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Developmental aspects of kangaroo care
S M Ludington-Hoe1, J Y Swinth
1University of Maryland at Baltimore, School of Nursing 21201, USA.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin holding, significantly enhances infant neurobehavioral development across autonomic, motor, and self-regulation domains. This practice promotes physiological stability and supports crucial developmental milestones for newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal developmental care
- Infant neurobehavioral development
Background:
- Kangaroo care (skin-to-skin holding) is a recognized developmental care intervention.
- Infant and Family Centered Developmental Care Guidelines recommend specific interventions for optimal infant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate how kangaroo care fosters neurobehavioral development in infants.
- To assess the impact of kangaroo care on the five dimensions of neurobehavioral development: autonomic, motor, state, attention/interaction, and self-regulation.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the established principles and observed outcomes of kangaroo care.
- Analysis of how kangaroo care aligns with recommended developmental care interventions.
Main Results:
- Kangaroo care promotes autonomic stability, including heart and respiratory function.
- It minimizes purposeless movements, improves behavioral state profiles, and enhances self-regulatory behaviors.
- The intervention facilitates maternal proximity for attention and interaction episodes.
Conclusions:
- Kangaroo care effectively fosters neurobehavioral development in infants.
- It partially fulfills key recommendations from the National Association of Neonatal Nurses' guidelines, including handling and parenting interventions.