Kangaroo Care Improves Survival in Low-Birth-Weight Infants

A large intervention trial in India shows lower neonatal mortality and better growth outcomes at 28 days.

Although kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact between a parent and infant) has been shown to be beneficial for neonates, it is not universally implemented. In a randomized, controlled study in India, researchers compared neonatal (28-day) mortality among 8402 babies with birth weights between 1500 and 2250 g who received either daily kangaroo care with exclusive breast-feedings or routine neonatal care.

Both groups had multiple home visits during the early days and weeks of life. Nineteen percent of babies were born at home and 81% were born in a hospital. Infants in the kangaroo care group had skin-to-skin contact for an average of 11 hours daily. Kangaroo care began within 72 hours of birth (median age, 30 hours). Results at age 28 days wer…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Kangaroo Care Improves Survival in Low-Birth-Weight Infants

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Reviewing Author