Skin-to-Skin Contact with Your Baby

The quiet moments with your baby are often the ones you cherish most. Skin-to-skin contact is a simple way to slow down, hold your baby close, and create a calm, comforting experience for both of you.

In this article, we’ll explain what skin-to-skin contact is, why families do it, how to do it safely, and how to make it part of an everyday routine with Aquaphor Baby products.

Skin-to-skin contact is when a baby is placed skin to skin, directly on a caregiver’s bare chest. The baby is then covered with a blanket to help keep them comfortable and warm. Skin-to-skin contact is commonly encouraged right after birth, but it can be maintained well into the future as part of regular bonding time¹.

Skin-to-skin contact is also referred to as kangaroo care. The term “kangaroo care” is often used in medical settings². In everyday use, people may use “kangaroo care” and “skin-to-skin contact” interchangeably. Another common term is “skin-on-skin bonding.” The main idea behind both terms is the same: the baby rests against the caregiver’s chest for warmth, comfort, and closeness.

Every family’s experience is different, but skin-to-skin contact has been associated with a range of benefits for both the baby and caregiver³.

Research shows skin-to-skin contact may help support breastfeeding outcomes, including breastfeeding initiation and continuation⁴.

Skin-to-skin contact may help support babies' comfort and temperature regulation, especially during the early days after birth³.

Skin-to-skin time may help your baby settle and support stable patterns of breathing and heart rate⁵.

Many caregivers find skin-to-skin contact supports closeness and helps build confidence as they get to know their baby’s cues⁶.

Skin-to-skin contact does not have to be complicated. These simple steps can be incorporated into your daily routine.

1. Wear something comfortable that opens easily in the front.
2. Choose a calm, warm place where you can sit back comfortably.
3. Place your baby upright against your bare chest.
4. Tilt your baby’s head to the side and make sure their nose and mouth stay clear.
5. Cover your baby’s back with a warm blanket. A robe or button-down top to wrap around their body can help keep them snug.
6. Stay together as long as you are comfortable and awake^1,2.

There is no “right” amount of time. Some families do shorter sessions, while others settle in for longer. The goal is supervised time with your baby positioned safely and comfortably. Many families find it convenient to do skin-to-skin time early in the morning and after bath time¹.

For babies 3 months and up*, Aquaphor Baby Care products can be used as part of your baby’s routine before or after skin-to-skin contact, helping to support gentle cleansing and skin care.

If skin-to-skin time happens after a bath, keeping bath time gentle can help support your baby’s comfort. Aquaphor® Baby Wash & Shampoo is a mild, one-step option for cleansing your baby’s skin and hair before settling in for skin-to-skin time. Enriched with Provitamin B5, its formula helps to soothe and cleanse baby’s skin without drying, and washes hair without irritating the scalp. Specially designed for your baby’s sensitive skin, this mild two-in-one solution is paraben- and fragrance-free.

For more detailed guidance on bath time, read our Aquaphor Baby Bathing Guide.

Aquaphor® Baby Healing Ointment is uniquely formulated to provide the extra gentle care your baby’s tender and delicate skin needs. This multi-purpose skin protectant ointment can be used for many of your baby’s skin needs, from chapped cheeks to minor scrapes and scratches, to diaper rash, drool rash, to dry skin, and more. Apply any time your baby’s skin is dry or chapped, at every diaper change to help prevent diaper rash, or use it to help prevent dry skin after a bath, when skin is freshly dried, or after skin-to-skin time when your baby is calm and relaxed. 

Aquaphor® Baby Sensitive Lotion immediately soothes and moisturizes and is gentle for baby’s sensitive skin. This fast-absorbing lotion locks in moisture in a non-greasy formula that is fragrance free and hypoallergenic. Formulated with Ceramide NP and Provitamin B5, Aquaphor® Baby Sensitive Lotion is accepted by the National Eczema Association and can help keep your little one’s skin soothed and moisturized. 

*Aquaphor Baby products are not intended for use on infants under the age of 3 months.

Skin-to-skin contact should always be done with safety in mind ^1,2:

If you feel sleepy, place your baby in a safe sleep space before you rest.

Your baby’s nose and mouth should remain uncovered, with their head turned to the side.

Your baby should stay upright against your chest and be well supported so they do not slump forward.

If your baby is receiving medical care, recommendations for positioning and monitoring may be different.

Skin-to-skin contact is commonly encouraged, but it is always okay to ask for guidance. This may be especially helpful if your baby has specific medical needs. Your care team can share what they recommend for you and your baby. Be sure to contact your pediatrician to help answer any questions you may have.

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin  
2. Improve the appearance of the skin  
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin