2: Unrestricted access to
provide skin-to-skin contact

(kangaroo care) for their infant in the NICU

“This chapter is not a checklist but a roadmap for culture change—one that calls on every leader and
care team to prioritize equity, measurement, parent voice, and shared responsibility in making unrestricted skin-to-skin care the norm.”

Chapter 2 Key Points

Awareness

  • Skin-to-skin care not optional
  • Strengthens bonding and neurodevelopment
  • Reduces stress
  • Supports breastfeeding and parent confidence

Assessment

  • Review policies defining SSC as standard care
  • Identify cultural or procedural barriers
  • Ensure equity and language accessibility
  • Track SSC frequency/duration
  • Evaluate staff training, safety supports, resources

Action

  • Educate families prenatally on SSC benefits and safety
  • Initiate SSC early and maintain continuity
  • Equip units with recliners, positioning devices, and materials
  • Integrate SSC in policy, practice, and data tracking
  • Empower staff and parents through shared responsibility

Download This Chapter

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Authors

Yamile Jackson, PhD, PE, PMP

Malathi Balasundaram, MD

Ashley Weber, PhD, RN, RNC-NIC

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

© 2026 Family-Centered Care Taskforce. Family-Centered Care Taskforce. All rights reserved. This toolkit may be reproduced and distributed freely for educational and non-commercial purposes with attribution. Any use of this content must acknowledge the Family-Centered Care Taskforce as the source. No portion of this toolkit may be altered or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Custom illustrations created for this project are for FCC Taskforce toolkit use only and may not be altered or reused separately.

DISCLAIMER
Readers are advised to adapt the guidelines and resources based on their local facility’s level of care and patient populations served and are also advised not to rely solely on the guidelines presented here.