While kangaroo care (also known as skin-to-skin care) is practiced on preterm infants, it has been known to benefit full term infants as well. Visit the March of Dimes' website for more information on kangaroo care in the NICU.
Benefits of kangaroo care for both preterm and full term infants include:
- increased attachment and bonding
- parental confidence
- regulating body temperature
- regulating breathing patterns
- can help with breastfeeding success
- can help reduce infant morbidity rates
Dads can practice kangaroo care, too! Since babies are often familiar with their father's voice while in utero, skin-to-skin with Dad can often calm Baby down. Additionally, it helps promote father-infant bonding. For more benefits of fathers practicing kangaroo care, click here.