OBJECTIVES: to summarize evidence on the quantitative parameters of skin-to-skin contact during hospitalization in newborns ≤32 weeks of gestational age that are associated with infant interactive skills.
METHODS: a systematic review was conducted, consulting databases in August 2024: BVS, Pubmed, CINAHL, Scopus, APA PsycNET, and Web of Science. Eligible studies were those focusing on mother-preterm infant interaction, evaluated by behavioral observation, that performed skin-to-skin contact during hospitalization, and analyzed infant interactive skills. Studies with indirect evaluation or those including children born above 32 weeks of gestational age were excluded. Data extraction and evaluation of methodological quality were performed independently by three reviewers using the QUIPS Tool and Quality Assessment Tool scales.
RESULTS: eight studies were included. The minimum time for the initiation of skin-to-skin contact was found to be 15 minutes of life for stable preterm infants. The duration varied from 1 to 2 hours/day, for approximately 15 days. Skin-to-skin contact was associated with improving contact initiative, responsiveness, reciprocity, gaze, vocalization, positive affect, and the infant's negative mood.
CONCLUSION: skin-to-skin contact needs to be included in the routines of neonatal units, as a tool to promote initial interaction between mother and infant.

Palavras-chave: Mother-infant relations, Mother-child interaction, Skin-to-skin contact, Kangaroo care, Preterm infant, Systematic review