Bringing a preemie into the world comes with many emotional highs and lows. One of the most powerful ways parents can connect with and support their fragile newborn is through Kangaroo Care in the NICU.
This simple, skin-to-skin technique can have lasting health benefits for your baby — and for you too.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Kangaroo Care is, why it’s so important, and exactly how you can practice it safely in the NICU setting.
What Is Kangaroo Care?
Kangaroo Care is the practice of holding your diaper-clad preemie against your bare chest.
Your baby lies upright, resting directly on your skin, and is typically covered with a blanket to stay warm.
Originally developed in Colombia for premature babies without access to incubators, Kangaroo Care is now widely recognized by doctors worldwide for its extraordinary impact on the survival, growth, and development of preemies.
Benefits of Kangaroo Care in the NICU
Kangaroo Care offers a wide range of physical, emotional, and developmental benefits, including:
- 🫀 Improved Heart and Breathing Rates:
Stabilizes your baby’s vital signs. - 🌡️ Better Temperature Regulation:
Helps maintain your preemie’s body temperature naturally. - 💤 Deeper, More Restful Sleep:
Crucial for brain development and healing. - 🧠 Enhanced Brain Development:
Encourages cognitive growth through close bonding. - 🍼 Improved Feeding Success:
Boosts breastfeeding rates and weight gain. - 🤱 Stronger Parent-Infant Bonding:
Reduces parental stress and postpartum depression. - 🛡️ Stronger Immune System:
Skin-to-skin contact helps improve your baby’s immunity.
Related Reading:
👉 Feeding Premature Babies: Complete Guide to Breastfeeding, Bottles, and Nutrition
When Can You Start Kangaroo Care?
Most NICUs encourage starting Kangaroo Care as soon as your baby is medically stable.
Always consult with your NICU team to determine the right time. Even if your preemie is on ventilators or IV lines, Kangaroo Care can often still be safely practiced with nursing assistance.
How to Practice Kangaroo Care Safely
Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing Kangaroo Care in the NICU:
- Wash Your Hands Thoroughly:
Hygiene is critical in the NICU. - Dress for Comfort and Access:
Wear a loose front-opening shirt or hospital gown. - Coordinate with NICU Staff:
Nurses will help you safely move your baby onto your chest. - Hold Your Baby Upright:
Your baby’s head should be turned to the side with an open airway. - Relax and Stay Still:
Spend at least one hour per session if possible, but even 20 minutes helps. - Talk or Hum Softly:
Your heartbeat and voice are deeply comforting. - Practice Regularly:
Frequent sessions amplify the benefits.
Common Questions About Kangaroo Care
Can dads do Kangaroo Care too?
Absolutely! Fathers can provide Kangaroo Care just as effectively as mothers. It strengthens the father-baby bond and promotes emotional healing for dads.
Is it safe for tiny or ventilated preemies?
In many cases, yes. Kangaroo Care can often be adapted even for very tiny or critically ill babies with the help of NICU nurses.
How often should we do Kangaroo Care?
The more, the better. Aim for daily sessions whenever possible, depending on your baby’s health.
Final Thoughts
Kangaroo Care in the NICU is more than just cuddling — it’s a powerful medical tool that nurtures your preemie’s growth, strengthens your bond, and eases the emotional journey of NICU life.
If your baby is in the NICU, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team how to get started. Those tender moments of skin-to-skin contact can make all the difference.
Related Reading:
👉 What to Expect in the NICU: A Guide for New Preemie Parents
