Kangaroo Care position is based on direct skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the new-born baby. The baby is placed in vertical position between the mother’s breasts. The baby is dressed with nappy, cap and socks to prevent thermal dispersion.

In developing countries KC policy is to provide 24 hours skin-to-skin contact with the baby.

In developed countries KC is offered beside incubator care and it is recommended for at least two hours a day.

Ideally, mothers are employed as incubators and as the main source of nutrition and stimulation for the baby. Any other person can share the role of KC provider.

The KC is provided until the baby does not tolerate it any longer.

Kangaroo Care feeding

Mother’s milk is the best nutrition for premature and low-birth weight babies and breastfeeding is the best method of feeding. It should be a nutritional priority due to the biological uniqueness of preterm milk, which responds to the infant’s gestational age and needs (Morley, Cole, Powell, Lucas, 1988).

KC facilitates the initiation and establishment of breastfeeding, however feeding a preterm baby is a very difficult task. Very often they need alternative feeding methods.