advantages, especially for a baby who has been born with a low birth weight or a preterm baby.

You may do kangaroo care in the hospital, even in the NICU, or at home. You can hold your baby for as long as you like in each session, depending on your circumstances and the medical needs of your baby. Your baby's care team can provide specific advice about when to start kangaroo care after birth and how long each session lasts. They'll also examine if kangaroo care is safe and feasible for babies attached to IVs or other devices and let you know when kangaroo care isn't feasible.

"Kangaroo mother care" is another term for kangaroo care. Most studies emphasise the advantage of a mother giving such care. However, fathers, other family members, and trained volunteers can also provide kangaroo care.

How to do kangaroo care?

Your nurse can assist you in starting kangaroo care during your stay in the hospital. Each session's length can differ, but most research recommends longer sessions for maximum benefits. An example is a study that indicates a two-hour session would be better than one hour if it was at least done seven consecutive days in a row. Your care providers can inform you of what is best for your baby.

Here are a few simple tips on how to get started:

Wear comfortable clothing: There are no rules about what you should wear. But you should wear something that is easy to open in front because your baby will sleep against your bare chest. You'll also need to take off your bra if you wear one. You can wear a hospital gown with an open front if you prefer.
Put your baby on your chest: Your baby should be facing upright, with its head lying to the side on your chest. Your baby will usually be dressed in only a diaper, hat, and socks, which are used to keep your baby warm.
Cover your baby: Once you’re settled skin-to-skin, drape a blanket over your baby’s back. Keep your baby warm and comfortable while snuggled against your chest. Your care provider may suggest using a wrap to secure your baby against your chest.
Unwind together: Throughout your session, attempt to unwind while holding your baby. Don't forget to breathe naturally. This is an excellent opportunity for your baby to rest and relax as well. Let your baby snuggle in and sleep. Don't play with your baby or wake up their alertness.
Schedule on several sessions: Your healthcare team will inform you of the best schedule for your baby and you. Inquire if it is unclear or if there are other questions and worries.

What to avoid during kangaroo care?

To make kangaroo care comfortable and safe for your baby, you should:

Place phones or other electronic equipment out of reach. These might distract your attention away from your baby. Your attention on your baby is good for bonding and also for protecting him while you hold him.
Keep your skin clean and healthy: Don't kangaroo care if you have an open cut, cold sore, or rash. Wash your skin first and don't use any lotions or perfumes.
Don't smoke: Do not smoke before or during kangaroo care. Secondhand smoke presents numerous health dangers for your baby.
Don't perform kangaroo care if you have an illness: Your infant's immune system isn't completely developed until he is two to three months old. Therefore, during the early weeks, it's really important to minimise your infant's exposure to germs. If you're ill, try to arrange for another caregiver to substitute for you until your condition improves. Alternatively, ask your healthcare provider if it's okay to perform kangaroo care while you wear a facemask.

What are the advantages of kangaroo care?

There are numerous advantages of kangaroo care, especially for preterm or low-birth-weight babies. It is indicated by research that kangaroo care can:

Stabilise your baby's heart rate, improve your baby's breathing pattern and make it more regular, support healthy sleep with more quiet sleep and longer cycles, promote your baby's growth, and alleviate the pain your baby may experience during some procedures, such as a heel prick test.
Reduce your baby's risk of death, severe infection or hypothermia (these are specific risks only for babies born in resource-poor countries).

Kangaroo care also makes you: