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Stanford Medicine Study Reveals Lasting Cognitive Benefits of Early Skin-to-Skin Contact
A recent study from Stanford Medicine has unveiled promising findings regarding the impact of skin-to-skin contact, commonly known as kangaroo care, on the neurodevelopment of premature infants. The research, published online on July 11 in The Journal of Pediatrics, indicates that increased skin-to-skin cuddling with a parent significantly enhances cognitive development in preemies, reducing the likelihood of developmental delays by their first birthday.
The study, spearheaded by Katherine Travis, Ph.D., currently an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical School and Burke Neurological Institute, alongside Molly Lazarus, a clinical research coordinator in pediatrics, analyzed data from preemies cared for at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford between May 1, 2018, and June 15, 2022. The findings reveal that even modest increases in the duration of skin-to-skin contact correlate with substantial improvements in neurological development.
“It’s interesting and exciting that it doesn’t take much to really improve babies’ outcomes,” said Dr. Travis. “The simplicity of skin-to-skin care, where a baby is held against a parent’s chest, proves to be a powerful tool for supporting neurodevelopment.”
The study assessed 181 preemies born at least eight weeks early and excluded those with genetic or congenital conditions affecting neurodevelopment. Evaluations at 6 and 12 months of adjusted age—corrected for their early birth—measured visual-motor problem-solving and language skills. Results showed that infants receiving an average of 20 additional minutes of skin-to-skin care per day exhibited a notable 10-point increase on the neurodevelopmental scoring scale used in the study.
This intervention proved beneficial irrespective of the infant’s socioeconomic background or health status. “Our findings confirm that skin-to-skin care is a vital component of neonatal intensive care,” stated Melissa Scala, MD, clinical professor of pediatrics at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. “It helps bridge the gap between in-hospital care and healthy development post-discharge.”
Historically, skin-to-skin care has been a fundamental practice in low-income regions, where it aids in maintaining body warmth, fostering bonding, and supporting breastfeeding initiation. However, it has been slower to gain traction in high-tech neonatal care settings in the United States. This study highlights its critical role in enhancing preemies’ developmental outcomes, suggesting that integrating this practice into NICUs could yield significant benefits.
The research team believes that skin-to-skin contact may mimic some aspects of the womb environment, offering preemies sensory experiences similar to those they would have had if born full-term. Furthermore, the practice may alleviate parental stress, a factor that could indirectly benefit the infant.
The study’s findings advocate for a more intentional inclusion of skin-to-skin care in NICU protocols across the country. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital has recently bolstered its infant developmental care program, hiring additional specialists to tailor developmental care plans for high-risk infants. Scala hopes this model will inspire other institutions to adopt similar practices.
“As we continue to refine our approach to neonatal care, it’s crucial to recognize the significant impact of simple interventions like skin-to-skin contact,” Scala concluded. “This study underscores the importance of integrating parents into the care process and highlights the lasting benefits of their involvement.”
For further information, refer to the study: Molly F. Lazarus et al, “Inpatient Skin-to-Skin Care Predicts 12-Month Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants,” The Journal of Pediatrics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114190.
