Textile and Apparel Science

NICU Nurses' Perceptions of Skin-To-Skin Garment Design

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Abstract

Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) care, initially known as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), has been widely adopted since the 1970s for its benefits in promoting infant bonding and enhancing physiological and behavioral outcomes. This practice has proven beneficial for both infants and mothers, supporting infant development, improving cardio-respiratory stability, and reducing neonatal stress, while also aiding maternal recovery and lactation. Despite its wide endorsement, barriers to its implementation in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) still persist, including concerns about infant safety, limited space, and insufficient training for healthcare providers. This study investigates neonatal nurses’ perceptions of a NICU-specific SSC garment designed to facilitate safe and effective infant care during SSC, especially for mothers who are pumping breast milk. A convenience sample of 37 NICU nurses was surveyed regarding their experiences and preferences concerning SSC garment features. This collaborative design demonstrates how parametric design enables designers to efficiently create intricate and dynamic modular designs. 

Keywords: skin-to-skin, kangaroo care, NICU nurses, infants

How to Cite:

Michaelson, D. M., Rolling, V. & Barsha, U. H., (2025) “NICU Nurses' Perceptions of Skin-To-Skin Garment Design”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18731