Kangaroo care is a way of  holding your baby skin to skin.

It can be one of the best things  you can do to care for your baby.

It helps you bond with and  get to know your newborn.

It's also very good for babies  who may be sick and underweight.

It helps them stay warm; steady their heartbeat  and breathing; sleep better and longer; gain weight; cry less; and feel comforted.

Kangaroo care also helps you in many ways.  It may help you feel closer to your baby.

It may also help you be more confident and  less stressed as you care for your baby.

If you're breastfeeding, kangaroo  care can increase your milk flow.

Even if your baby is attached to  feeding and breathing machines, you may be able to do kangaroo care.

Kangaroo care can be done by  either parent, not just mom.

In fact, anyone can hold an infant in this way.

Wear a loose shirt, a shirt that opens  down the front, or even no shirt.

All your baby needs to wear is a diaper.

Find a comfortable position.

Hold your baby upright with their  bare skin against your bare chest, so your baby can feel your warmth.

To stay warm, you can place a shawl  or blanket around your shoulders.

You may also drape a light  blanket over your baby's back.

Whether you hold your baby for  a few minutes or a few hours, you will both benefit from this warm cuddling.

Kangaroo care—holding your baby skin to  skin—may sound too easy to make a difference, but it can do so much to help your baby thrive.