>> “KANGAROO CARE” BENEFITS

INFANTS AND PARENTS

I have always thought that mother kangaroos have the perfect setup for snuggling and transporting their babies. Many medical doctors and parents think so, too. “Kangaroo care” has been adopted in many hospitals as part of the treatment for premature babies. Babies are placed between their mother’s bare breasts, tummy to tummy, with an ear near the mother’s heart. Neonatologists in Bogotá, Columbia first used this technique in 1983 after becoming frustrated with a lack of power and reliable equipment in the hospital. They credit Kangaroo care and its human-incubator effect for dropping their premature baby mortality rate from 70 percent to 30 percent.

Most mothers around the world also use the kangaroo style of carrying their young. Simple sheets or blankets are fashioned into a sling that goes around the mother’s shoulder, creating a snug pouch for the baby. Baby slings are becoming popular here, too, with designs to match any taste (www.kangarookorner.com). Mothers affectionately call this practice “wearing your baby” because of the close body contact. Parents claim that front carriers more readily allow an infant to feel a caregivers touch, smell his or her scent and hear his or her voice. Other positives include ease of breastfeeding, increased intimacy, positive attachment, less crying and colic, and quickness in falling asleep.

Thanks to the parents who contributed a kid tip for this week’s column.
INFANT FRONT CARRIERS I absolutely loved using a front carrier when my son was an infant. It was such an awesome experience to be able to hold him close, with the convenience of having my arms free to get things done. I did everything with him in the carrier, from housework and grocery shopping to preparing my lectures for work. I also ate many a meal with him in his carrier (but I did have to place a napkin on his head to catch an occasional crumb). With practice, I became quite proficient at bouncing him in his front carrier while paying bills and talking on the phone. I’m convinced that the front carrier facilitated my holding, talking and interacting with him more than if he had been in a stroller. -- T.W., Pleasanton, Calif.
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