A new study reveals that the simple act of skin-to-skin contact between parents and their preterm babies can significantly enhance the babies’ brain development, offering a powerful tool for parents to support their infants’ health during and after their stay in the hospital.
The study found that preterm babies who spent more time in skin-to-skin contact with their parents showed better cognitive development at 12 months old compared to those who had less of this kind of care. The difference was substantial, with these babies scoring higher on tests that measure their mental abilities, such as thinking, learning, and memory.
Skin-to-skin contact, often called “kangaroo care,” involves placing the baby directly on the parent’s chest, allowing for close physical contact. This practice has long been encouraged in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), but this study provides strong evidence that it can have lasting benefits for a baby’s brain development.
One of the most remarkable findings is that even small amounts of skin-to-skin time—just 20 minutes a day, twice a week—were enough to make a noticeable difference in the babies’ development. This suggests that even parents who might struggle to find time to be in the hospital every day can still make a big impact on their child’s health by engaging in this simple practice.
The study’s results are promising because they show that skin-to-skin contact can benefit all preterm babies, regardless of their birth conditions or their families’ backgrounds. Whether the baby was born earlier than expected, or whether the family has limited resources, the positive effects of skin-to-skin care remained consistent. This finding is especially important because it means that skin-to-skin care is a universally effective tool that can be used by all families to help their preterm babies thrive.
Importantly, the study also found that skin-to-skin contact had a greater impact on the babies’ brain development than simply visiting the hospital. This highlights the unique benefits of this hands-on approach, where the physical closeness between parent and baby seems to play a crucial role in boosting the baby’s development.
For parents of preterm babies, these findings offer a practical and meaningful way to contribute to their child’s growth and well-being. Hospitals may need to do more to support and encourage skin-to-skin care, especially by providing parents with the time, space, and education needed to engage in this practice. Given the significant benefits, increasing awareness and access to skin-to-skin care could make a real difference in the lives of many families.
While the study acknowledges some limitations, such as the reliance on existing hospital data and a lack of information on the home environment after discharge, it still provides valuable insights into how skin-to-skin contact can be a simple, cost-effective way to promote healthier outcomes for preterm infants.
The study’s message is clear: by taking part in skin-to-skin care, parents can give their preterm babies a better start in life, helping them develop stronger brains and potentially reducing the long-term challenges that often come with premature birth.
Citation(s):
Lazarus, M. F., Marchman, V. A., Brignoni-Pérez, E., Dubner, S., Feldman, H. M., Scala, M., & Travis, K. E. (2024). Inpatient skin-to-skin care predicts 12-month neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm infants. The Journal of Pediatrics, 274, 114190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114190
