There is no specific, fixed amount of time for skin-to-skin contact, as it depends on the individual needs of the baby and parents. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends skin-to-skin contact for eight to 24 hours daily, especially for babies born preterm or with low birth weight.
For healthy newborns, at least one hour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin time in the first moments after birth is encouraged to reap the most benefits. However, even 10 or 15 minutes daily can be beneficial for both baby and parents, providing a calm and bonding experience. Many mothers engage in daily skin-to-skin contact for 5-6 hours per day in the first week after birth. Ultimately, the duration should be comfortable for both the baby and parent(s).
Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact:
- Regulates baby's temperature: Skin-to-skin contact helps maintain a baby's body temperature.
- Promotes breastfeeding: Skin-to-skin contact encourages breastfeeding by triggering the baby's rooting reflex.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: It calms and relaxes both the baby and parent, creating a sense of security.
- Improves heart rate and breathing: Skin-to-skin contact helps stabilize the baby's heart rate and breathing patterns.
- Strengthens the bond between parent and baby: It fosters a strong emotional connection.
