Kangaroo care tips for parents
Download Kangaroo Care Tips information sheet (PDF)
Kangaroo Care is a way to hold your baby against your chest with as much skin-to-skin contact as possible.
Benefits of holding your baby this way:
It improves your baby’s brain and motor growth, lowers their risk of infection, and improves weight gain.
As a parent, it lowers anxiety and depression, supports breastfeeding, and improves bonding.
- Ask your nurse if your baby is ready for Kangaroo Care.
- If your baby isn’t ready, ask about other ways to get to know your baby, such as gentle touches or scent hearts.
- Make a plan with your nurse.
- Ask about the best time and set a Kangaroo Date.
- Sometimes it takes several people to help and advanced planning is important.
- Be prepared to snuggle for at least 45 minutes, or for as long as your baby tolerates.
- Come with an empty bladder and full tummy, and just after pumping.
- If you have a special support pillow, such as a breastfeeding pillow, bring that too.
- Wear clothing that can easily open up in front to allow for wonderful skin-to-skin contact.
- Your own scent is special to your baby. Do not cover it up.
- Avoid any scented products. Perfumes, scented lotions, and smoke (cigarette or incense) are too strong for your baby.
- Don’t forget that Kangaroo Care is for Daddies too.
- This is a special time with your baby. It is best to leave siblings at home when visiting your baby in a hospital setting.
