The birth of a baby is a special moment that begins a new chapter in a family's life. From the very first moments of a baby's life, every parent wants to provide them with a sense of security, love, and warmth. One of the most beautiful and natural ways to bond with a newborn is kangaroo care, also known as the kangaroo method or skin-to-skin contact. While the name may seem funny, it holds profound meaning and numerous benefits for both baby and parents. In today's article, we'll explain what kangaroo care is, its benefits, and how to perform it properly.
What exactly is kangaroo care?
Kangaroo care is a method of baby care that involves direct skin-to-skin contact between parent and baby. The name comes from the way kangaroos care for their young – by carrying them in a pouch. During kangaroo care, a naked baby (clad only in a diaper) is placed on the parent's bare chest and then covered with a blanket or a special carrier.
This method was discovered in the 1970s in Colombia, where, due to a shortage of incubators, doctors recommended that mothers of premature babies maintain constant skin-to-skin contact. It was then observed that kangaroo-cared babies not only developed better but also fell ill less often.
Today, kangaroo care is widely practiced around the world and recommended not only for premature babies, but also for full-term newborns – as a natural method of strengthening the bond and supporting the child's proper development.
Kangaroo care – why is it worth it?
Kangaroo care offers numerous benefits for both baby and parents. Learn about the most important ones:
Benefits for the child:
Stabilization of vital functions – studies show that kangaroo care helps regulate a baby's body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. A parent's warmth acts as a natural thermoregulator for the baby.
Supports neurological development – skin-to-skin contact stimulates the development of a baby's nervous system. Hearing a parent's heartbeat, feeling their scent, and feeling their warmth provides valuable stimuli that support their development.
Strengthening the immune system – during kangaroo care, the baby is colonized by bacteria found on the parent’s skin, which helps build natural immunity.
Stress and pain relief – Kangaroo care reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the baby. This is especially important for premature babies or newborns undergoing painful medical procedures.
Improved sleep – babies who receive regular kangaroo care typically sleep better, which translates into their overall well-being and development.
Breastfeeding support – kangaroo care promotes successful breastfeeding. The closeness of mother and baby stimulates milk production, and the baby has easier access to the breast.
Benefits for parents:
Deepening the bond with your baby – kangaroo care helps build a deep emotional relationship with your baby.
Reducing stress levels – kangaroo care also reduces stress hormone levels in parents, which has a positive effect on their well-being.
Support for lactation – for mothers, skin-to-skin contact stimulates the production of oxytocin, which translates into more effective lactation.
Increased self-confidence – for many parents, especially first-time parents, kangaroo care becomes a source of confidence in caring for their child.
How to do kangaroo care properly?
To maximize the benefits of kangaroo care, it's important to know how to do it properly. Here are some tips:
- Prepare a suitable space – choose a quiet, warm room without drafts. You can sit in a comfortable chair or lie on the bed – the important thing is to be relaxed.
- Make sure your child is comfortable – remove any jewelry that could scratch them. Make sure your skin is clean and free of strong perfumes.
- Prepare your baby – your little one should only be wearing a diaper. If it's cold, you can put socks and a hat on them.
- Adopt the correct position – place your baby on your bare chest in a vertical or slightly diagonal position. The baby's head should be turned to the side to allow for normal breathing.
- Cover your baby – protect your baby from getting cold by covering him or her with a blanket or a special kangaroo carrier available in our store.
- Ensure safety – make sure your baby is positioned securely and their airway is clear. Don't fall asleep with your baby on your chest without additional protection.
- Set aside enough time – an optimal kangaroo care session should last at least 60 minutes. However, even shorter sessions provide benefits.
When is the best time to start kangaroo care?
Kangaroo care can begin immediately after birth, while still in the delivery room – provided the health of both mother and baby allows. Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth is particularly important for the newborn's adaptation to life outside the womb.
In the event of a cesarean section or postpartum complications, kangaroo care can begin as soon as the mother and baby are ready. There are also no contraindications to the father performing kangaroo care – male skin-to-skin contact is equally valuable for the baby and allows for a strong bond to be built from the very first days of life.
Kangaroo care for older children
Although kangaroo care is primarily associated with newborns and premature babies, it also benefits older infants. As the baby grows, kangaroo care can transition to carrying in a sling or an ergonomic carrier , which also provides closeness and a sense of security.
In our store you will find a wide selection of wraps and carriers that will allow you to continue being close to your baby in a comfortable and safe way.
Kangaroo care – a natural method for a good start
Kangaroo care is an extraordinary gift we can offer our children from the very first moments of their lives. This method, though simple, carries profound meaning and numerous benefits. It serves as a bridge connecting the child to the new world they have just entered.
In a world full of technology and innovation, it's worth remembering that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. A parent's closeness, warmth, and love are the most precious gifts that help a young person build a sense of security and trust in the world.
We encourage you to incorporate kangaroo care into your daily babycare routine. Remember that every moment of closeness builds the foundation for future relationships and supports your baby's harmonious development.
And if you're looking for accessories that will make kangaroo care or babywearing easier, check out our store – you'll find everything you need to ensure your little one's closeness, safety, and comfort.
Summary
Kangaroo care is a unique method of baby care that, through direct skin-to-skin contact, supports baby's development and builds a deep bond between baby and parents. The benefits of this simple practice are immense – from stabilizing the baby's vital functions, to supporting breastfeeding , to relieving stress for both baby and parents.
Remember that kangaroo care is not only a method that supports a child's health and development, but above all, a unique space of closeness that builds the foundations of future family relationships. It's worth finding time in our busy daily lives for these precious moments of closeness—it's an investment that always yields wonderful results.
