If Your Child is Preterm, Your Involvement Can Support Healthy Weight Gain.

So, you’ve just met your pocket-sized human, and the nurses are tossing around words like 'kangaroo care' while you’re busy googling 'how to hold a baby the size of a burrito.' If you’re wondering whether your presence actually helps your little one put on those precious grams, the answer is yes—science says your cuddles are basically superfood. Not sure if you’re doing it right? Don’t worry, no one else does either (but you’re already doing better than you think).

Regular parent-infant contact (especially skin-to-skin) helps regulate your preemie’s temperature, heart rate, and stress hormones, which encourages weight gain and brain development. For you, it can reduce anxiety, help you bond, and maybe even convince your brain that you’re doing something right (even if your shirt is covered in spit-up).

How to do it

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly, just as you would if you were preparing for surgery—this level of cleanliness is important when caring for your newborn.

  2. Ask the nurse about kangaroo care. Get clear instructions on how to safely hold your baby for skin-to-skin contact.

  3. Schedule time for skin-to-skin contact. Even short sessions of 10–15 minutes can make a big difference.

  4. While holding your baby, talk, sing, or hum. Your voice is comforting and familiar—think of it as their favorite playlist.

  5. Repeat these steps as often as you can. Don’t worry if you feel awkward or self-conscious—your baby doesn’t mind if you’re off-key.

Key Tips:

  • Always wash your hands before touching your baby.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask nurses for guidance—they’re there to help.
  • Short, frequent skin-to-skin sessions are beneficial.
  • Your voice is soothing, no matter your singing ability.
  • Consistency is more important than perfection.

After each time you sanitize your hands in the NICU.

Gently place your hand inside the incubator and softly talk to your baby for 30 seconds.
Smile and remind yourself, 'I’m literally helping my baby grow right now.'
Pack a soft, button-up shirt or robe in your hospital bag for easy skin-to-skin sessions.

When you arrive at the hospital for a visit.

Ask the nurse if you can do skin-to-skin for a few minutes.
Take a selfie (or mental snapshot) of your superhero moment.
Set a daily phone reminder labeled 'Cuddle Power Time.'

When you notice your baby is awake in the incubator.

Sing or hum one line of a song to your baby.
Give yourself an internal high-five for serenading your audience of one.
Create a tiny playlist of songs or lullabies you like (bonus if you don’t mind singing them repeatedly).