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Review
. 1997 Jul-Aug;23(4):408-14.

Effect of kangaroo care on sleep time for neonates

P R Messmer, S Rodriguez, J Adams, J Wells-Gentry, K Washburn, I Zabaleta, S Abreu
  • PMID: 9282055
Review

Effect of kangaroo care on sleep time for neonates

P R Messmer et al. Pediatr Nurs. 1997 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the change in behavioral state and physiologic parameters due to Kangaroo Care (K Care).

Method: A quasi-experimental design using a pretest-posttest with neonates serving as their own controls for 4 episodes of 1 hour each: Pre K Care, K Care and Post K Care. Twenty neonate-parent dyads participated. RespiTrace PT Non-invasive Monitoring system was used to record heart and respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. Behavioral state was derived from analyzing RespiTrace PT cardiorespiratory data as well as observation criteria.

Findings: There was a significant increase in sleep time for the neonates during K Care as compared to when they were not receiving K Care. The neonates exhibited less agitation, apnea, and bradycardia episodes and maintained stable oxygen saturation during K Care.

Conclusion: K Care is safe even for very small neonates and is well tolerated. The stability of the preterm infants receiving K Care documents the need to incorporate it into standards of care.

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