Few birth and parenting practices are as universally recommended, impactful, and straightforward as skin-to-skin contact. Beginning immediately after birth and continuing into early childhood, this simple yet profound act plays a pivotal role in nurturing a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. It also transcends cultures and scientific fields, offering a variety of benefits to both the child and parent/s.

Skin-to-skin contact isn’t merely a parenting strategy; it’s a fundamental human need crucial for a child’s healthy development. From the miraculous first moments after birth to the giggles and squirms of toddlerhood, the gentle power of your touch is a cornerstone of care and affection.

The Golden Hour

Skin-to-skin contact can begin right after birth. Often called the “golden hour,” this period is ideal for initiating a bond that sets the stage for a child’s development. Nestling your baby on your chest releases a hormone called oxytocin—often referred to as the “love hormone” — in both you and your baby, creating an atmosphere of peace and deep connection.

And this is something that can be done not only with vaginal births, but also with cesarean deliveries. When my son was born, they swaddled him and took him away – I didn’t hold him until I was in the recovery room. I wish I’d known about skin-to-skin and what hospitals are doing now to help parents and babies make the most of the golden hour. Even if you’re planning on a vaginal birth – and especially if you’re having a scheduled cesarean – ask your provider about whether they can accommodate a gentle cesarean, an important part of which is immediate skin-to-skin contact.

For newborns, especially those born preterm or requiring care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), skin-to-skin contact is particularly beneficial. It improves premature baby’s physiological stability and strengthens parent-infant attachment. For parents, the act of holding their fragile newborn against their skin in the NICU provides a sense of normalcy and connection in an otherwise clinical and often stressful environment.

Physical Touch after Skin-to-Skin

As your baby grows, the significance of physical touch evolves but remains important. Touch is a primary language of compassion and care for infants, playing a vital role in their overall development. Gentle, nurturing touch contributes to infants’ cognitive and emotional development, laying a foundation for future learning and relational skills.

In toddlerhood, skin-to-skin contact may evolve to more varied forms of physical interaction, like cuddling, hugging, or holding hands. These actions continue to reinforce a sense of security and love, which are key for a child’s emotional development. For non-birthing parents, engaging in regular affectionate touch is essential for building a strong emotional bond, affirming their vital role in the child’s life.

Even now, with my children in elementary and middle school, hugs are our silent love language. I can feel their body relax in my arms, hear their breathing slow down, and sense a sigh of relief when they feel fully safe and loved. And this follows us throughout our life. I remember when my mother was sick and having difficulty breathing. There wasn’t much I could do to help her, but when it was at its worst, she would ask me to sit by her and put my hand on her back – that’s it. That light pressure was enough to make her feel safe and loved, and I would also feel the same physical relaxation and slowing of breath that I do with my kids.

Bonding for All Parents

Skin-to-skin is as beneficial for non-birthing parents and caregivers as it is for biological mothers. It’s about fostering an irreplaceable bond from the earliest moments. Fathers and non-birthing parents, adoptive parents, and other caregivers stepping into the nurturing role can use this contact as a bridge to form deep connections with baby. More than just an emotional link, this contact helps regulate baby’s body temperature and heartbeat, which are crucial for their development and well-being.

You can think of skin-to-skin as laying the foundation for a different kind of birth — the birth of a relationship. It’s a way to communicate love and security through touch, bypassing the need for words or shared genetics. This tactile interaction isn’t just soothing — it’s a dynamic form of communication and connection, signaling safety and care to the child, and reinforcing the parent’s role as a protector and provider of comfort.

The Lasting Impact of Early Touch

Benefits of early skin-to-skin contact reach well beyond infancy. Children nurtured with consistent, loving touch often grow into emotionally resilient, confident, and calm individuals who possess better stress management skills later in life. Research links a secure attachment in early childhood with improved emotional regulation and social competence in later life. The tradition of skin-to-skin also lays the groundwork for relationships filled with empathy and understanding. It nurtures a world where emotional openness and closeness are treasured, fostering healthy relationships as your child grows.