Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is a cornerstone of neurodevelopment and family-oriented care for preterm infants. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of skin-to-skin contact in preterm babies depending on regularity, duration, and the period of the first contact.

This retrospective study involved 26 premature infants with gestational age 24/0–28/6 weeks who were treated in the neonatal intensive care unit and neonatal department. All infants had SSC with their parents.

According to the first SSC, newborns were divided into two groups: group 1 (SSC began in the 1st week of life) and group 2 (SSC began after the 1st week of life). Group A (SSC was performed regularly, i.e., everyday) and group B (SSC was irregular, i.r., once every 2 or 3 days) were based on the regularity of SSC. Depending on the duration of SSC, group І (SSC was more than 3h per day) and group II (SSC was less than 3h per day) were formed. Early SSC correlated with lower incidence of secondary infections (OR=6.75; 95% CI 1.06–42.84; P=0.051), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR=10.67; 95% CI 1.70–66.72; P<0.015), and cholestasis (P=0.022). Regular SSC correlated with lower incidence of secondary infections (OR=15.0; 95% CI 1.50–149.70; P=0.014). Duration of SSC was correlated with lower rates of secondary infections (OR=7.00; 95% CI 1.20–40.83; P=0.043) and better rates of breastfeeding (OR=7.00; 95% CI 1.20–40.83; P=0.043).

Early, regular, and prolonged SSC has a positive impact on premature infants’ health. In particular, early SSC is associated with a reduced risk of BPD development, cholestasis, and nosocomial infection. Prolonged daily skin-to-skin contact is associated with a lower incidence of nosocomial infection and promotes breastfeeding.