Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): A Lifesaving Tool for Thermoregulation

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For every preterm baby, the first challenge they face outside the womb is staying warm. Their delicate skin and low fat stores make them extremely vulnerable to neonatal hypothermia,1 while the use of external warmers can sometimes tip the scale toward neonatal hyperthermia. 2 In both cases, temperature instability drains vital energy reserves, the energy that should be better directed towards breathing, feeding, and growth.

This is why Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has become a global gold standard in premature baby care. By placing the baby upright on a caregiver’s bare chest (mostly mothers during the initial few days),  skin-to-skin care mimics the natural warmth and protection of the womb. 3 The parent’s body acts as a smart biological warmer, maintaining Baby’s thermoregulation without machines. Beyond that, KMC improves breastfeeding, reduces infection risk, and helps babies gain weight faster, all factors that support survival in the critical first weeks of life.4,5

However, sustaining long and uninterrupted KMC sessions can be difficult in busy hospital settings. Mothers get tired, holding posture for hours becomes painful, and inconsistent KMC means babies lose the thermal benefits they desperately need.

A recent initiative at Civil Hospital, Gurugram, showed how supportive tools can change this reality. Their team tested ThermaSling by Thermaissance, a hands-free, hygienic wrap designed to improve comfort and temperature stability during KMC. Babies receiving KMC with Thermasling achieved a positive average weight gain of +9.9 g/day, while 86% of babies showed overall weight gain, indicating healthier thermal stability and better energy use for growth. Mothers also reported feeling comfortable without much fatigue.6

When KMC is made easier for mothers, the benefits multiply for babies. In resource-limited settings, especially, tools that strengthen Kangaroo Mother Care can help save more tiny lives.

References:

  1. Dunne EA, O’Donnell CPF, Nakstad B, McCarthy LK; Euro pean Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR) Neonatal Resuscitation Section Writing Group. Thermoregulation for very preterm infants in the delivery room: a narrative review. Pediatr Res. 2024;95(6):1448-1454. doi:10.1038/s41390-023-02902-w
  2. Molgat-Seon, Yannick & Daboval, Thierry & Chou, S & Jay, Ollie. (2013). Accidental overheating of a newborn under an infant radiant warmer: A lesson for future use. Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association. 33. 738-9. 10.1038/jp.2013.32.
  3. Campbell-Yeo ML, Disher TC, Benoit BL, Johnston CC. Understanding kangaroo care and its benefits to preterm infants. Pediatric Health Med Ther. 2015;6:15-32. Published 2015 Mar 18. doi:10.2147/PHMT.S51869
  4. WHO. New resources released to help more preterm and low birthweight babies benefit from kangaroo mother care. www.who.int. Published 2023. https://www.who.int/news/item/16-05-2023-new-resources-released-to-help-more-preterm-and-low-birthweight-babies-benefit-from-kangaroo-mother-care
  5. Dhage VD, Rannaware A, Choudhari SG. Kangaroo Mother Care for Low-Birth-Weight Babies in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023;15(4):e38355. Published 2023 Apr 30. doi:10.7759/cureus.38355
  6. ThermaSling Pilot Impact Report, Civil Hospital, Gurugram.  [Internal report].
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