Advantages of Kangaroo Care and Early Tactile Touch for Neonatal Survival and Development

ABSTRACT Background Sense of touch is the individual's first form of contact with the external world, and it plays a fundamental role in the development of sensory‐motor skills as well as social and emotional behaviours. Physical contact with the mother‐parents could affect epigenetic mechanisms and thus lead to changes in gene expression. Aim/Objective The purpose of this review is to make a comprehensive examination of the neurodevelopmental and epigenetic effects of kangaroo care and touch. Methods Data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and DergiPark databases without applying any language restrictions Results Kangaroo care, which was developed to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in cases of inadequate equipment and experience for the care of premature babies, is of critical importance not only for physical but also emotional and biological health. Tactile stimulation has a critical effect on brain development and behavioural outcome, particularly in the early childhood period. Studies in the literature indicate that the physical touch provided in the early period has positive effects on the organization of the nervous system, attachment, emotional regulation and the development of social behaviours. Such contact regulates stress reactions, supports immune system functions and positively affects the neurodevelopmental process. Conclusions This review examines the effects of kangaroo care and physical touch on brain and behaviour development and epigenetic processes. The findings show that kangaroo care, which is an easily applied and cost‐effective method, provides multifaceted benefits in terms of infant‐child health.