Skin-to-skin care for infants less than 28 weeks should begin at approximately:

• A. 1 week of life
• B. 2 weeks of life
• C. 1 month of life
• D. 2 months of life

Answer: (A)

Skin-to-skin care in very preterm infants is started once the baby is stabilized, not immediately after birth. For infants born before 28 weeks, this typically occurs around one week of life, when cardiorespiratory status is stable and there is no ongoing medical instability that would risk the infant during handling. Beginning kangaroo care at this time supports thermoregulation, stabilizes oxygen saturation and breathing patterns, reduces stress responses, and fosters parent-infant bonding and breastfeeding success. Delaying beyond this period diminishes these benefits, while starting while still unstable would pose safety risks.