New Delhi: International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day 2026 is observed on May 15 to highlight the importance of skin-to-skin contact in newborn care, especially for premature babies. Kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin contact, is increasingly recognised as an essential practice in neonatal care for infants who struggle to maintain stable breathing, heart rate and body temperature after birth. According to Dr Pratima Poddar, Consultant: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur, placing a newborn directly on a caregiver’s chest allows the baby to respond to natural physiological cues such as breathing rhythm and heartbeat.
This helps create a stabilising effect on vital functions while also supporting emotional security. The first hour after birth, often called the “golden hour”, plays a critical role in this transition. Immediate skin-to-skin contact helps newborns adjust from womb to external environment safely, especially premature infants requiring additional physiological support during early life stages.
Skin-to-skin care and newborn stability
Natural regulation of vital signs
Dr Pratima Poddar explains that newborns, especially premature babies, often struggle with stable breathing, heart rate and temperature regulation. Kangaroo care helps in stabilising these vital functions in a natural way. When the baby is placed on the caregiver’s chest, the rhythm of the caregiver’s breathing and heartbeat can help calm the infant and support more regular breathing patterns.
She adds that skin-to-skin care is associated with improved heart rate stability, better breathing patterns, healthier sleep cycles, improved growth support and a reduced risk of hypothermia in vulnerable newborns.
Importance of the “golden hour”
The doctor highlights that the first hour after birth is often referred to as the golden hour. Immediate skin-to-skin contact during this time supports a smoother transition from intrauterine to external life. For premature babies, kangaroo care goes beyond emotional bonding and acts as a form of physiological support delivered through human touch.
“It reminds us that sometimes, the most modernised care begins with something as basic as holding the baby closely,” Dr Poddar notes.
Reducing stress and supporting oxygen levels
Kangaroo care also helps reduce stress levels in newborns. Premature babies are often exposed to bright lights, medical equipment and unfamiliar surroundings in neonatal care units, which can be overwhelming.
The warmth of the parent’s chest, a familiar voice and gentle touch together create a calming environment that helps the baby feel secure. This, in turn, can support oxygen levels, reduce crying and help conserve energy needed for growth and recovery.
Supporting breastfeeding and immunity
Another important benefit of kangaroo care is early and frequent breastfeeding. When the baby remains close to the mother, feeding cues become easier to recognise, allowing breastfeeding to begin more naturally.
Breast milk provides essential nutrition, antibodies and protection against infections, which is especially crucial for premature babies as their immune systems are still developing.
Kangaroo care continues to be recommended as a simple yet highly effective practice in neonatal care. Experts emphasise that its benefits extend beyond bonding, playing a significant role in stabilising vital functions and supporting early development in newborns, particularly those born prematurely.