Kangaroo Mother Care at Home vs. Routine Care in Healthy Neonates- A Randomized Control Trial

Kangaroo Care has already shown proven benefits for premature and low-birth-weight babies, but its role in healthy term newborns at home is less explored. As many babies are discharged early from hospitals, practicing Kangaroo Care at home may be a simple, cost-free way to promote better newborn outcomes. This randomized controlled trial will include 100 mother–infant pairs, divided equally into two groups. Mothers in the Kangaroo Care group will receive hands-on training before discharge and will be asked to provide at least one hour of skin-to-skin care daily for four weeks, with weekly phone follow-ups for guidance. Mothers in the control group will continue routine newborn care without additional KMC instructions. The main goal is to compare exclusive breastfeeding rates at six weeks between the two groups. Other aspects studied will include the baby’s sleep duration, the mother’s stress levels, bonding with the baby, and how easy or acceptable it is to practice Kangaroo Care at home. All participants will be followed up weekly and again at six weeks after discharge. The data will be analyzed using standard statistical tests to see if Kangaroo Care at home offers significant advantages. The study expects that home-based Kangaroo Care will help improve breastfeeding success, strengthen mother–baby bonding, and reduce maternal stress, with minimal risks such as mild warmth or temporary discomfort, which will be managed through proper education and support.