Kangaroo Care allows parents of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Banner Children’s the opportunity to bond with their babies through skin-to-skin contact.

Parents, wearing a button-up shirt, provide a place near their heart where the baby is placed wearing only their diaper. The baby is covered by the parent’s shirt and/or other blankets, creating a cocoon similar to the way a Kangaroo mother carries her babies. The parent’s warm body provides a familiar scent with the rhythmic heart beat that helps these small babies bond with their family.

Kangaroo Care has proven effects for babies, including weight gain, earlier breast feeding, strong breathing patterns, better sleep and a happier disposition.

Kangaroo Care takes place at baby’s bedside. All equipment and monitors will have to remain on the baby during Kangaroo care. Nurses can assist with any thing needed during the Kangaroo Care process.