Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of kangaroo care in preterm and low birth weight children: scoping review.

Abstract

Background: Brain development during the prenatal period and early infancy is critical and highly sensitive to sensory experiences, which can be disrupted by preterm birth. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) emerged as a humanised alternative to conventional neonatal care, promoting thermal regulation, breastfeeding, and mother-infant bonding. While its short-term benefits are well documented, evidence on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes remains limited. In this review, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were defined as those assessed after six months of corrected age. This study aims to synthesise and critically appraise the existing evidence on the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of KMC in preterm and/or low birth weight (PT/LBW) infants.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Virtual Health Library, and SciELO databases. Articles published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish between January 2014 and March 2025 were included, based on predefined eligibility and methodological quality criteria.

Results: The search identified 2,380 articles, of which 12 were selected. The analysis grouped the articles into six categories of neurodevelopmental outcomes: cognitive, motor, socioemotional, and language development, as well as brain volume and brain activity. These outcomes were heterogeneously affected by KMC exposure. All evaluated domains demonstrated long-term benefits associated with KMC, with positive impacts observed in both behavioural outcomes and brain structure and function.

Conclusion: These findings highlighted the need to consider moderating and contextual factors involved in infant neurodevelopmental outcomes. In line with recent scientific literature, this review suggests that KMC is a promising intervention for improving long-term developmental outcomes in preterm and/or low birth weight infants.