Prioritizing Skin-to-Skin

Skin-to-skin contact is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to support your baby’s development and well-being in the first 12 weeks of life and beyond. Often referred to as the ‘fourth trimester,’ these early weeks are a critical period of adjustment for your baby as they transition from the womb to the world. And they are critical for you, as you adjust to becoming a new parent.  Prioritizing skin-to-skin care during this time can help provide the security, warmth, and connection your baby needs to thrive. Babies are born expecting to be close to their parents, they are not expecting to be swaddled alone in a bassinet, or in a swing or bouncer. When held skin-to-skin, they experience the familiar sounds of your heartbeat and voice, the comforting scent of your skin, and the perfect warmth of their body. This closeness is biologically programmed and helps establish a foundation of trust and connection.

Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing. Newborns are not yet efficient at regulating their own body temperature, and your chest acts as a natural incubator, keeping them at an optimal temperature. Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, skin-to-skin contact promotes feeding readiness and encourages instinctive feeding behaviors. Babies held skin-to-skin often feed more often, more effectively and more calmly. In these early weeks, your baby is learning that the world is a safe place. Being held close helps reduce stress hormones and promotes the release of oxytocin—the ‘love hormone’—for both baby and parent. This intimate time fosters a deep emotional connection and helps parents become more attuned to their baby’s cues and needs. It’s a great way to build confidence in your parenting journey. Research also shows parents have a reduced risk of anxiety and depression when they spend lots of time with their baby skin-to-skin.

The security and stimulation provided during skin-to-skin will support healthy brain development as well. Babies who are held skin-to-skin sleep more soundly and their rest is more restorative. Skin-to-skin helps regulate their sleep-wake cycles, which are still developing. Studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact can significantly reduce crying and fussiness, helping your baby feel calm and reassured in an overwhelming new environment. We know there may be many tasks that may need your attention—like laundry or cleaning or cooking– but holding your baby skin-to-skin is one of the most productive things you can do. By letting them sleep on your chest, you are actively building their brain and supporting their long-term development. Their brain will be making millions of connections per second when they are skin-to-skin with you.

Making skin-to-skin a daily priority during the first 12 weeks and beyond allows your baby to gradually transition to life outside the womb while feeling safe and supported. Whether it’s after feeds, during nap times, or even while wearing your baby in a wrap, incorporating skin-to-skin can make a significant difference in your and your baby’s overall well-being. Use skin-to-skin during feeding times to enhance connection, relaxation and help with good positioning for breastfeeding. You can also bottle feed your baby skin-to-skin! Don’t worry about a schedule—follow your baby’s cues and enjoy the moment. You’ll never regret snuggling your baby skin-to-skin.