It is no secret that skin-to-skin contact between a parent and their newborn is incredibly beneficial. Right after your baby is born, skin-to-skin time might feel like the most natural thing ever. However, once all the other demands of life return, prepping yourself and your baby for skin-to-skin might seem like an activity that can wait. But if you can make the time for it, skin-to-skin is so worth it.
What is skin-to-skin time?
Also called "kangaroo care," skin-to-skin time is when a parent holds their naked infant against their bare chest. The baby is typically wearing a diaper and nothing else, while the parent may be clothed or nude from the waist up. This position allows the baby to hear the parent's heartbeat and feel their warmth, which can be very calming and soothing.
So why should you incorporate skin-to-skin time at home?
There are many incredible benefits for babies from skin-to-skin time beyond the initial bonding moment. For babies, skin-to-skin contact can help regulate their body temperature and heart rate. It can also help them sleep better and cry less, as well as help their digestive systems mature, improve immunity, prompt weight gain, and accelerate brain development. Additionally, research has shown that babies who have more skin-to-skin time are more likely to breastfeed for longer periods of time.
But skin-to-skin time doesn't just benefit babies. It can also benefit mum or dad. It releases a feel-good hormone called oxytocin that reduces your blood pressure and lowers your stress levels. So, if you are feeling down, worried, or anxious, skin-to-skin contact can help. What new parent doesn’t experience these feelings at times? It can also help with milk production and increase the chances of successful breastfeeding.
When can you do skin-to-skin time with your baby?
You don't need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy the benefits of skin-to-skin time. You can incorporate it anytime, anywhere. If you are at home, you can try it when feeding, taking a bath with your baby, during tummy time, or even just snuggling up on the couch with your baby. However, it can also be achieved on the go. If you are out and about, try wearing your baby in a carrier or wrap.
Skin-to-skin time is an important bonding moment for parents and children—but it doesn't have to stop after the hospital stay ends. By incorporating more skin-to-skin time into your daily routine, you can reap the many benefits it has to offer—for both you and your child! So, try to set aside some time each day—even if it's just 10 or 15 minutes—for a little snuggle session with your little one.