Every parent dreams of cradling their newborn, feeling those tiny breaths and gentle movements against their chest. But for babies born too soon or too small, this simple act can mean so much more—it can be lifesaving. This powerful method is called Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), and it’s changing the way we care for some of our most fragile babies.
KMC is a special way of caring for newborns where the baby is held skin-to-skin on the parent’s chest. Along with this close contact, KMC encourages direct breastfeeding and helps families transition from the hospital to home as soon as their baby is ready. In many ways, the parent’s body becomes a natural incubator, providing the warmth, comfort, and protection a newborn needs to grow.
Over the last 20 years, doctors and scientists have found plenty of evidence that KMC really works. A large review of 31 studies, published in the respected medical journal, looked at more than 15,500 babies born preterm or with low birth weight. The results were striking: babies who received KMC had a 32% lower risk of dying in their first month compared to those who received only routine care in the hospital. KMC also helped reduce serious infections by about 15%.
But the benefits of KMC go beyond just survival. When a baby spends hours each day snuggled against their parent, their body temperature stays steady, they feed more often, and they gain weight better. Some research even shows that these babies have improved brain development and do better in school as they grow older. In simple terms, cuddles heal.
Doctors now recommend that Kangaroo Mother Care begin as soon as the baby is stable, ideally within the first 24 hours after birth. KMC is most effective when babies get at least eight hours of skin-to-skin contact each day. And it’s not just mothers who can help—fathers, grandparents, or other family members can take turns, especially when the mother needs rest.
This ongoing closeness gives the baby warmth, comfort, and gentle stimulation—things that even the best machines in a hospital can’t provide.
One of the best things about Kangaroo Mother Care is that it isn’t limited to the hospital. Once the baby is stable, KMC can safely continue at home. Babies who receive KMC at home have fewer infections and are less likely to die in their first weeks of life. However, in India, many mothers find it difficult to keep up KMC once they leave the hospital. A recent study found that only half of mothers started KMC in the first three days, and on average, they managed just five hours a day. Busy households, hot weather, small living spaces, and caring for twins were common reasons families struggled.
From experience, families are much more likely to continue KMC if they have encouragement and support. Small changes can make a big difference—like having a quiet chair for KMC, sharing household chores, or getting help from grandparents.
Perhaps the most important lesson is that a parent’s simple touch is powerful medicine. If every newborn who needs Kangaroo Mother Care receives it early and often, and if families have the support they need to practise KMC at home, thousands of tiny lives could be saved every year.
Keep Baby Close – Skin-to-skin contact saves lives
Start Early – Begin within 24 hours of birth
Stay Long – Aim for at least eight hours a day
Feed Often – Breastfeed as often as the baby wants
Share Care – Family members can take turns
Continue at Home – KMC can safely go on outside the hospital
At Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road, we are committed to supporting every family on their parenthood journey. Our dedicated neonatal team provides expert guidance and comfortable facilities for Kangaroo Mother Care, starting right from birth and continuing through your baby’s early days. We offer personalized support, education, and follow-up care to ensure you feel confident and empowered as your child grows. With Kauvery Hospital by your side, you can give your newborn the warmth, love, and care they need to thrive—every step of the way.
Dr. Sindhu Sivanandan Chief Neonatologist Kauvery Hospital – Radial Road
What is Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)?
Kangaroo Mother Care is a method of caring for newborns—especially preterm and low-birth-weight babies—through continuous skin-to-skin contact on a parent’s chest, along with exclusive breastfeeding and early discharge with follow-up care. It helps regulate the baby’s temperature, breathing, and growth naturally.
Why is Kangaroo Mother Care important for newborns?
KMC significantly improves newborn survival. Research shows it reduces the risk of death, lowers infection rates, improves weight gain, stabilizes body temperature, and supports better brain development and long-term health outcomes.
Which babies benefit the most from KMC?
KMC is especially beneficial for:
However, stable full-term babies also benefit from skin-to-skin contact.
When should Kangaroo Mother Care begin?
KMC should start as soon as the baby is medically stable, ideally within the first 24 hours after birth. Early initiation provides the best survival and developmental benefits.
How many hours a day should KMC be practised?
For maximum benefit, KMC should be practised for at least 8 hours a day. Longer durations provide better health, growth, and bonding outcomes.
Can fathers or family members provide Kangaroo Mother Care?
Yes. KMC is not limited to mothers. Fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers can provide safe skin-to-skin care, helping share responsibility and ensuring continuous care for the baby.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
