What is the role of kangaroo care in newborn care?

The role of kangaroo care in newborn care is primarily focused on promoting bonding and regulating temperature through skin-to-skin contact. This practice involves placing a newborn, usually wearing only a diaper, on the parent’s chest, allowing for direct skin contact. This is especially beneficial for preterm infants as it helps maintain their body temperature and facilitates emotional bonding between the parent and the baby. The skin-to-skin contact can stabilize the infant's heart rate, improve oxygen saturation, and enhance overall physiological stability. Additionally, kangaroo care also encourages breastfeeding and can improve the quality of infant care through enhanced maternal nervous system responses.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary functions of kangaroo care. While vaccinations and feeding time may be relevant to general newborn care, they do not directly relate to the specific benefits provided by kangaroo care. Diaper rash prevention is also not a direct outcome of this practice. Overall, the focus on bonding and temperature regulation makes the first option the most accurate representation of kangaroo care’s role in newborn care.