Implications of kangaroo care for growth and development in preterm infants.
OBJECTIVE
To review research on kangaroo care with implications for growth and development in preterm infants.


METHODS
Nursing, medical, and child development research literature was searched through PubMed through 2003 using the search terms kangaroo Care, skin-to-skin, growth/development, and premature infants.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials, pretest-posttest designs, and other comparative studies of kangaroo care were reviewed. Reports exploring parent perspectives were examined for attachment and parent-infant interaction findings. Theory and research regarding growth in preterm infants were explored.


METHODS
Research on topics of kangaroo care, skin-to-skin contact, preterm infant growth, preterm infant weight gain, and failure to thrive was evaluated.


RESULTS
Research on kangaroo care reports physiologic safety for preterm infants and increased attachment for parents. Attachment promotes nurturing behaviors that support growth and development. Weight gain as a benefit of kangaroo care remains in question.


CONCLUSIONS
Kangaroo care is safe for preterm infants and may have important benefits for growth and development. Suggestions are made for future research on effects of KC on preterm infants.
Dodd
Virginia L
VL
Connecticut Children's Medical Center, 131 Lake St., Manchester, CT 06040, USA. gdodd@snet.net
D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care / Q000523:psychology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009420:Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development; D009769:Object Attachment; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D016019:Survival Analysis