Kangaroo care for the preterm infant and family

Question 1

What is kangaroo care?

Answer 1

The practice of skin-to-skin contact between an infant and parent. Infant clad in a diaper and a cap is held in an upright prone position against the bare chest of the parent and covered with clothing and/or blanket usu. for 1-3h per session

Question 2

Is KC safe for preterm infants?

Answer 2

No detrimental effect on physiologic stability for preterm infants as young as 26 weeks GA incld. those on assisted ventilation

Question 3

What are the benefits of KC for preterm infants?

Answer 3

1. Improved sleep
2. Improved alertness
3. Improved neurodevelopmetal outcome
4. Improved breastfeeding (thus improved growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes and decreased NEC and infections)
5. Decreased incidence of nosocomial infections esp. in developing countries
6. Improved parental bonding and care
7. Reduces neonatal pain