Affective Touch in Preterm Infant Development: Neurobiological Mechanisms and Implications for Child–Caregiver Attachment and Neonatal Care

Affective touch is a key component of early development, particularly in preterm infants admitted to the NICU. Integrating tactile interventions such as SSC and KC into neonatal care practices may significantly improve long-term developmental outcomes. Future research should explore the epigenetic mechanisms underlying affective touch and further refine tactile interventions to optimize neonatal care.