Skin To Skin Contact & Formula Feeding

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Skin To Skin Contact & Formula Feeding

Skin to skin contact between you and your baby is beneficial to you both at any time. It is particularly important immediately following birth, no matter whether you intend to breastfeed or formula feed.

Skin to skin contact important

 Skin to skin contact important: Video transcript

 

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Skin to skin contact between you and your baby is beneficial to you both at any time. It is particularly important immediately following birth, no matter whether you intend to breastfeed or formula feed.

Holding your baby against your skin (tummy to tummy) straight after birth will steady their breathing and help to keep them warm. It is also a great way to calm your baby and let you both get to know each other. The more time you spend in skin to skin contact the quicker this will happen.

Check KidsHealth's formula feeding section

Check KidsHealth's infant nutrition section

This page last reviewed 21 November 2022.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 any time of the day or night for free health advice when you need it