Kangaroo-A-Thon is a heartwarming two-week event held in the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt neonatal intensive care unit during the first half of May. This special time culminates on May 15, internationally recognized as Kangaroo Care Awareness Day.
“Kangaroo Care” is more than just a practice — it’s a powerful connection between parent and child that creates lasting benefits for both. When parents hold their baby skin-to-skin, something magical happens:
- Baby’s vital signs stabilize — heart rate, breathing and temperature.
- Brain development improves.
- Baby’s stress levels decrease.
- NICU stays often become shorter.
For parents, this precious time increases milk supply for nursing mothers and builds confidence in caring for their little ones.
During Kangaroo-A-Thon, the NICU’s lactation team and staff volunteers:
- Visit families to educate and encourage Kangaroo Care
- Capture “Picture Perfect Pair” polaroid moments as keepsakes
- Spread joy (and snacks!) throughout the NICU
- Create friendly competition to see who gets the most “snuggle time,” and
- Enthusiastic volunteers in kangaroo suits hop around the unit!
