Parents of Premature Infants Value Early Skin‐to‐Skin Care: A 10‐Year Survey in France

Aim Skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) is a key aspect of infant‐ and family‐centred developmental care and should be initiated as early as possible after birth. This study aimed to assess the effects of early SSC, within the first 3 days of life, compared to late SSC, from Day 4 onwards, in very preterm infants. It also explored parents' experiences of SSC. Method Data were collected over 10 years, from 2014 to 2024, via an online parental survey created by parent associations and the French National Neonatal Society. We analysed only responses from parents of infants born before 32 weeks' gestation. Results A total of 2212 responses were analysed. Findings revealed that 98% of parents who began SSC early believed it occurred at the right time, while 30% of those who started later felt it was too late. Parents who practised early SSC were more likely to report comfortable SSC during the hospital stay, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.64 (95% confidence interval: 1.14–2.37). Key factors contributing to a positive SSC experience included support from nursing staff, a secure setting, privacy and a comfortable chair. Conclusion Early SSC was highly valued by parents of very preterm infants.