Evidence from UK and international neonatal care shows that greater parental involvement including skin-to-skin care and Family Integrated Care (FICare) is associated with improved outcomes for babies and families. These include improved physiological stability and neurodevelopment, increased weight gain, higher breastfeeding rates, and reduced length of stay. It is also linked to improved parent wellbeing, with lower stress and anxiety levels.

Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) (2025) Neonatology national report. NHS England. Available at: https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Neonatology-national-report-09-12i-FINAL.pdf