Skin-to-skin care for babies

Skin-to-skin care, sometimes called ‘kangaroo care’, begins immediately after birth, when a baby is placed on the birthing parent’s bare chest for at least an hour of close, warm contact. Another person can provide skin to skin care if the birthing parent is not able to. Being skin-to-skin helps all newborns, including ‘preemies’, adjust to being born. Their body temperature, breathing, and heart rate stabilize, and breastfeeding and ‘bonding’ with parents can start right away.

In hospital, care providers should encourage lots of skin-to-skin care and help with correct positioning to keep parent and baby comfortable for as long as possible. Another caregiver can take over when needed.

Skin-to-skin care supports health and development in many ways, especially when continued at home:

Early bonding (also called ‘attachment’) is essential for the relational health and well-being of babies and parents.

Babies often breastfeed exclusively (meaning breast milk is their only food) for longer, and this kind of contact helps with milk supply.

Babies have healthier sleep patterns and are better protected against infections by the ‘good bacteria’ they get through close contact and breastfeeding.

For newborns who are sick or unstable, skin-to-skin care can help:

Relieve pain and stress, especially when combined with breastfeeding.

Manage symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome).

Support mental health in parents by encouraging responsiveness to baby’s needs, early bonding, and ‘attunement’ (feeling more confident and comfortable in their caregiving role).