We want you to hold your baby as soon as possible. 

However, if a baby is very unwell or requires a medical procedure we ask you to wait a little while before your first cuddle.

Hand hug

To make sure your baby knows you are there and can recognise your touch we recommend the hand hug.

A 'hand hug' is also known as 'containment holding' or 'hand swaddling' and these techniques are widely used in neonatal intensive care units.

During a hand hug you place your hands at your baby's feet so they can push against you and place your other hand on their trunk or belly as this helps them feel secure, like they are back in your belly.

Skin-to-skin cuddle

The other type of cuddle we recommend in the NICU is 'skin to skin' or 'kangaroo' cuddles. 

Kangaroo Care is a method of skin-to-skin contact to promote parent/infant bonding when baby is premature. A parent holds the infant on a bare breast or chest similar to a kangaroo carrying their young.

Through contact with their parent’s skin, the babies are kept warm and experience a close connection to their parents. Kangaroo Care can also benefit older premature babies and full-term babies.

Kangaroo Care has shown many benefits to baby and parents, including promoting parent/infant bonding, helping the baby to maintain their temperature, supports breastfeeding, can help the baby gain weight and helps the baby get into a deeper sleep. 

The Grace Centre staff can help you to cuddle your baby; just ask them!