The Power of Skin-to-Skin Care: Why Kangaroo Care Matters for You and Your Baby

First published May 2016
Updated November 2025

Skin-to-skin care (also called Kangaroo Care) is a special way to hold your baby. To do skin-to-skin care you hold your baby, only wearing a diaper, against your bare chest. Your baby is most comfortable being held close to you since they already know your scent, touch, voice, and heartbeat.

Skin-to-skin care has many benefits for babies and parents.

Benefits for Your Baby:

• Stay warmer.
• Have a better heart and breathing rate.
• Gain weight and sleep better.
• Cry less and have lower stress levels.
• Have less pain and a lower risk of infections.
• Have better brain growth and development.
• Bond better with the parent doing it.

Benefits for Parents:

• Bond better with their baby.
• Have lower stress levels.
• Increase their milk supply and have a better chance of breast feeding.
• Gain more confidence in caring for their baby.

When Should You Do Skin-to-Skin Care?

Skin-to-skin care can start right after your baby is born and can be done in the hospital and at home. Doing skin-to-skin care for any amount of time is good, but holding your baby longer is better. Skin-to-skin care can also be done more than once a day.

During skin-to-skin care, make sure you are comfortable so you can relax and enjoy this special time with your baby, but remember to never fall asleep while holding them. You can help your baby’s brain grow by talking softly to them, singing, or reading to them during skin-to-skin care.

Skin-to-Skin Care in the NICU

All babies benefit from skin-to-skin care but it is even more important for babies in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), especially babies born early or at a low birth weight. Skin-to-skin care in the NICU is incredibly special because it is something only parents can do.

Doing skin-to-skin care in the NICU might seem scary with all the tubes, wires, and alarms but remember, your baby knows your voice, heartbeat, and scent and will be most comfortable being held close to you. Talk with your baby’s healthcare team if you have questions or concerns about doing skin-to-skin care with your baby in the NICU.

Skin-to-skin care with their parents is valuable for every baby. Parents are encouraged to do skin-to-skin care as soon as possible after their baby is born, as often as possible, to gain the most benefits.