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Kangaroo Care

By , About.com Guide

Updated July 19, 2012

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 Kangaroo Care Photo courtesy of Dino Abatzidis
Definition:

Kangaroo care is a way of holding babies skin to skin with a parent. In kangaroo care, a baby is undressed down to the diaper and placed on a parent’s bare chest. A blanket is placed over the baby for warmth.

Kangaroo care can be done with any infant who is medically stable. Kangaroo care has been shown to have several benefits for premature babies and their mothers. It helps babies breathe and sleep better, gain weight more quickly, and have more stable temperatures. Mothers who practice kangaroo care have better milk supplies and less depression.

About.com Video: Kangaroo Care Tips and Techniques

Also Known As: kangaroo cuddles, kangaroo mother care, KMC
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