What is kangaroo care?

Kangaroo care, also called Kangaroo Mother Care, is a method of holding a newborn baby that involves direct skin-to-skin contact. The baby, who is typically wearing only a diaper, is placed on the parent’s or caregiver’s bare chest for a few hours a day.

This simple yet powerful approach to newborn care mimics the nurturing environment of a kangaroo’s pouch and is recognised for its remarkable benefits to both babies and parents.

Who can benefit from kangaroo care?

Kangaroo care is beneficial for all newborns, particularly for premature and low birth weight babies who require more support in their early days.

However, it is a valuable practice for any parent looking to deepen their bond with their child and improve their child’s development and wellbeing.

For infants:

• Positively stimulates brain activity and development.
• Maintains body temperature and stabilises heart rate and breathing.
• Helps babies acquire beneficial antibodies and bacteria from the caregiver, critical for strengthening their immune system.
• Increases the time infants spend with the parent or caregiver and reduces exposure to hospital equipment and bacteria, lowering the risk of infections.