This attractive, useful, and unique site was started by Krisanne Larimer, whose first child, Kaia, was born at born at 24 weeks gestation (1 lb. 12 oz.). She and her husband were allowed to "kangaroo" their daughter with skin-to-skin contact every day from birth, even on oscillating and traditional ventilators. When Krisanne later learned that most hospitals don't allow Kangaroo Care at any age, and that there was no Internet site exclusively on this topic, she started her own.

The site includes a well-written history and "how-to" description of Kangaroo Care, links to extensive bibliographies and abstracts on Kangaroo studies, and links to related sites. There is also an e-mail address and phone number for Theresa Kledzik, an Infant Developmental Nurse Specialist, for questions about Kangaroo Care. "Tips From Parents Around The World" is an especially interesting and helpful page, to which readers can contribute. Four pages of touching photos and quotes from parents who have used Kangaroo Care are the highlight of this lovely site.

Free copies of Krisanne's book, Kangarooing Our Little Miracles, can be ordered through an e-mail link on the main page.

Krisanne also maintains a site on Developmental Care, used in hospitals to reduce the stress of the intensive care experience on premature babies. Kangaroo Care is one of the approaches used in Developmental Care.

This unique web site provides essential information for hospital personnel, parents of premature babies, and in fact, for all parents. As Krisanne writes in her article "Kangarooing My Little Miracle", her ultimate goal is "to see all mothers and fathers in the world given the opportunity to Kangaroo their tiny miracles - no limitations, no 3 pound rule, no waiting until they are off breathing machines - every baby! We need to allow parents to be parents in the NICU... We should let the parents diaper, feed and hold their babies. Teach the parents how to be parents and let the babies feel loved and wanted."

Regardless of the baby's physical condition or timing of birth, the first minutes and hours of a baby's life are critical, and early skin-to-skin contact contributes significantly to the ability to love and trust others throughout one's life. Yet many hospitals don't allow parents of premature infants to hold them, and healthy full-term babies are thought not to need this care. Krisanne's site should go far to remedy this unfortunate situation. With her dedication, premature infants may one day teach us the importance of close physical contact and comfort for all of our babies.