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 Kangaroo Care, also known as skin-to-skin, is a special way of holding a premature baby. It was first used in other countries to keep premature babies warm and to ease overcrowding in hospitals. Research has shown positive benefits from "Kangaroo-ing", including a dramatic increase in the survival rate of preemies. Babies also tend to show increased weight gain improved feeding skills and decreased crying. In addition, temperature, heart rate and breathing are generally more regular and lactation for breastfeeding Moms has been shown to be more successful.
When a premature baby is stable and meets certain guidelines, parents are encouraged to kangaroo. Babies who still require assistance with breathing may kangaroo if they are stable. The baby, wearing only a diaper, will lie skin-to-skin on Mom or Dad's bare chest and be covered with blankets. Privacy is provided by screens. "Kangaroo-ing" is encouraged as frequently and as long as possible at a time.
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