Kangaroo care is a practice that involves holding a newborn baby close to a caregiver’s bare chest, allowing for skin-to-skin contact. This simple yet powerful method is commonly used in neonatal care units, particularly for preterm or low birth weight infants, but its benefits are far-reaching for all babies, even those born at full term. Here’s an overview of what kangaroo care is and why it’s so important for both babies and parents.

The term “kangaroo care” was coined in the late 1970s by Dr. Edgar Rey, a pediatrician from Colombia. The practice involves placing a newborn, usually dressed only in a diaper, on the chest of a parent or caregiver. The baby’s skin is in direct contact with the skin of the caregiver, with the baby positioned upright and facing the chest. The parent often holds the baby in place with a soft fabric or blanket, ensuring that both the baby and the caregiver are comfortable.

This method mimics the natural care that kangaroo mothers provide to their joeys by carrying them close to their bodies, which is where the name originates.