Skin to Skin Contact – Benefits and Why It's Important

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as “kangaroo care,” refers to the practice of placing a newborn baby directly on a parent’s bare chest immediately after birth. This simple yet powerful practice has been shown to offer a range of short- and long-term benefits for both baby and parent. Experts say that skin to skin in the first hour after birth helps stabilize the baby's heart rate, breathing, and temperature, while also enhancing breastfeeding success.

Beyond those first magical moments, the benefits of skin to skin contact continue to ripple through the early days, weeks, and even months of a newborn’s life. More and more hospitals are adopting protocols that prioritize this care because of its proven ability to improve outcomes for both full-term and preterm infants. As simple as it may seem, this direct physical connection holds significant developmental, emotional, and immunological power that science continues to affirm.

Key Takeaways

Skin to skin contact supports infant health and development.
It promotes parent-baby bonding and emotional regulation.
Immediate skin to skin can improve breastfeeding outcomes.
The benefits extend beyond the first hours of life and are backed by research.

What is Skin-to-Skin Contact?

Skin to skin contact involves placing a newborn—wearing only a diaper—directly on a parent’s bare chest. This typically occurs immediately after delivery and continues for at least the first hour of life, often referred to as the “golden hour.”

The practice is widely endorsed by health authorities including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its measurable health outcomes. Skin to skin contact helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing patterns, while also stimulating digestion and supporting early brain development.

For parents, it can stimulate the release of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” fostering a stronger emotional connection and reducing stress. It's a mutually beneficial moment of grounding and reassurance that helps both baby and parent adjust to life outside the womb.

What Happens During Skin to Skin Contact

When your newborn is placed directly on your chest, their senses are immediately activated. They recognize your voice, your scent, and the familiar rhythm of your heartbeat—cues that provide reassurance and promote a smooth transition from womb to world.

Skin to skin contact also stimulates a newborn’s innate feeding behaviors. Many babies will exhibit what’s known as the “breast crawl,” where they instinctively move toward the breast and attempt to latch. This reflex is particularly strong during the “golden hour”—the first hour after birth—making uninterrupted contact during this time especially beneficial for breastfeeding initiation and parent-infant bonding.

The physical closeness also helps the baby’s body adapt to its new environment, decreasing crying, enhancing glucose regulation, and allowing for optimal neurological development in the early days.

How to Do Skin to Skin Contact

To practice skin to skin contact:

Remove any clothing from your chest and place your baby in an upright position directly on your bare skin.
Cover the baby with a warm blanket to maintain their temperature.
Remain in this position for at least 60 minutes or as long as possible.
Try to stay relaxed and limit external interruptions during this bonding time.

This technique is effective not just in hospital settings, but also at home in the days following birth. Making skin to skin a daily practice—even for just 20 minutes—can reinforce bonding and help with breastfeeding continuation.

What to Avoid During Skin to Skin

Avoid distractions like mobile devices or visitors.
Ensure the baby is positioned safely with their airway unobstructed.
Do not swaddle or dress the baby during skin to skin, as it reduces direct contact.
Avoid doing skin to skin if you are feeling drowsy, especially in reclining positions, to prevent accidental risks.

Benefits of Skin to Skin Contact

Research consistently demonstrates that skin to skin contact provides a wide array of measurable health benefits for both newborns and their parents. This evidence-based practice supports not only physiological stability but also emotional and developmental well-being:

Stabilizes vital signs: Helps regulate the baby’s heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.
Promotes breastfeeding: Encourages natural latching behaviors and increases breastfeeding success rates.
Enhances parent-baby bonding: Increases oxytocin levels, leading to reduced parental stress and improved attachment.
Supports emotional regulation: Babies held skin to skin cry less and experience lower cortisol levels.
Immune system development: Exposure to the parent’s skin introduces beneficial bacteria that help build the baby’s microbiome and strengthen immunity.
Enhanced weight gain: Particularly in preterm infants, consistent skin to skin care is associated with improved digestion and greater weight gain.
Lower hospital readmission rates: Infants who receive regular skin to skin care are less likely to experience complications following discharge.

These benefits prove why many hospitals and birth centers now incorporate skin to skin care as a standard part of postnatal support. Whether delivering vaginally or via cesarean, parents are encouraged to discuss their preferences for early contact with their healthcare team to ensure it’s included in their birth plan.

Bottom Line

The benefits of skin to skin contact are well-documented and far-reaching. From physiological stabilization to emotional bonding, it’s a simple and accessible practice that can positively influence a baby’s start in life. For more information on essential newborn care topics, including skin to skin contact, check out Birthly’s Newborn Care class so you can feel confident and supported from day one.

Whether you're anticipating a hospital birth or planning for home delivery, integrating skin to skin contact into your postpartum plan is a meaningful and evidence-based choice. It’s one of the first opportunities to build a strong foundation of trust, comfort, and health with your newborn—and it starts with a single, heartfelt cuddle.

Skin to Skin Contact FAQ

What happens if you don’t do skin to skin contact?

Your baby can still thrive, but you may miss some of the immediate physiological and emotional benefits that skin to skin contact offers.

What if you can’t do skin to skin contact?

If medical or surgical needs delay contact, your baby can still benefit from skin to skin later. Partners can also provide skin to skin care in the meantime.