Kangaroo Care: A Gentle Practice That Makes a Big Difference in the NICU
At the Preemie Store, we’ve always believed in the power of connection, and science agrees. One of the most impactful ways parents of preemies can bond with their little ones is through kangaroo care, the practice of holding a baby skin-to-skin on the chest. It’s simple, powerful, and life-changing.
We’ve known for years that kangaroo care helps babies stabilize their breathing, heart rate, and temperature. It promotes better sleep, brain development, and even improves weight gain. But perhaps just as importantly, it provides an emotional boost to parents—especially mothers—who often feel helpless in the NICU.
That’s why we provide clothing that helps make kangaroo care easier. The NICU-friendly styles are created to allow medical access while making skin-to-skin transitions smoother. Whether it's our open-front bodysuits, easy-access gowns, or adaptive wraps, everything we offer is meant to support parents in those tender moments.
Recently, we came across a fantastic article from a team at St. Olavs Hospital and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) that beautifully reinforces the importance of this practice. Their research highlights how kangaroo care should be the standard of care in neonatal units—and they’re urging more hospitals around the world to embrace it.
We couldn’t agree more.
We’re proud to be part of the movement supporting parents and preemies with both science and softness. Whether you're a NICU nurse, a new parent, or a family member looking for the right gift, know that every little kangaroo moment matters.
Here is a small snipet of the article, to read it in full, click here.
More premature babies who had early skin-to-skin contact with their mother were being breastfed at the time of discharge from the hospital and for up to one year afterwards. However, this is far from the only benefit.
A team from St. Olav’s Hospital and NTNU has looked at this issue in a number of articles. They now hope that more hospitals will change their practice so that premature babies are not separated from their mother during the first few hours after birth.
“The first few hours after birth are an early sensitive period. During this period, the first contact between mother and child is established,” said Associate Professor Laila Kristoffersen at the Department of Public Health and Nursing at NTNU.
