In Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), skin-to-skin contact — the core practice of Kangaroo Care — is far more than a comforting gesture: it is a clinical intervention with proven benefits for both premature babies and their parents, promoting early bonding.
While medicine continues to evolve with advanced and innovative technologies, it is vital to recognise the value of simple yet profoundly human practices. Holding a baby and skin-to-skin contact are expressions of love, yes — but they are also evidence-based care strategies. Celebrating Kangaroo Care is a celebration of life, connection, and the importance of keeping premature babies close to the heart.
What is Kangaroo Care?
Kangaroo Care originated in Colombia in the 1970s as a response to a shortage of incubators. It has since been validated by scientific research and recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a safe and effective method for caring for premature or low birth weight newborns.
Benefits of Kangaroo Care for the Baby
- Promotes greater haemodynamic stability (regulation of body temperature, heart and respiratory rates, and more stable oxygen levels);
- Encourages better sleep and weight gain;
- Supports breastfeeding;
- Strengthens the immune system (lower incidence of infections);
- Enhances emotional bonding between baby and parents.
Benefits of Kangaroo Care for the Parents
In a highly technological environment such as neonatology, holding the baby humanises care and restores the parents’ central role as caregivers. Touch and scent enable mutual recognition, reinforcing the baby's emotional security and boosting parental confidence.
Studies show that Kangaroo Care reduces parental stress and anxiety, lowers the risk of postnatal depression, and increases confidence in caring for the baby. It is an active way to involve parents in care from the very first days of life, even in complex clinical settings. For many, the first moment of skin-to-skin contact is truly unforgettable.
Implementation in the NICU
The implementation of Kangaroo Care in neonatal intensive care units requires appropriate training of the multidisciplinary team and the creation of an environment that supports skin-to-skin contact. Safe practice depends on rigorous clinical assessment, correct positioning, hygiene, and continuous monitoring.
When continuous skin-to-skin contact is not possible, it should occur as frequently as possible, with a minimum recommended duration of 60 minutes to avoid excessive handling.
15, May 2025
