When can I start kangaroo care with my baby?

You can usually begin soon after birth if you and your baby are well. For premature or unwell babies in the NICU, it may start a few days later once they’re stable. Always ask your baby’s healthcare team when it’s safe to begin.

What should I wear during kangaroo care?

Wear a loose shirt or hospital gown that opens in the front. Avoid bras or anything that blocks skin-to-skin contact. Skip perfumes or scented lotions so your baby can smell your natural scent.

What is Kangaroo Care? Benefits and Tips for Parents

Kangaroo care is a special way to hold your newborn baby close to your bare chest for skin-to-skin contact. Your baby, typically wearing just a nappy, rests against you to promote bonding and support their health. This practice started in Bogota, Colombia, in the 1970s to help premature babies stay warm and grow stronger. It’s now used worldwide for both preterm and full-term babies. Whether in the hospital or at home, kangaroo care creates a nurturing environment that feels like a kangaroo’s pouch, keeping your baby snug and secure.

How to Do Kangaroo Care

Getting started with kangaroo care is simple, but it’s important to follow some key steps to make sure it’s safe and comfortable for your baby. Your baby’s doctor will guide you, particularly if your baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or has medical equipment like breathing tubes.

Dress appropriately: Wear a loose-fitting shirt or hospital gown that opens at the front. Remove any bra or undergarments to allow direct skin contact. Avoid strong perfumes, body washes, or lotions so your baby can smell your natural scent.
Position your baby: Place your baby upright on your bare chest, with their head resting to one side. Support their head with one hand and their bottom with the other. Alternatively, hold them in a side-lying position.
Keep your baby warm: Cover your baby with a blanket or zip up your shirt to create a cosy, pouch-like environment. A special kangaroo care wrap may also be used to secure your baby.
Stay relaxed: Sit in a comfortable chair with armrests and a footrest. Avoid distractions like phones or TV. Instead, talk softly, sing, or read to your baby to help them feel calm and connected.
Plan for longer sessions: Aim for frequent sessions, ideally for eight to 24 hours daily for preterm babies, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Even a few minutes daily offers benefits for all babies.
Special considerations for NICU babies: If your baby has a breathing tube or other equipment, only move them with help from a nurse or respiratory therapist. Make sure all tubing and monitors are secure before starting, and don’t reposition or return your baby to their cot without assistance.

Always check with your baby’s healthcare team to confirm they’re ready for kangaroo care, especially if they’re premature or have medical needs.

When and Where to Practise Kangaroo Care

Kangaroo care can begin soon after birth if you and your baby are well, often in the delivery room for healthy term babies. For preterm or unwell babies in the NICU or special care nursery, it may start a few days later once they’re stable. You can continue kangaroo care at home to maintain closeness, such as in the morning or after a bath. If your baby needs close monitoring in a humidicrib, kangaroo care may need to wait until conditions are right.

Benefits for Your Baby

There are many kangaroo care benefits, especially for preterm or low-birth-weight babies. It supports their physical and emotional development in several ways:

Regulates vital signs: Helps stabilise your baby’s heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels.
Promotes healthy sleep: Encourages longer periods of quiet, deep sleep, which supports brain development.
Supports growth: Improves weight gain by helping your baby conserve energy.
Lowers health risks: Decreases the risk of hypothermia and serious infections.
Boosts brain development: The closeness and sensory stimulation from your voice and touch support neurological growth.

You can see the benefits even with short daily sessions. But spending more time in kangaroo care may amplify those effects.

Benefits for Parents

Kangaroo care also supports your emotional and physical well-being as a parent.

Strengthens bonding: Enhances emotional attachment and helps you feel closer to your baby.
Boosts breastfeeding: Increases milk production and makes breastfeeding easier by giving your baby better access to your breasts.
Builds confidence: Helps you feel more capable and responsive to your baby’s needs.
Reduces stress and depression: Can lower postpartum stress and anxiety.

Practical Tips for Kangaroo Care

There are a few precautions to follow to keep kangaroo care safe and effective:

Avoid distractions: Put away phones or other devices to stay fully present and keep your baby secure.
Ensure clean skin: Check that your chest is free of rashes, open cuts, or cold sores. Wash your skin before each session.
Don’t smoke: Avoid smoking before or during kangaroo care, as secondhand smoke is harmful to your baby.
Delay if unwell: If you’re sick, wait until you’re better or ask your healthcare professional if it’s safe to proceed with a face mask. Another caregiver can step in if needed.
Handle newborns gently: Be mindful of your baby’s soft spots on their skull, which take months to firm up. Avoid bouncing, as it can cause anxiety. Instead, sway gently to mimic womb movements.

Plan for comfort: Use pillows for support and have a drink nearby. Visit the toilet beforehand to avoid interruptions.
Be present: Speak gently, hum, or sing to your baby to strengthen your connection. Watch for their cues to understand their needs.
Coordinate with staff: In the NICU, let nurses know when you’re available so they can plan around your baby’s care schedule.
Use a mirror: If you want to see your baby’s face, position a mirror to catch their expressions safely.

Kangaroo care is a simple way to support your baby’s health and deepen your bond. This practice offers lasting benefits for their growth and your confidence as a parent. With just a few simple steps, you can create a calm, safe space that feels as warm as a womb. Remember to always lean on your baby’s healthcare team for advice that suits your situation best.

FAQs on What is Kangaroo Care?

When can I start kangaroo care with my baby?
You can usually begin soon after birth if you and your baby are well. For premature or unwell babies in the NICU, it may start a few days later once they’re stable. Always ask your baby’s healthcare team when it’s safe to begin.
What should I wear during kangaroo care?
Wear a loose shirt or hospital gown that opens in the front. Avoid bras or anything that blocks skin-to-skin contact. Skip perfumes or scented lotions so your baby can smell your natural scent.