Skin-to-Skin Contact: Benefits for Baby and Parent

Skin-to-skin contact, sometimes called kangaroo care, is one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do with your newborn. It's just what it sounds like: holding your naked (or diapered) baby against your bare chest.

Both the AAP and WHO recommend skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and continuing through the early weeks and months.

Important: This article discusses general benefits of skin-to-skin contact. For premature babies or those with health conditions, your healthcare team will guide you on appropriate practices.

What Is Skin-to-Skin Contact?

Skin-to-skin means placing your baby, wearing only a diaper, directly against your bare chest. Baby is usually covered with a blanket over their back for warmth.

It can be done immediately after birth (even before cord cutting in many cases) and continued at home for as long as you like.

Both parents can do skin-to-skin. It's not limited to the birthing parent.

Benefits for Baby

Research shows skin-to-skin contact helps babies in many ways:

Regulates body temperature: Your body naturally adjusts to help baby maintain the right temperature.

Stabilizes heart rate and breathing: Being close to you has a calming effect on baby's vital signs.

Supports breastfeeding: Skin-to-skin in the first hour after birth helps initiate breastfeeding. Babies placed skin-to-skin often find the breast on their own.

Reduces stress: Skin-to-skin lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels in babies.

Improves sleep: Babies often sleep more deeply during skin-to-skin.

Supports healthy bacteria: Contact with your skin helps colonize baby with beneficial bacteria.

May reduce crying: Babies held skin-to-skin often cry less.

Benefits for Parents

It's not just good for baby. Parents benefit too:

Promotes bonding: Physical closeness releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone.

Supports milk production: For breastfeeding parents, skin-to-skin helps establish and maintain milk supply.

Reduces postpartum depression risk: Some studies show a connection between skin-to-skin and lower rates of postpartum depression.

Builds confidence: Holding baby close helps you learn their cues and feel more confident as a caregiver.

When to Do Skin-to-Skin

Immediately after birth: If possible, skin-to-skin should happen in the first hour after delivery. This is the "golden hour" when baby is often alert and ready to bond and potentially breastfeed.

In the early days: Continue skin-to-skin as much as you can in the first days and weeks. There's no maximum amount.

Ongoing: Skin-to-skin remains beneficial beyond the newborn period. Many parents continue for months whenever they want that closeness.

During challenges: Skin-to-skin can help calm a fussy baby, support breastfeeding when there are difficulties, or simply provide comfort during tough moments.

How to Practice Safely

Position: Baby should be placed chest-to-chest, face visible, head turned to one side. Baby's nose and mouth should be clearly visible and unobstructed.

Watch baby's color and breathing: Make sure baby's face isn't pressed into your chest and airways are clear.

Stay awake or have supervision: If you're tired, have someone else awake to watch. Falling asleep with baby on your chest in bed or on a couch isn't safe.

Comfortable setting: Sit in a reclined position in a safe chair. Cover baby's back with a blanket if needed for warmth.

Skin-to-Skin After C-Section

Skin-to-skin is possible after cesarean birth too. Many hospitals now support immediate or early skin-to-skin in the operating room when medically appropriate.

If immediate contact isn't possible, your partner can do skin-to-skin while you recover. You can begin as soon as you're able.

For Both Parents

Skin-to-skin isn't just for birthing parents. Partners benefit from this closeness too, and so does baby.

Partners can do skin-to-skin any time: while the other parent rests, during nighttime care, or just because. It's a wonderful way to bond.

Beyond the Newborn Phase

While the research focus is often on newborns, close physical contact remains beneficial as babies grow. Holding your older baby close, carrying them, and providing physical comfort continues to support their development and your bond.

You can't spoil a baby with too much closeness.

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BabyZone helps you track your baby's activities and note special moments like skin-to-skin time together.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about skin-to-skin practices appropriate for your situation.