Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO recommendations for care of the preterm or low-birth-weight infant.
Year of Publication2022
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
Updated
Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is recommended as routine care for all preterm or low-birth-weight infants. KMC can be initiated in the health-care facility or at home and should be given for 8–24 hours per day (as many hours as possible).
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
High
Notes and Remarks
Remarks
- Any KMC
- KMC can be given at home or at the health-care facility.
- Infants who receive KMC should be secured firmly to the mother’s chest with a binder that ensures a patent airway.
- Whenever possible, the mother should provide KMC. If the mother is not available, fathers, partners and other family members can also provide KMC.
- Infants who need intensive care should be managed in special units, where mothers, fathers, partners and other family members can be with their preterm or LBW infants 24 hours a day.