A recent scientific study conducted by the Burke Neuroscience Institute in New York revealed that skin-to-skin contact using the kangaroo method enhances the growth of key brain regions in premature infants.

Researchers found measurable correlations between skin contact with parents and brain development in babies born before the 32nd week of pregnancy; brain areas responsible for memory, emotional regulation, and stress improved with increased skin contact.

The general rule was: the more contact, the better. This finding came from a study involving 88 premature babies with an average weight of about 1.2 kilograms, who stayed in the hospital for two months. Each baby underwent a brain scan before discharge.

In kangaroo care, the baby lies on the bare chest of the mother or father, wearing only a diaper, covered with a warm blanket; this helps build an emotional bond between the two and assists premature babies in better adapting to early separation from their mothers.

Premature babies allowed to lie in kangaroo care showed stronger brain growth in certain areas compared to babies with less skin contact. Brain scans revealed differences in areas related to memory, emotions, and stress management.

On average, families visited their babies once a day. A kangaroo care session lasted about 70 minutes. The duration and frequency of intensive skin contact played an important role, with duration being more significant.

Skin-to-skin contact with premature babies also offers other benefits; previous studies linked it to improved bonding, sleep, heart and lung function, growth, as well as reduced pain and stress.