What is kangaroo care and what are its benefits? How to practice kangaroo care with a newborn?

What is kangaroo care?
Kangaroo care is a simple yet very important method of caring for a newborn, based on close skin-to-skin contact with one of the parents—most often the mother. Right after birth, the baby is placed upright on the parent's chest, with their head resting near the parent's heart. The baby’s body lies directly on the parent’s bare skin and is covered with a warm blanket or cloth to maintain the right temperature.

Although this type of contact is simple, it brings numerous benefits to the newborn, both physically and emotionally. Kangaroo care can be practiced immediately after birth—even following a cesarean section—provided that both the baby and the mother are in good condition and there are no medical contraindications.

How to practice kangaroo care properly?
Kangaroo care is not complicated, but it does require following certain guidelines to ensure the safety and comfort of both the baby and the parent. Here are some tips on how to practice kangaroo care correctly:

Choose the right environment
Kangaroo care should take place in a quiet, calm space where the mother (or father) and baby can feel relaxed. It's best to avoid noise and other distractions that could overwhelm or startle the baby.

Upright position
The newborn should be placed in an upright position on the parent’s chest. The baby lies face-down against the parent's body, with the head positioned at chest level—close to the heart. The baby should be held securely, but not too tightly, in a way that ensures both safety and comfort.

Proper clothing
The baby should be dressed in an appropriate number of clothing layers to avoid becoming too cold or overheated. Kangaroo care doesn’t require the baby to be fully undressed. It’s recommended that the baby wear a single layer of clothing and be covered with a light blanket or cloth for warmth.

Ensure the parent’s comfort
Kangaroo care benefits both the baby and the parent, so it’s important to maintain a comfortable position. The mother or father should sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a bed with good support for the back and arms to avoid strain. Kangaroo sessions can last from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the baby’s needs and the parent’s comfort.

Maintain eye contact and talk to your baby
Kangaroo care is a special time to strengthen the emotional bond with your baby. Make gentle eye contact, speak in a soft voice, or sing calming lullabies. This helps the baby feel more secure and supports emotional development.

What are the benefits of kangaroo care for a baby?

Supports the emotional development of the baby
Kangaroo care has an extremely positive effect on the emotional development of a newborn. The closeness of the parent’s body allows the baby to feel safe, which is especially important during the first days of life when the baby is still very sensitive to external stimuli. The feeling of closeness to the mother (or father) strengthens the emotional bond, which is crucial for the baby's future development and building healthy relationships.

Regulates the newborn’s body temperature
Kangaroo care helps maintain a stable body temperature for the newborn, which is particularly important because newborns are not yet able to effectively regulate their body temperature. The parent's closeness allows for a process called thermoregulation, which helps maintain an optimal temperature. The mother's body adjusts to the baby's needs, keeping them at the right temperature, preventing overheating or chilling.

Supports the development of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
Kangaroo care has a beneficial effect on the baby’s respiratory system because through the closeness with the mother or father, the baby has regular contact with the parent’s breath, which can help synchronize the baby’s breathing rhythm. Additionally, kangaroo care helps stabilize the heart rate, which is crucial, especially in the early days of life, when the newborn’s circulatory system is still immature.

Increases the chances of breastfeeding
Kangaroo care facilitates the baby’s attachment to the breast and the initiation of breastfeeding. Due to the closeness to the mother, the newborn has a better chance of successfully starting to breastfeed, as they can sense the scent of the breast and also calm down and relax. Many studies show that newborns who have been kangarooed have fewer breastfeeding problems and are more likely to succeed in this area.

Reduces stress and anxiety in the baby
Closeness with the parent reduces the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the newborn's body. Kangaroo care has a calming effect that helps the baby cope with the tension and stress that come after birth. The baby feels safe, and their nervous system is able to function better, which has a positive impact on their further development.

Supports the development of the digestive system
Thanks to kangaroo care, the baby’s digestive system is stimulated to function properly. The proximity of the mother’s body promotes better digestion and also helps the expulsion of meconium (the newborn’s first stool), which may help prevent constipation problems later in life.

Helps in sensory development
Closeness to the mother stimulates the baby’s sense development, such as touch, hearing, and smell. Kangaroo care supports cognitive processes because the baby becomes familiar with various external stimuli – the sounds of the mother’s heartbeat, her scent, and the touch of her skin. These experiences are invaluable in the baby’s sensory development.