Kangaroo care
Kangaroo care (also known as skin-to-skin contact) is a way of holding your
baby with his skin against your skin. Both parents can 'kangaroo'; this
involves placing your baby, dressed only in his nappy, onto your chest.
Not all babies are able to be given kangaroo care; it depends on how immature your baby is and how stable he is. Your baby's nurse will discuss with you whether or not it is safe for your baby to be held in this way.
 This type of cuddling has been shown to:
- help babies sleep longer
- help with breast feeding - by improving milk supply
- help parents feel closer to their baby
It is recommended that parents wear a blouse/shirt that has buttons down the
front. Mothers may want to take off their bra as this makes it easier for your
baby to be placed next to your skin. He can then be covered by your clothes and
perhaps a light blanket.
The rocking chairs within the nurseries are ideal for parents to 'kangaroo'
their baby. Screens can be used if parents would like some privacy.
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