Kangaroo care gets a major endorsement. Here's what it looks like in Ivory Coast

New father Yappe Pako gets help with his kangaroo care carrier from midwife Marie-Josée Miezan. His newborn son is named Ambo Crisostome. They're in the kangaroo care ward at the University Hospital Medical Center at Treichville in the Ivory Coast. A new program teaches the technique to moms — and dads. It's especially beneficial for preterm and low birthweight babies. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds for NPR)

Kangaroo care received a ringing endorsement in a study published in the British Medical Journal this week.

It's the latest affirmation of skin-to-skin care for small and preterm babies to reduce the risk of infection and mortality.