Kangaroo Care

Kangaroo Care was started in 1978 by Dr. E. Rey-Sanabria, a pediatrician at the National University of Columbia in Bogota, Columbia. The technique involves using the mother as a warmer to keep the infant's condition stable. The infant lies with it's bare chest against the mother's bare chest and the pair is covered with a blanket. The mother acts as a source of warmth, comfort, and nourishment.

Resources for Parents

Resources for Nurses

Research Summaries

Just as a mother kangaroo cradles her baby joey in her pouch, parents of premature infants can create a skin-to-skin connection that promotes healing and attachment.

Created May 2000 by UNC Charlotte Nursing Students Karen Lowder, Melora Mayo, Jennifer Medlin, Lyndi Sullens and Emily White. Special thanks to Dr. Lienne Edwards and Dr. MA Curran.