Picture this: Your baby has just been born, and instead of being whisked away for weighing and measurements, they’re placed directly onto your chest. Their tiny body relaxes, their breathing slows, and they curl into you as if they’ve always belonged there—because they have.
This isn’t just a sweet moment; it’s biology in action. Skin-to-skin contact (also called kangaroo care) is one of the most powerful ways to regulate your baby’s body and build a strong bond. Whether you’re a first-time parent, a NICU mom, or a dad figuring out how to help, here’s what you need to know about why this works and how to make it part of your routine.
What Actually Happens When You Hold Your Baby Skin-to-Skin?
Holding your baby bare chest to bare chest isn’t just comforting—it activates a cascade of biological reactions designed to help both you and your baby transition to life together.
Baby’s heart rate and breathing stabilize. In the first few hours of life, babies' breathing can be irregular. When placed skin-to-skin, their heart rate and oxygen levels stabilize faster than in an incubator.
Mom’s chest acts like a built-in thermostat. Your body can warm up or cool down by a few degrees to keep baby comfortable. (Seriously—your skin knows what to do!)
Breastfeeding happens more easily. Babies placed skin-to-skin often find the breast on their own and latch better, leading to a smoother start to feeding.
Less crying, more sleep. Babies who get skin-to-skin care cry 43% less and sleep more deeply—which means you get more rest, too!
Did You Know?
Newborns can crawl to the breast all by themselves within the first hour of life! This instinctive movement is called the breast crawl. Moms who do immediate skin-to-skin tend to breastfeed longer and have fewer issues with milk supply.
Partners can do this too! Dads and non-birthing parents can also hold their baby skin-to-skin to promote bonding.
What If I Had a C-Section?
Great news—you can still do skin-to-skin! Many hospitals in Ontario now practice gentle C-sections, where baby is placed on your chest in the operating room. If that’s not possible right away, partners can step in and hold baby skin-to-skin until mom is ready.
If you’re delivering at Mount Sinai, Sunnybrook, St. Michael’s, Oak Valley Health (Markham Stouffville) or Trillium Health Partners, ask about their skin-to-skin protocols for C-sections.
How Skin-to-Skin Helps NICU Babies
For preemies or babies needing medical support, skin-to-skin is life-changing. Since many NICU babies can’t breastfeed yet, your warmth, heartbeat, and scent become their first connection to you.
✅ Helps baby gain weight faster
✅ Improves oxygen levels
✅ Reduces the risk of infections
✅ Encourages better brain development
Even if your baby is in an incubator, talk to your NICU team about when you can start kangaroo care. Many GTA hospitals encourage this as soon as baby is stable.
As Your Baby Grows: Why Skin-to-Skin Still Matters
Holding your baby skin-to-skin isn’t just for the first 24 hours. The benefits last for months, and it can help in stressful moments.
Newborn (0-3 months): Helps regulate feeding, sleep, and digestion. Great for calming fussy evenings.
Infant (3-6 months): Encourages bonding and reduces stress after vaccinations or growth spurts.
Older Baby (6+ months): Still a great comfort tool, especially during teething or separation anxiety.
How to Make Skin-to-Skin a Habit
Right After Birth: Request immediate skin-to-skin and delay newborn procedures for at least 1 hour.
At Home: Do skin-to-skin before breastfeeding or when baby is fussy. Lie back in a comfy chair with baby against your chest.
Partners Too! Skin-to-skin isn’t just for moms. Dads and non-birthing parents can also hold baby to promote bonding and oxytocin release.
Before Bottle Feeding: Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, skin-to-skin primes baby for a calmer, more effective feed.
Anytime Baby Needs Comfort: Teething? Overtired? Stressed? Skin-to-skin is an instant reset button.
Skin-to-skin is one of the most powerful things you can do for your baby—no fancy equipment required. Whether you’re in a hospital, at home in Toronto, or in the NICU at SickKids, your touch is medicine.
Did you try skin-to-skin? How did it help you and your baby? Let’s chat in the comments!
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