International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day 2025
Celebrating Skin-to-Skin Connection Between Parents and Newborns
Every year on May 15, healthcare professionals, neonatal caregivers, and parents around the globe observe International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day. This special day is dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of Kangaroo Care—a life-saving, nurturing method of holding premature and full-term newborns skin-to-skin on a parent’s chest. Originating in the 1970s in Colombia, Kangaroo Care has grown into a widely recognized and evidence-based practice that supports infant development, strengthens the parent-child bond, and improves health outcomes in neonatal care.
What Is Kangaroo Care?
Kangaroo Care refers to the practice of holding a baby, usually premature or low birth weight, skin-to-skin against the bare chest of a parent—most commonly the mother, but fathers and other caregivers can also participate. This contact provides warmth, regulates the baby’s heart rate and breathing, and facilitates bonding. The term “Kangaroo Care” was coined because of the resemblance to how marsupials, like kangaroos, care for their young in pouches.
History and Origin
Kangaroo Care was first introduced in Bogotá, Colombia in the late 1970s due to a shortage of incubators in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Doctors Rey and Martinez at the San Juan de Dios Hospital developed this alternative method of infant care where mothers held their babies skin-to-skin for long periods. The results were astounding—babies thrived, infection rates dropped, and breastfeeding increased.
Since then, Kangaroo Care has been extensively studied and implemented worldwide. In 2011, the National Perinatal Association (NPA) initiated International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day to promote global recognition and advocacy for this essential practice.
Objectives of International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day
The main goals of this awareness day include:
- Educating parents and caregivers about the physical and emotional benefits of skin-to-skin contact.
- Encouraging hospitals and NICUs to adopt and expand Kangaroo Care protocols.
- Supporting families of premature or low birth weight infants.
- Promoting early and extended skin-to-skin contact as a standard in neonatal care.
- Highlighting the positive outcomes of Kangaroo Care on infant development and maternal health.
Benefits of Kangaroo Care
Research has shown that Kangaroo Care provides numerous benefits for both babies and parents:
For Babies:
- Stabilized Heart Rate and Breathing: Reduces episodes of apnea and bradycardia.
- Improved Temperature Regulation: Maintains optimal body temperature without incubators.
- Enhanced Brain Development: Promotes neural and emotional growth.
- Increased Weight Gain: Babies tend to gain weight more quickly.
- Improved Sleep Patterns: Encourages restful and longer sleep cycles.
- Lower Risk of Infections: Boosts immunity and reduces hospital stays.
For Parents:
- Stronger Emotional Bonding: Fosters attachment and love between parent and child.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Helps parents feel more in control and connected.
- Boosted Confidence in Caregiving: Encourages active involvement in baby’s care.
- Improved Breastfeeding Success: Increases milk production and breastfeeding duration.
Kangaroo Care in NICUs
In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), Kangaroo Care has become an integral part of family-centered care. Many hospitals now encourage parents to participate in skin-to-skin contact sessions, even when their babies are on ventilators or monitors. Nurses and neonatologists are trained to support and facilitate this process safely.
Some NICUs even organize Kangaroo-a-thons during the month of May—friendly competitions to promote the most hours of skin-to-skin care and engage families in the healing journey.
How to Practice Kangaroo Care
If you’re a new parent, here’s how you can begin practicing Kangaroo Care:
- Find a Quiet, Comfortable Spot: Sit in a reclining chair in a warm, peaceful room.
- Dress Appropriately: The baby should wear only a diaper. The parent should wear an open shirt or gown for direct contact.
- Position the Baby: Place the baby upright against your bare chest, with the head turned to one side.
- Cover the Baby: Use a blanket or wrap to cover both you and the baby, maintaining warmth and security.
- Relax and Bond: Stay in the position for at least 60 minutes if possible. Talk, hum, or gently stroke the baby.
Always consult healthcare providers, especially for premature or medically fragile babies, to ensure safe implementation.
Global Observance and Events
On May 15, hospitals, health organizations, and advocacy groups around the world hold special events to celebrate and promote Kangaroo Care. These include:
- Workshops and webinars for healthcare professionals.
- Parent support group meetings sharing Kangaroo Care experiences.
- Social media campaigns with hashtags like #KangarooCareDay, #SkinToSkin, and #KangarooMotherCare.
- Awareness drives in maternity wards and community centers.
How You Can Participate
Even if you’re not a parent or medical professional, you can support the message of International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day:
- Share information on social media.
- Support organizations that promote maternal and neonatal health.
- Volunteer with local NICUs or prenatal care programs.
- Educate others about the importance of early bonding and nurturing care.
Final Thoughts
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day is more than just a health observance—it’s a celebration of the innate power of human touch, the strength of parental love, and the science of simple, effective care. Whether you’re a medical professional, a parent, or an advocate, your voice and efforts can help ensure that every newborn, no matter how small or fragile, receives the warmth, comfort, and care they deserve.
As we honor this day on May 15, let’s spread awareness, encourage change, and embrace the timeless practice that reminds us: sometimes, the best incubator is a loving chest.
