Kangaroo Care Day (May 15) is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness, educating families and healthcare teams, and uniting communities around the life-saving, evidence-based practice of skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care. Explore www.kangaroo.care for more information
Founded to honor the power of a parent’s touch, Kangaroo Care Day shines a light on the importance of providing every baby—no matter where they are born or cared for—the chance to be held, healed, and nurtured from the very beginning.
Hospitals, NICUs, community organizations, and families across the world join together each year on May 15 to:
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Share parent stories of hope, resilience, and connection.
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Host kangaroo-a-thons that celebrate and track hours of skin-to-skin care.
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Provide education about the science and safety of kangaroo care.
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Build community support that empowers parents as essential caregivers, not visitors.
This annual event not only highlights the evidence behind Kangaroo Care, but also creates a sense of belonging for families who may feel isolated during their NICU journey. It is a day of advocacy, education, and above all—love.
💙 Join the Movement
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Website: www.kangaroo.care
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Kangaroo-a-thons: Kangaroo-a-thons are structured events that allow hospitals and teams to take a snapshot of their performance in providing Kangaroo Care. Over a set period—often during the week of Kangaroo Care Day (May 15)—units track how often, how long, and how consistently infants receive skin-to-skin care.
Tracking can be done manually, through hospital data systems, or with digital tools such as The Zaky® APP. The data help teams understand their current practice, identify barriers, and guide quality improvement efforts that ensure equitable access for all families.
To foster motivation and joy, many units offer prizes, recognition, and appreciation gifts for staff, parents, and even babies who participate. These tokens are not meant as competition but as celebrations of closeness and teamwork—recognizing the effort families and staff make to prioritize Kangaroo Care, even in challenging circumstances.
Framed through a trauma-informed lens, Kangaroo-a-thons are not about numbers or performance alone. They are about building awareness, celebrating progress, and strengthening a culture where every baby and parent has the opportunity for safe, supported, and meaningful skin-to-skin care. Learn more about kangaroo-a-thons.
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Instagram: @KangarooCareDay
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Facebook: @KangarooCareDay
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Hashtags: #KangarooCare #KangarooCareDay
✨ Trauma-Informed Reminder: Kangaroo Care Day is not about perfection—it’s about presence. Even a single moment of safe and unrestricted skin-to-skin care can change a baby’s trajectory for life.
