What method is recommended for maintaining temperature stability in healthy term infants?

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is highly effective for maintaining temperature stability in healthy term infants. This method involves placing the infant directly on the caregiver's bare chest, promoting warmth through direct skin contact. The caregiver's body temperature can effectively regulate the infant's body temperature, which is crucial for newborns who may have difficulty maintaining their own temperature due to their limited body fat and smaller size.

In addition to temperature regulation, skin-to-skin contact enhances bonding between the infant and the caregiver, supports breastfeeding, and can help stabilize the infant's heart rate and respiratory patterns. This method is particularly beneficial in the immediate moments after birth, as it encourages thermal stability without the need for additional devices or interventions.

While other methods for maintaining temperature do exist, skin-to-skin contact is a natural approach that leverages the caregiver's body heat, making it especially suitable for healthy term infants.