The first way that babies are able to explore their world is though their skin. It is the largest organ, so it has the largest representation in their brain. By providing stimulation to your baby’s skin, you are teaching him a lot about his world.
Kangaroo Care:
Kangaroo care is done by holding your baby skin-to-skin with your baby only wearing a diaper and often times a hat. Kangaroo care can be provided by both mother and father. There are many benefits provided to both baby and caregiver. Baby benefits may include: thermal control, heart rate stabilization, regular breathing pattern, oxygen saturation levels, increase in sleep time, weight gain, decreased crying, and increased success with breastfeeding. Benefits that may be present for the caregivers include: increased bonding, increased milk supply for the mother, increased confidence and control. Kangaroo care was originally used with premature babies, however research is supporting the use with full-term babies.
References:
Cleveland Clinic. (2017, March). Kangaroo care. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/newborn-kangaroo-care?view=print
World Health Organization. Kangaroo mother care: A practical guide. France: World Health Organization, 2003. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/9241590351/en/