C.U.D.D.L.E™ Framework: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Safe, Confident, Unrestricted Kangaroo Care (uKC) (1 Page PDF, Free Download)

A Trauma-Informed Framework for Safe, Confident, Unrestricted Kangaroo Care

A practical, evidence-based guide designed to support clinicians and families in delivering safe, consistent, and confident Skin-to-Skin (Kangaroo) Care—especially in moments of uncertainty.

This one-page framework provides clear, actionable strategies to:

• reduce fear for both families and staff
• support safe transfers and positioning
• improve consistency across caregivers and shifts
• reinforce kangaroo care as an essential, life-supporting intervention—not an optional activity

Grounded in trauma-informed care, ergonomics, and clinical practice, the C.U.D.D.L.E.™ Framework aligns with World Health Organization recommendations and principles of family-centered developmental care.

Whether used at the bedside, during staff training, or in parent education, it transforms hesitation into action—supporting teams to deliver care that is safe, structured, and deeply human.

What’s Inside

A simple, memorable framework built around six core elements:

• C – Communicate with Compassion and Clarity
• U – Use Simulation and Safe Rehearsal
• D – Demonstrate with Visuals and Video Tools
• D – Deliver Trauma-Informed Coaching
• L – Leverage Ergonomic and Evidence-Based Supports
• E – Empower with Encouragement and Equity

Each element provides practical strategies that can be applied immediately in real clinical settings.

Who It’s For

• Nurses, clinical teams, birth teams
• Neonatal and Pediatric therapists and educators
• Hospital leaders advancing kangaroo care
• Parent organizations and advocates

Why It Matters

Kangaroo care is not optional—it is essential.

This framework provides the structure needed to:

• reduce variability in practice
• build confidence across teams
• support families in the most vulnerable moments
• and move from intention → to consistent implementation

How to Use It

The six elements of the C.U.D.D.L.E.™ Framework offer practical, trauma-informed strategies that clinicians and families can use to overcome fear, build confidence, and ensure safe, consistent skin-to-skin care.

Each element represents a key pillar—addressing emotional readiness, clinical safety, ergonomic stability, and equitable access.

Whether applied during staff training, parent education, or bedside support, this framework helps transform hesitation into action, empowering both caregivers and clinicians to create moments of healing and connection.

Terms of Use

By requesting and downloading any file from this website, you agree to the following:

1. No modifications to the file are permitted. If revisions are needed, please contact: info@kangaroo.care

2. Do not share files outside your team. Instead, share www.kangaroo.care so others can download it and receive an email when the file is updated.

3. Use is limited to non-commercial purposes only.

4. When used digitally, the link must link to www.kangaroo.care

5. You may not sell, rent, or charge for any items that include any resources from the website.

6. The logo or any files on this website may not be used in printed, digital, or commercial projects without explicit permission from Kangaroo Care Day®.

For-profit organizations: please contact info@kangaroo.care to request explicit permission.

For additional languages: contact info@kangaroo.care (free).

Don’t forget to share photos, texts, and videos, tagging:
#kangaroocare #kangaroocareday @KangarooCareDay