Impact of Kangaroo Care on Weight Gain in Preterm Infants

The Effect Of Kangaroo Mother Care On Test Weighing In Preterm Infants

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT04252547

This study is testing if holding preterm infants skin-to-skin during their first feeding helps them gain weight better than if they are held during their second feeding.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment46 (estimated)
Ages32 Weeks to 40 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT04252547 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of kangaroo care on preterm infants who have achieved oral feeding in a neonatal intensive care unit. Infants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving kangaroo care during their first feeding hour and the other receiving it during their second feeding hour. The study will measure changes in body weight and physiological parameters before and after breastfeeding, using a test weighing method to assess food intake. The goal is to determine if kangaroo care positively influences weight gain and overall feeding conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are preterm infants born between 26-36 weeks gestation who are at least 32 weeks postmenstrual age and have achieved oral feeding.

Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal, neurological, or genetic diseases, or those requiring oxygen support will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance weight gain and improve physiological stability in preterm infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with kangaroo care in similar populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Agreeing to participate in the study for parents.

The inclusion criteria for infants were as follows;

* Attaining to oral feeding by the physician in the neonatal intensive care unit
* Being born at 26-36+6 gestational week which is determined according to the mother's last period cycle
* Being at 32-39+6 postmenstrual week during the time they are included in the study
* Having body weight of 1500 grams and above
* Being breastfed at least once
* Having no health problems other than being preterm

Exclusion Criteria:

The exclusion criteria for infants were as follows;

* Suffering from gastrointestinal, neurological or genetic diseases (such as necrotizing enterocolitis, intracranial bleeding, hydrocephalia, omphalocele, down syndrome, gastroschisis) and other diseases
* Having a condition obstructing oral feeding (such as cleft palate, cleft lip, facial muscle paralysis, craniofacial abnormalities etc.)
* Receiving oxygen support

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Istanbul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Kangaroo CareWeight GainOxygen SaturationHeart Ratekangaroo caretest weighingHeart rateoxygen saturation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.