Objective: To assess the effects of kangaroo mother care combined with infant touch on the physical and neurological development of premature infants. Method: The randomised controlled trial was at the Maternity and Child Care Centre, Qinhuangdao, China, from January 2023 to January 2024, and comprised premature paediatric inpatients who were randomised into intervention group A and control group B. Those in group B were given routine neonatal intensive care unit care, and were provided with sufficient visual, tactile, auditory and vestibule stimulation and infant touch. Those in group A were additionally given kangaroo mother care. The indicators of physical development, complications during hospitalisation, and monitoring of neurological development were compared between the groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Results: Of the 100 patients, 50(50%) were in group A; 31(62%) boys and 19(38%) girls with mean gestational age 32.1±2.5 weeks. The other 50(50%) patients were in group B; 30(60%) boys and 20(40%) girls with mean gestational age 32.0±2.5 weeks (p>0.05). Post-intervention, body weight, length and head circumference in group A were higher than those in group B (p<0.05). Primitive reflex, passive muscular tension, behavioural ability, general reaction and active muscular tension in group A were all higher than those in group B (p<0.05). The incidence of complications during hospitalisation in group A were slightly lower compared to group B, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care combined with infant touch significantly improved physical and neurological parameters. Key Words: Kangaroo mother care, Premature infant, Infant touch, Physical development, Neurodevelopment.

Effectiveness of kangaroo mother care on clinical outcomes of mothers of premature infants: A Meta-analysis

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) babies are among the most vulnerable new-borns, facing high risks of hypothermia, sepsis, feeding difficulties, and delayed growth. In low-resource countries like India, where incubator access is limited, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) provides a simple, cost-effective alternative. It promotes thermoregulation, breastfeeding, emotional bonding, and maternal confidence while reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. Recognizing its importance, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of KMC on the health parameters of LBW babies and its impact on maternal–infant bonding and maternal stress among mothers admitted to the NICU at NMCH, Jamuhar. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. Sixty postnatal mothers with LBW babies were selected using purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire and observation checklist were used to assess maternal knowledge and practice. After the pre-test, mothers received a 45-minute structured teaching programme including demonstrations and visual aids. Post-test data were collected three days later. Statistical analysis used descriptive statistics for frequency, mean, and percentage, and inferential statistics (t-test and chi-square) to test the hypotheses and associations. Results: Before the intervention, 80% of mothers had average knowledge and 20% had poor knowledge regarding Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). After the educational programme, 95% of mothers achieved good knowledge, and only 5% remained average. The mean pre-test knowledge score was 21.38 (SD = 3.39), while the post-test mean rose to 29.46 (SD = 2.00), showing a statistically significant improvement (t = 22.75, p < 0.001). Educational qualification and occupation were significantly associated with post-test scores, whereas age and family type were not. In addition to knowledge improvement, observational findings indicated notable behavioral and clinical changes among both mothers and infants. There was a marked improvement in maternal handling confidence, increased frequency and duration of skin-to-skin contact, enhanced breastfeeding initiation, and better feeding responses in infants. Post-intervention observations also showed visible emotional bonding between mother and baby, with mothers reporting reduced anxiety and greater satisfaction in new-born care. Babies receiving KMC demonstrated stable body temperature, consistent weight gain, deeper sleep patterns, and calmer behavior compared to pre-intervention observations. Conclusion: The study concluded that KMC is an effective and feasible method to improve neonatal outcomes and strengthen maternal–infant relationships. Structured education substantially increased maternal knowledge, confidence, and adherence to KMC practices. It contributed to better infant thermoregulation, weight gain, and reduced maternal anxiety and stress. KMC should be promoted as a standard practice for all mothers of LBW babies, especially in resource-limited neonatal units. The findings highlight the nurse’s pivotal role in initiating, teaching, and supporting mothers to maintain KMC both in hospital and at home. Implications: The study underscores the need for regular, comprehensive food safety education reinforced by policy mandates. Institutional kitchens should implement supervision, periodic evaluations, and infrastructural support to maintain compliance. Adapting teaching methods to the language and literacy of workers and using visual, participatory materials enhances reach and efficacy. These interventions have broad potential to reduce foodborne disease risks and improve public health outcomes across diverse institutional settings..

Effect of kangaroo mother care on brain function, behavioral neurodevelopment, and breastfeeding in premature neonates in the intensive care unit

The establishment of breastfeeding in preterm and low birth weight infants is often challenging due to immature physiological mechanisms and maternal difficulties. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of kangaroo mother care in establishing successful first breastfeeding in preterm low birth weight neonates compared to standard care. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital, Multan, over 6 months from January 2024 to June 2024, following CPSP synopsis approval. A total of 182 preterm, low-birth-weight infants were enrolled through nonprobability, consecutive sampling and randomly allocated to two equal groups. Group A received standard care under a radiant warmer, while Group B received KMC as per WHO guidelines. Successful first breastfeeding was defined as initiation of breastfeeding within two hours of delivery with an Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) score >8. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The chi-square test was applied, and the maternal and neonatal characteristics stratified results; significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Successful first breastfeeding was achieved in 41 (45.1%) infants in Group A and 58 (63.7%) in Group B, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.012). Stratified analysis revealed greater effectiveness of KMC among younger mothers, infants of lower gestational age, infants with lower birth weight, male infants, lower gravida, and infants with SVD deliveries. Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care was significantly more effective than standard care in establishing successful first breastfeeding in preterm low birth weight neonates. Routine adoption of KMC is recommended to improve neonatal feeding outcomes.

Low Birth Weight (LBW) infants are at higher risk for developmental delays, stunting, and increased morbidity. Non-pharmacological interventions such as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and Touching Therapy have been shown to improve the physical growth and emotional well-being of LBW infants. This case study aims to evaluate the effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) combined with Touching Therapy on weight gain in an infant with Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW). A single-case report was conducted on a neonate diagnosed with severe asphyxia and VLBW (birth weight 1130 grams) at RSUD Tidar Magelang. The intervention consisted of KMC and Touching Therapy sessions performed for 2 hours daily over six consecutive days. Body weight was measured before and after each intervention to assess daily changes. The infant's weight increased steadily from 1266 grams on day one to 1397 grams on day six, resulting in a total weight gain of 131 grams. This suggests that the combination of KMC and Touching Therapy may support short-term weight gain in VLBW infants. The findings demonstrate a notable improvement in body weight following six days of combined KMC and Touching Therapy. These interventions may be recommended to parents and caregivers both in clinical and home settings to promote healthy growth in LBW infants.

Effect of kangaroo mother care in low birth weight infants on human milk intake: a randomized controlled trial.

Low Birth Weight (LBW) infants have a greater risk of stunting and other non-communicable diseases. The highest causes of death were asphyxia and hypothermia. The Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) method as a simple intervention is based on evidence-based, which can maintain stability and improve the physiological condition of the baby's body. This study was to determine the effectiveness of the KMC method in monitoring vital signs and preventing stunting in LBW. The study employed a quasi-experimental pre-posttest one group design, using a KMC carrier designed in the shape of a backpack. The number of respondents was 38 infants, selected by consecutive sampling. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon test. Bivariate analysis with the application of the KMC method for 4 hours/day on average experienced an increase in body weight 15 gr/day (p-value=0.011), an average increase in body length ≥0.2 cm/day (p-value = 0.049), infants received breast milk during the application of the KMC method (p-value = 0.013) the three variables were p-value <α(0.05), based on the Wilcoxon test with the use of KMC backpacks on LBW showed a significant relationship to infant growth in risk prevention stunting with a value (p-value=0.000<0.05). The use of KMC backpacks for LBW is effective in maintaining the baby's vital signs and can prevent the risk of stunting. The KMC backpack is recommended as a safe, easy, inexpensive and effective non-pharmacological therapy to prevent hypothermia and the risk of stunting.

Introduction and objectives Neonatal jaundice is often treated by phototherapy. Phototherapy is an inexpensive, uncomplicated, and relatively safe treatment option. However, considering certain side effects associated with phototherapy and the resultant mother-infant separation, measures to minimize exposure to phototherapy should be sought. Thus, this study was planned to investigate the effects of combining intermittent kangaroo mother care (KMC) on the duration of phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNH). Materials and methods It was an observational analytical study. All full-term breastfed infants older than 24 hours of age with bilirubin levels in the phototherapy range were included. The newborns at the time of admission were randomly assigned by simple computer-generated randomization into two groups of 26 cases each (control group and KMC group). In both groups, phototherapy was conducted using standard methods. Infants in the KMC group received intermittent KMC in conjunction with phototherapy. The duration of phototherapy required to treat NNH was the primary outcome. Results The infants of the two groups were not significantly different in terms of gender, type of delivery, gestational age, infant's age, mean birth weight, and onset of jaundice, indicating homogenous groups. The median duration of phototherapywas significantly higher in the control group than in the KMC group (p = 0.022). The control group consistently showed higher bilirubin levels than the KMC group: at 24 hours (13.2 mg/dL vs. 11.7 mg/dL, p = 0.047)and 48 hours (11.7 mg/dL vs. 9.9 mg/dL, p = 0.038). Conclusion These findings indicate that complementary KMC with phototherapy may reduce the duration of phototherapy in neonatal jaundice.

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Preterm birth, delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, represents a critical global health challenge. With approximately 15 million premature births annually, these infants are predisposed to various health complications, significantly impacting under-five mortality rates. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in improving physiological parameters and maternal experiences in neonatal intensive care units (NICU).Objectives:Determine the impact of kangaroo mother care on the physiological parameters among preterm neonate babies admitted in NICU and explore the health experience of primigravida mothers on Kangaroo Mother Care.Methods and Materials:This study employed an Explanatory Sequential mixed-method approach, with a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design, focusing on 60 preterm infants at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Chennai. Initial physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, weight, and sleep were documented. Following the KMC intervention, these parameters were reassessed. The qualitative phase explored the emotional and psychological impacts on six primigravida mothers using KMC through unstructured interviews and thematic content analysis. Data tools were validated for accuracy and reliability, and ethical considerations were meticulously observed, including informed consent from all participants.Results:Post-KMC, significant enhancements in physiological parameters were noted: 70% of infants showed improved heart rate stability, respiratory rates normalized in 33.33% of the cases, and 25% reached optimal oxygen saturation levels. Furthermore, 70% of neonates achieved normal weight gain standards. Qualitative analysis revealed themes and subthemes such as ’Improvements in Mental Health’ (Enhanced Confidence, Increased Happiness), ’Knowledge’ (Training, Realization, Sharing), ’Support’ (Hospital care, Family support), ’Bonding’ (Altruistic Actions, Identifying with Others), and ’Physiological Changes’ (Enhanced Immunity, Heartbeat Regulation, Improvement in Sucking, Weight Management). These themes were pivotal in understanding the comprehensive benefits of KMC. Additionally, there was a notable association between the infants’ physiological improvements and maternal sociodemographic factors, with a marked correlation in outcomes among mothers under 20 years old and those employed in unskilled or semi-professional roles.Conclusion:Kangaroo Mother Care significantly enhances the physiological parameters of preterm neonates while providing substantial psychosocial benefits to mothers. The findings advocate for the integration of KMC into standard neonatal care, particularly in resource-limited settings, to mitigate the complications associated with preterm births.

This research investigates the impact of kangaroo mother care restrictions on feeding and physiological parameters in preterm newborns during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective cohort design was used, including 169 preterm neonates born at 30-34 weeks of gestation, recruited from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Denizli, Turkiye. The study compared a kangaroo mother care group (n=78) and a kangaroo mother care-restricted group (n=91). Data analysis was conducted using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test. The average duration until the initiation of full oral feeding was shorter in the kangaroo mother care group (mean difference=4.58, 95%CI 0.61-8.43, p=0.020). Newborns in the kangaroo mother care-restricted group had a higher likelihood of reverting to gavage feeding (OR 6.59, 95%CI 2.98-14.58, p=0.000), and higher withdrawal rates (OR 3.36, 95%CI 1.59-7.09, p=0.001). Newborns in the kangaroo mother care group experienced significantly lower rates of apnea attacks (OR 3.29, 95%CI 1.52-7.09, p=0.002), tachycardia (OR 4.43, 95%CI 1.54-12.76, p=0.004), and desaturation (OR 3.43, 95%CI 1.70-6.93, p=0.000). This study highlights the positive effects of kangaroo mother care on preterm newborns' feeding and physiological parameters. It is recommended that kangaroo mother care be consistently provided to all newborns, even during exceptional circumstances such as pandemics.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in improving survival rates, weight gain, and reducing hospital stay duration among preterm neonates in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methods: A two-year retrospective study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Pakistan from August 2021 to July 2023. A total of 213 preterm neonates with birth weights between 1.5 to 2.5 kg were included. Out of these, 168 neonates received KMC, while 10 were transferred to a nursery, and 35 were discharged without KMC due to parental refusal. Data on neonatal demographics, maternal factors, duration of hospital stay, and weight gain were collected and analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical tests. Results: Mean daily weight gain was 16.6±4.2 g, and 87.5% maintained a stable body temperature. Most KMC neonates (57.14%) were discharged within 4–6 days, with no in-hospital mortality. Follow-up showed survival rates of 98.68% at one month and 99.19% at three months among reachable neonates. Two neonates died within one month, one from pneumonia and the other from sepsis, while another neonate died later due to sudden unexpected infant death syndrome. Hypothermia (12.5%) and minor illnesses (2.4%) were rare, with no cases of apnea reported. Exclusive breastfeeding and satisfactory weight gain were achieved in all KMC neonates. Conclusion: KMC is an effective intervention for improving survival, weight gain, and reducing morbidity in preterm neonates. It offers a low-cost, resource-efficient alternative to conventional neonatal care and should be widely implemented in resource-limited settings to reduce neonatal mortality.

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is described by the WHO as early, ongoing, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her preterm infants. Aims and Objectives: (1) The aim of the study was to study the effect of KMC in growth of newborn and (2) to study the effect of KMC in prevention of hypothermia, apnea, and requirement of prolonged hospital stay. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, hospital based, observational study, 241 neonates who were hospitalized to the neonatal intensive care unit in Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati between April 2023 and March 2024 were assessed. Every potential mother was trained for KMC and given exclusive breastfeeds, and contrasted with a control/(conventional method of care) group of mothers. Results: The KMC babies had better breastfeeding rates as compared to the control group (76% vs. 53.8%). The weight gain (14.9±4.7 vs. 10.5±4.1 g/day), increase in length (0.97±0.67 vs. 0.69±0.63 cm/week), chest circumference (0.73±0.35 vs. 0.49±0.19 G/week), and head circumference (0.74±0.52 vs. 0.50±0.31 g/week), was also better in the KMC group. The incidence of apnea and hypothermia was significantly less in the KMC group, and the duration of stay in hospital was less in the KMC group than the control group (10±5 vs. 16±8 days). Conclusions: KMC improves breastfeeding rates, improves growth, reduces morbidities, and decreases duration of hospital stay.

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is described by the WHO as early, ongoing, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her preterm infants. Aims and Objectives: (1) The aim of the study was to study the effect of KMC in growth of newborn and (2) to study the effect of KMC in prevention of hypothermia, apnea, and requirement of prolonged hospital stay. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, hospital based, observational study, 241 neonates who were hospitalized to the neonatal intensive care unit in Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati between April 2023 and March 2024 were assessed. Every potential mother was trained for KMC and given exclusive breastfeeds, and contrasted with a control/(conventional method of care) group of mothers. Results: The KMC babies had better breastfeeding rates as compared to the control group (76% vs. 53.8%). The weight gain (14.9±4.7 vs. 10.5±4.1 g/day), increase in length (0.97±0.67 vs. 0.69±0.63 cm/week), chest circumference (0.73±0.35 vs. 0.49±0.19 G/week), and head circumference (0.74±0.52 vs. 0.50±0.31 g/week), was also better in the KMC group. The incidence of apnea and hypothermia was significantly less in the KMC group, and the duration of stay in hospital was less in the KMC group than the control group (10±5 vs. 16±8 days). Conclusions: KMC improves breastfeeding rates, improves growth, reduces morbidities, and decreases duration of hospital stay.

To determine the effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on perfusion index, heart rate, and oxygen saturation in premature infants who were discharged early and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the following days. This study has a randomized controlled experimental design and uses a pretest-posttest control group model. This study included infants between December 2019 and December 2020 who were discharged early and subsequently admitted to the NICU. Experimental (n=38) and control (n=38) groups were assigned using the simple randomization technique at the NICU of a private university hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. Heart rate, perfusion index, and oxygen saturation levels of the experimental group in which KMC was applied and the control group in which KMC was not applied were compared. Measurements of these parameters were made at 15-minute intervals for 45 minutes (0-1, 15, 30, 45 minutes). Data were collected via the Mother and Infant Introductory Information Form, Kangaroo Mother Care Preparation Checklist, Kangaroo Mother Care Physiological Parameter Monitoring Form, and Noninvaziv Pulse Co-Oximetry. Statistics of these data were performed with the independent sample t-test, Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's exact test. In the experimental and control groups, infants' gestational age (31.11 ± 3.25 and 31.61 ± 3.04, respectively; p = .491) and weight (1778.29 ± 436.93 and 1953.29 ± 345.74, respectively; p = .057) were similar, and the differences were statistically insignificant. Before KMC, there was no difference between the heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perfusion index values of the experimental and control groups (p > .05). From the first 15 minutes after the application of KMC to 45 minutes post-KMC, there was a significant decrease in (p=0.001) and stabilization of heart rate and oxygen saturation in the experimental group compared with the control group. The heart rates in the experimental group at 15th, 30th, and 45th minutes during KMC were lower than in the control group (147.63 ± 11.04; 142.47 ± 11.94; 136.82 ± 13.22 and 153.13 ± 8.73; 154.50 ± 7.27; 154.84 ± 7.05, respectively). Also, their oxygen saturation during KMC was higher than in the control group (96.68 ± 2.08; 97.24 ± 2.18; 97.87 ± 1.66 and 94.79 ± 1.27; 94.66 ± 1.45; 94.39 ± 1.38, respectively). This significant difference between KMC on heart rate and oxygen saturation in the experimental group compared to the control group continued for 45 minutes after KMC. The perfusion index was significantly higher at 30 minutes and 45 minutes during KMC. However, although it continued after KMC, this change in perfusion index was not statistically significant. Kangaroo mother care helps to regulate the heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perfusion index of premature infants who were discharged early and admitted to the NICU in the following days.

BackgroundKangaroo mother care (KMC) can have a positive effect on the mental well-being of a mother. However, there are specific challenges associated with the process that may contribute to increased anxiety for the mother. By integrating nurse-assisted mindfulness training alongside KMC guidance, nurses may effectively alleviate maternal stress to a greater extent.MethodsA single-centre randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of KMC combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training. The study included preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks or a birth weight of less than 1500 g and their mothers, who were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group consisted of mothers who received KMC combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training for 14 days. The control group comprised mothers who received only KMC for 14 days. Data from both groups were collected and compared for analysis.ResultsForty-seven infants and their mothers were included in the intervention group, whereas 44 pairs were included in the control group. After the intervention, the parental stressor scale scores for the neonatal intensive care unit (PSS: NICU) (3), PSS: NICU (4), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores for the intervention group were lower than those for the control group, whereas the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) (1), FFMQ (4), and FFMQ (5) scores for the intervention group were higher. The degree of change in the PSS: NICU and HADS scores was inversely correlated with the degree of change in the FFMQ score. The breast milk feed rate and weight gain rate were greater in the intervention group than in the control group. No adverse reactions were observed in either group.ConclusionsKangaroo mother care combined with nurse-assisted mindfulness training is an acceptable, feasible, and effective procedure for reducing anxiety in mothers of preterm infants in the NICU, with potential benefits for the short-term prognosis of these infants.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900023697, registered on June 8, 2019, retrospectively registered.

It has become critically important to provide a thorough understanding of the effects of the Kangaroo mother care (KMC) phenomenon on infants in the neonatal stage within the United Kingdom (UK). The current body of knowledge suggests numerous research publications globally, but the UK has yet to scale up its KMC practice. This study provides a critical review of the subject for a more nuanced understanding of the subject effect and to identify the current stage of KMC research in the UK. The findings were consistent with the body of knowledge on KMC with slight variations. Specifically, the UK has limited primary study in KMC. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) in KMC are minimal hence the UK is dependent on MedTech like an infant incubator which is a potential threat to KMC scale-up. Breastfeeding figures in the UK suggest depleting practice of KMC. The National and local policies captured KMC components but have impacted morbidity and mortality indices. It also showed three areas of divergence in practice and standardization. To enhance UK national and local policies uniformized guidelines and standardization of postnatal follow-up and community-based supervision are necessary.

The study focuses on socio-economic, demographic, biological, and obstetrical correlates of preterm birth and low birth weight of neonates. It also evaluates the effectiveness of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as a low-cost approach to managing the issue of low birth weight. Data collected from Services Hospital; a tertiary hospital situated in Lahore, Pakistan has been utilized. Results showed that factors such as parents' education, working status, and wealth status, as well as the mothers' age, age of gestation, and parity and gravida, were associated with low birth weight. Evidence showed weight gain after using KMC with 5 to 10 days of skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding, leading to better health and early discharge from the hospital. However, socio-economic factors were not only correlated with preterm and low birth weight but also a hurdle to using KMC. The study provides insights for policymakers and highlights the need to address socio-economic backwardness to improve neonatal health.

BackgroundNewborns are exposed to varying degrees of stressful interventions due to procedures such as heel lancing used in routine metabolic screenings. It is an examination of the effects of white noise and kangaroo care on some physiological parameters and stress markers (cortisol and glucose-regulated protein 78-GRP78) in heel lancing in newborns.MethodsRandomized controlled study was conducted at a gynecology service of a hospital between January and September 2023. 90 babies were divided into three groups: 30 babies in the Kangaroo Care Group (KCG), 30 babies in the White Music Group (WMG), and 30 babies in the Control Group (CG). All babies were randomly divided into groups. Stress parameters were measured by saliva collection method and physiological parameters by saturation device.ResultsA statistically significant difference was determined between the total crying time, pulse and saturation values ​​according to the groups (p < 0.001; p = 0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the mean values ​​of cortisol and GRP78 measurements according to group and time interaction (p < 0.001). KCG was more effective in reducing total crying time and stabilizing pulse, saturation, salivary cortisol, GRP-78 values compared to WNG and CG.ConclusionIt was concluded that white noise and kangaroo care help reduce newborns’ stress in the case of heel lancing.Practical implicationsThe practice of kangaroo care and the use of white noise methods may assist healthcare professionals as supportive methods in stress management during invasive procedures.Trial RegistrationNCT06278441, registered on 19/02/2024.

Abstract Background: Premature infants are at high risk of death. They need specialized incubatory care which is very costly and requires skilled workforce and specialized equipment. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) does the same job with no cost and does not require set-up as for incubatory care. It can prevent mortality and morbidity and also promotes bonding between mother and child. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the effect of KMC on weight gain pattern in low birth weight premature babies compared to incubatory care. Materials and Methods: A nonrandomized experimental study was carried out among 200 premature infants. They were divided into two groups of 100 each. Randomization was not done. One group was given KMC. The second group was given incubatory care. The weight of babies in both groups was measured with a digital weighing machine. Both groups were followed till the 9th day with a follow-up frequency of days – 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. On each follow-up day, weight was recorded. Results: Both groups were comparable for gender, birth weight, and gestational age. In the KMC group, there was significant weight gain on day 2 compared to day 1 and on day 7 compared to day 6. But weight gain on day 3 compared to day 2 and on day 9 compared to day 8 was not significant. In the non-KMC group, there was significant weight gain on day 3 compared to day 2 and on day 9 compared to day 8. From 2nd day to 9th day, each day weight gain in the KMC group was higher compared to the non-KMC group. Conclusion: We conclude that the KMC significantly improved weight gain on a daily basis. The KMC also improved the weight gain compared to that of the non-KMC group. Hence, we recommend to create awareness among the community at all health-care levels and among health-care professionals on the benefits of KMC/the importance of KMC.