International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day focuses on the power of skin-to-skin contact between parents and newborns. Holding a baby against bare skin helps regulate body temperature, breathing, and heart rate while also promoting weight gain.
This gentle touch calms tiny bodies and strengthens emotional bonds. Parents feel more connected, gaining confidence in caring for their little ones. Hospitals worldwide encourage this practice because of its incredible benefits for both premature and full-term babies.
This special day reminds families and caregivers how vital these moments are for a baby’s development. Simple yet profound, kangaroo care creates warmth, comfort, and security in ways no machine ever could.
It’s more than a medical practice—it’s a loving embrace that builds a strong foundation for life. Raising awareness encourages more parents to experience its benefits, giving newborns the best possible start.
How to Celebrate International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day offers a delightful opportunity to celebrate the magic of skin-to-skin bonding between parents and newborns. Here are some playful and engaging ways to join the festivities:
Snuggle Sessions Galore
Embrace the spirit of the day by organizing cozy snuggle sessions. Hospitals and birthing centers can invite parents to enjoy uninterrupted skin-to-skin time with their little ones.
This nurturing practice strengthens bonds and promotes infant well-being.
Kangaroo-a-thon Extravaganza
Host a friendly Kangaroo-a-thon competition to see which baby racks up the most cuddle time. Families can participate by logging their kangaroo care hours, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Celebrating these moments together adds a touch of fun to the profound benefits of this practice.
Wear Your Support
Encourage everyone to sport kangaroo-themed attire or accessories. From t-shirts adorned with adorable marsupials to kangaroo-shaped pins, wearing these items sparks conversations and raises awareness about the importance of kangaroo care.
Storytime with a Kangaroo Twist
Gather children and parents for a special storytime featuring tales about kangaroos and the joys of close bonding. Reading together not only entertains but also reinforces the significance of nurturing connections.
Share the Love Online
Invite parents to share their kangaroo care experiences on social media platforms. Posting photos, videos, or heartfelt stories with hashtags like #KangarooCareDay spreads awareness and inspires others to embrace this loving practice.
History of International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day
International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day was established on May 15, 2011, by Dr. Yamile Jackson. Her personal experience with kangaroo care inspired her to promote its benefits worldwide.
In 1978, Dr. Edgar Rey and Dr. Hector Martinez introduced kangaroo care in Bogotá, Colombia. They sought an alternative to incubators for preterm infants.
Their method involved continuous skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. This approach improved survival rates and health outcomes for premature infants.
Today, International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day highlights the importance of this nurturing practice. It encourages families and healthcare providers to embrace skin-to-skin contact, fostering healthier beginnings for newborns.
Since its inception, International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day has grown into a global event. Communities worldwide come together to promote and celebrate the practice of kangaroo care.
See what else is happening…
There’s always more going on every month at Days Of The Year. Here are our favorites this month!
Also on ...
View all holidays
National Chocolate Chip Day
Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip cookie dough pops…the possibilities are endless for tasty, irresistible treats on National Chocolate Chip Day.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Join an event or webinar, and engage in the discussion of how to make the internet more accessible to all, including a wide range of disabilities and limitations.
National Notebook Day
Open up a notebook and get writing. Jot down your to-do list, journal your thoughts, make lists or even try some creative writing with good old pen and paper.
Bring Flowers To Someone Day
Send a bouquet to someone (or someones) you care about, or go out and gather some wildflowers to show your affection on Bring Flowers to Someone Day.
We think you may also like...
World Ovarian Cancer Day
Research and spread awareness about ovarian cancer to help others recognize the dangers and signs early, and increase survival and recovery odds for many.
DeafBlind Awareness Week
Promoting understanding and support for those with dual sensory loss fosters inclusion, empowerment, and community connection.
