Can cuddling save tiny babies? trial tests early kangaroo care
NCT ID NCT03555981
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether starting continuous skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo mother care) within 24 hours of birth helps unstable preterm babies under 2000g survive. It compared this to standard incubator care. The trial took place in The Gambia and enrolled 279 babies, but was stopped early.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Kangaroo Mother Care (continuous skin-to-skin contact)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that early skin-to-skin contact improves survival in unstable preterm babies in low-resource settings.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated, so results are limited. It was a small study in one country, so findings may not apply elsewhere.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM
Fajara, West Coast, The Gambia
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