If your baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), it’s natural to wonder how you can support them. One of the most powerful things you can do is also one of the simplest: holding your baby close.

Kangaroo care is the practice of holding your baby skin-to-skin against your bare chest. This quiet, connected time mimics the warmth and safety of the womb, and offers significant benefits for you and your baby. 

Below, neonatal nurse practitioner supervisor Sarah Newman, NNP, discusses the importance of kangaroo care and how it helps NICU babies thrive.

How kangaroo care works

Kangaroo care may sound simple – and that’s part of what makes it so special. Here’s what a typical session looks like:

• You’ll sit comfortably in a recliner or chair.
• Your baby will be gently placed upright on your chest, wearing only a diaper (and sometimes a hat).
• A warm blanket will be wrapped around both of you for comfort and to regulate your baby’s temperature.
• NICU nurses will help manage wires or monitors so your baby stays safely connected.

A single session typically lasts about an hour — or longer — to support a full sleep cycle and reduce stress from frequent handling. This uninterrupted closeness promotes deeper rest and healing.

Tips for a calm, comfortable session:

• Wear a shirt or robe that opens in the front.
• Use the restroom beforehand so you can fully relax.
• Silence your phone and enjoy the quiet.
• Let your baby rest – they grow while they sleep.

Who can do kangaroo care?

Any NICU parent or primary caregiver can provide kangaroo care. 

“It’s a beautiful way to bond with your baby and feel like an active part of their healing journey,” Sarah says.

When can kangaroo care start?

Most babies can begin kangaroo care once they’re stable. Your doctor or nurse will help determine the right time based on your baby’s condition. Some babies are ready within a few hours or days after birth, while others may need a little more time. 

Kangaroo care can be done multiple times a day, as often as your baby and care team allow.

Why is kangaroo care important?

“Whether your NICU stay is short or long, these skin-to-skin moments can have a lasting impact on both of you,” Sarah says.

Kangaroo care can help your baby:

• Stay warm.
• Breathe more easily.
• Maintain a steady heartbeat.
• Sleep more soundly.
• Gain weight more quickly.
• Fight off infection.
• Recognize your scent, voice and heartbeat.
• Support healthy brain development and lower the risk of developmental delays, especially in preemies.

It also benefits parents. For those planning to breastfeed, it can ease the transition to nursing and boost milk production while pumping. Most importantly, the consistent closeness helps strengthen your bond and build confidence during a time that often feels overwhelming.

“Kangaroo care is one of the most healing things you can do for your baby – and the more often you do it, the greater the benefits,” Sarah says. “Even the tiniest babies can benefit from their parents’ touch.”