How to Kangaroo Care with your baby

Kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin care, is one of the best things you can do to take care of your premature infant in the NICU.

Research shows that performing kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin care, can improve a premature infant's vitals, promote weight gain and brain development and can increase deep sleep. And, babies that kangaroo care often go home sooner than those that don't.

When a parent performs kangaroo care with his or her baby, the parent benefits, too. It increases bonding and is a great way to relax with your baby. For mothers, it decreases the risk of post-partum depression and increases breast milk production.

We encourage moms and dads to kangaroo care with their baby. Consult your NICU care team for guidance and with questions. Remember that as a parent, you are the only one who can provide care to your baby in this important way.

To learn more about the services we offer to parents in the NICU, visit our Web site at: bit.ly/XYlZ75