Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
kangaroo care
Skin-to-skin contact between parent and infant, particularly beneficial for preterm babies.
Full Definition
A developmental care practice involving direct skin-to-skin contact between a parent (usually mother) and infant, with the baby positioned on the parent's bare chest. This technique promotes temperature regulation, improves breathing patterns, enhances bonding, and supports breastfeeding success. It is especially beneficial for preterm infants in the NICU and has been shown to reduce length of stay and improve outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase except when starting a sentence; not hyphenated.
In Context
- "The NICU protocol recommends kangaroo care for at least one hour daily for stable preterm infants." — Clinical care plan
- "Studies show that kangaroo care significantly reduces episodes of apnea and bradycardia." — Research documentation
Also known as
skin-to-skin care
SSC
Don't confuse with
rooming-in
co-bedding